Additional Information

NSE Web Site

List of Schools

Download an Application

Reference Form

Language Proficiency Form

Current Illinois State Students

NSE Requirements

To participate in NSE, students must meet the following requirements:

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at Illinois State (1st-semester freshmen & transfers may apply without established GPAs)
2.5 GPA must be maintained after NSE acceptance and participation
2 semesters at Illinois State must be completed before exchange semester (1st-semester students may still apply)
If you have any questions, please contact the NSE Coordinator.

Cost

Students participating in NSE are required to pay a $100 non-refundable application fee and a $150 administrative fee after being accepted:

Students can pay either Illinois State tuition & fees, or tuition & fees to host schools
Most forms of Financial Aid can be applied to tuition & fees. For special circumstances, contact the NSE Coordinator.
On-campus housing & meals are paid directly to host schools
Resident Assistant exchanges are available
Transportation, parking, and other costs are the sole responsibility of NSE participant

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a host school for my exchange?

Consider your needs as a student first. Look through the NSE directory and ask yourself these questions:

Is my program of study available (a list is in the back of the directory)?
What is the demographic make-up of the school?
Does the school have on-campus residency, or is it commuter-based?
In what geographic region is the school located?
Is on-campus housing or assistance available?
Is my program of study closed or limited?
How long can I stay?

How do I choose a school that has a reputable academic program?

Consult with a faculty member in that area of study. Faculty members are the most familiar with reputable schools in your area of study.

How hard is it to get into a school I choose for placement?

It depends on the school. All participating institutions have various placement rates:

Open: placement is available to all NSE applicants
Even: a school has room for the same number of applicants as they have participants going on exchange
Uneven: schools may take more applicants than they send, but space is limited
1:1: schools take applicants only if a student from that school is exchanging to the same university (Ex. To exchange to Howard University, a student from Howard must exchange to Illinois State)

NSE participants are not ranked by GPA, early applications, etc. The system is lottery-based: your placement can come down to luck of the draw. Ninety-three percent of participating students are placed in one of their top three placement choices. To discuss your placement choices and options, contact the NSE Coordinator.

How do I apply?

First, meet with the NSE Coordinator to discuss the program and your needs as a student. Then following the steps outlined in the application process above. Online applications are available to download. Applications and $150 non-refundable fee are due on or before February 15 for the exchanges during the following academic year.

If I go on exchange, can I still graduate on time?

Yes. The classes you take on exchange will count toward your program of study/degree at Illinois State. Exchanges are particularly successful during sophomore and junior years, but any undergraduate student may participate in NSE and still graduate on time. Discuss any concerns you have with the NSE Coordinator.

How much does NSE cost?

Typically, NSE participants do not pay any more than they would during a semester at Illinois State. Participants are required to pay a $150 non-refundable application fee. For a list of expenses, see the program costs section or contact the NSE Coordinator.

What happens after I apply?

A: NSE participants are placed for their exchanges at a conference in March. The NSE Coordinator will be in touch with you to verify information. After students are placed, the NSE Coordinator will contact you with your placement and provide all the necessary information to make your exchange successful.