Program Overview

National Student Exchange Program

The National Student Exchange (NSE) program provides opportunities for undergraduates to study for up to one calendar year at another NSE member college or university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and some schools in Canada. With 160 colleges and universities to choose from, students can find a campus with the right combination of courses, facilities, and environment to meet their personal and academic needs and interests.

Eligibility

To participate in the NSE program, students must be full-time students at their home campus at both the time of application and in the term prior to exchange. They are also expected to remain full-time students while on exchange. The program is open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Credit Towards Degree

Students will receive 12 units per semester of transfer credit towards their CSUN degree. They must meet with their academic department to determine course substitutions.

Where to Study

The NSE program offers students the opportunity to study at one of 160 schools in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Canada. Students can select up to five colleges to put on their application form.

Length of Stay

Students may participate in the exchange for a period not to exceed one academic year. The exchange may take place for one semester or one academic year.

NSE Virtual Fair

The NSE Virtual Fair provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the program and the participating colleges and universities. The fair features live sessions, recorded sessions, and the opportunity to schedule an appointment with an NSE Coordinator.

Special Programs

The NSE program offers several special programs, including:

• Field study
• Internships
• Research
• Language immersion in Puerto Rico
• Study at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)
• Study at colleges with a high percentage of Hispanic students

FAQs

• Q: What is the National Student Exchange program? A: The NSE program offers more than 160 different schools within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada.
• Q: Can I study at another school in the U.S. for more than one semester? A: Yes, students can apply for either one semester or a full academic year.
• Q: Is there a minimum GPA requirement? A: Yes, the minimum requirement for the NSE program is a GPA of 2.5.
• Q: Is this a competitive program? A: Generally speaking, no. Some locations may be more competitive than others, so students are encouraged to speak with a CSUN NSE Advisor to determine their best chance of placement.
• Q: How do I apply to the National Student Exchange program? A: Students must attend an information session, schedule an appointment with a CSUN NSE Advisor, and complete the online NSE application.
• Q: Can I go on the NSE program with a friend who is also at CSUN? A: Yes, students can apply as "Linked Students."
• Q: How much will it cost? A: Depending on which school students apply to, they can usually choose whether to pay CSUN fees or the host institution's tuition fees. Transportation, room and board, and personal expenses will be their responsibility.
• Q: Will I still receive financial aid while on exchange? A: If students are eligible, they will continue to receive financial aid either from CSUN or their host school.
• Q: Can I participate in these programs as a graduate student? A: No, the NSE program is specifically for undergraduate students.
• Q: Will the classes I take while on exchange count toward my degree? A: Yes, students will receive transfer credit while on exchange in the NSE program. They must meet with their academic department to determine course substitutions.
• Q: Can I be a part-time student on exchange? A: No, all NSE students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units per semester.