The National Student Exchange (NSE) provides opportunities for you to study for a semester or a year at another NSE college or university in the United States, its territories, and Canada. Each year more than 3,000 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 may not be available on their home campuses. With nearly 200 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. Please check the National Student Exchange website for the list of host institutions.
Students participate in order to:
- Broaden personal and educational perspectives
- Explore and appreciate new cultures and live in a different geographic area
- Take courses not offered at the home campus
- Learn from different professors
- Explore new areas of study or investigate graduate or professional schools
- Experience personal growth and break out of their comfort zones
- Look for future employment opportunities
- Become more independent and resourceful
Eligibility
Exchange participation is a privilege, not a right. Listed below are the minimum requirements for NSE participation.
- Full-time enrollment at the home campus prior to exchange
- Cumulative 2.5 GPA (4.0 scale) or better
- Good standing (academic, personal, and financial)
There may be additional requirements and/or restrictions on exchange participation imposed by your home and/or host campus. You can learn of these from your campus NSE coordinator and from the NSE Directory.
Length of Exchange
You 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.
When to Study Away
The best time for National Student Exchange is during your sophomore or junior year at UW-Stout. Most participating students go for an entire academic year, although it is possible to go for a semester as well. The sophomore year often works best for students studying general education courses. The junior year is usually best for students studying at a location with a program in their major field. Seniors can also participate, but may only be able to attend fall semester.
Planning Ahead is Important
In order to use courses on National Student Exchange to meet specific degree requirements, you'll need to plan ahead. The first semester of your freshman year is the best time to begin planning for National Student Exchange. Courses offered can be used to meet general education or program requirements.