Why Participate in NSE? 

Some students aren't ready or able to study abroad, but NSE can be another way to expand their horizons.

9) NSE is extremely affordable.

Most U of M students pay U of M tuition while they are on exchange, and most financial aid applies.

8) NSE allows students to take courses not available at the U of M. 

There are nearly 550 different majors available through NSE! NSE can broaden a student's understanding of a particular subject (agriculture, architecture, forestry, geography, languages, urban studies, wildlife management, etc.) in a different geographical region.

7) NSE allows students to experience different cultures and traditions. 

Nearly 180 schools participate from across the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. There are 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There are 21 predominantly Latino serving institutions (including schools in California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Puerto Rico).

6) NSE allows students to be immersed in another language.

There are 8 NSE schools in Spanish-speaking Puerto Rico and 4 NSE schools in French-speaking Quebec, Canada.

5) NSE allows students to spend time at, make connections, and evaluate prospective graduate or professional schools.

Over 95% of NSE schools have graduate or professional programs including highly-ranked Research 1 programs at University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, Texas A&M, Rutgers University, Stony Brook University, University of Alabama, University of Georgia, Iowa State University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Florida International University, and UMass-Amherst.

4) NSE allows students to pursue internship opportunities outside of Minnesota. Recent NSE students have completed internships during their exchanges in Miami, New Orleans, New York, and Los Angeles.

3) NSE allows students to establish roots in a prospective job market.

2) NSE provides many other unique opportunities.

Experience the political process (specifically the presidential election) in another state. Attend Division 1 sporting events at another school in another conference. Etc.

1) And perhaps most importantly, NSE allows our students to AVOID THE MINNESOTA WINTERS!! 

With all of the unique locations and institutions to choose from, why wouldn't you participate in NSE? NSE is an affordable way to study at another school for a semester, summer or year. Participating NSE students typically receive full credit for the courses they take on an NSE exchange.

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Is NSE Right for You?

There are many benefits to participating in NSE, but you also need to figure out if it's right for you specifically. Below are questions you should ask yourself when you're considering and researching NSE:

• What do I hope to gain from the NSE exchange experience? What are my educational and personal objectives for going on exchange?
• Can my objectives be accomplished at the host campus?
• Do I have a flexible academic plan for exchange? (NOTE: If you are dependent on a specific course or courses for graduation, exchange may not be appropriate. Registration in courses at the host campus can't be guaranteed and is based on availability.)
• Has my academic advisor approved the appropriateness, timing, and location of my NSE exchange?
• Will participating in an NSE exchange delay my graduation? Does the host campus offer access to classes that will allow me to continue and maintain my academic progress?
• How will specialized or unique course offerings at the host campus enhance my academic program and career goals?
• Is the host campus sufficiently different from my home campus to make it an interesting experience?
• Will the time I've allowed for exchange give me enough time to get acquainted with my new academic environment, as well as the region, its people, and its culture? (NOTE: Whenever possible, NSE students are encouraged to go on exchange for a full academic year.)
• Are my financial resources sufficient to cover the cost of tuition and fees; room and meals; as well as transportation, travel, and other personal expenses at the host campus?
• Am I comfortable with the housing options that are available to me? (NOTE: Some NSE campuses have limited or no on-campus housing, so NSE students are sometimes expected to find their own off-campus housing.)
• Do I have any special needs (visible or invisible disabilities, health concerns, etc) that might require special accommodation? If yes, does my host campus/community have the support resources I may require?