National Student Exchange

THE NATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The National Student Exchange (NSE) provides opportunities for you to study for up to one calendar year at another NSE member college or university.  With nearly 190 colleges and universities from which to choose, you should be able to find a campus with just the right combination of courses, facilities, and environment to meet your personal and academic needs and interests.

As you consider possibilities, you will notice that NSE extends beyond the borders of the U.S. to include U.S. territories as wells as Canadian provinces.  Students participate in NSE in order to:

• Broaden perspectives
• Explore new cultures
• Widen boundaries
• Explore new areas of study
• Learn from different professors
• Access new courses
• Break out of their comfort zones
• Experience growth
• Meet new people
• Live in a different area
• Investigate graduate schools
• Seek future employment
• Become more independent

ELIGIBILITY

Each year, more than 3000 students participate in NSE.  They continue to make progress toward home campus degree programs while studying in new places, meeting new people, and enrolling in specialized courses or unique academic options which are available at host institutions.  The application process includes the following minimum eligibility criteria established by NSE:

• Full-time enrollment
• Cumulative 2.5 GPA
• Good standing (academic, personal and financial)

LENGTH OF EXCHANGE

CSULA students may participate in NSE for a single term or a full academic year.  Some campuses can accommodate summer exchange.  The maximum cumulative total for exchange participation may not exceed one calendar year.

COURSES AND GRADES

Your home campus determines the manner in which your host campus courses are distributed and grades are recorded.  Consult with your academic advisor regarding course selection prior to going on exchange and preferably during the time you are exploring possible host campuses.

COST

There are two tuition payment plans utilized by NSE.  Under Plan A, you pay the in-state (resident) tuition/fees to your host campus.  Students who participate on Plan B pay their normal tuition/fees Cal State L.A.  On both tuition payment plans, fees assessed as a condition of enrollment (e.g., fees for laboratory courses, general service, computer, technology, art and photography supplies) are always paid to your host campus.

Room and meals are always paid to your host campus.  You will be responsible for transportation, personal expenses, and sightseeing opportunities while on exchange.

With some exceptions, financial aid for eligible students is applied for, awarded by, and disbursed from the campus at which tuition/fees are paid.

APPLICATION

You must submit the application along with: unofficial transcripts, 3 references, program of study statement, budget, language proficiency report (for study in Canada & Puerto Rico) in addition to the $150 non-refundable application fee. All application materials must be submitted to the NSE coordinator by the Mid February deadline.

PLACEMENT

Placements will be made in early March.  Notifications of placements will be sent out in late March.  Placements are confirmed by the student signing a Placement Acceptance Form.  Upon receipt of the form, the host NSE coordinator will forward admission materials which usually include a housing application, an institutional admissions instructions, and registration information to the student.  All materials must be completed and returned by the stated deadlines. 

At the end of the term preceding exchange, you must have maintained all eligibility requirements applicable at the time of your application. 

INFORMATION SESSIONS:

Wednesdays 3 - 4 PM

Admin 127, International Programs & Services

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2008