The mix in cultural and racial diversity across the United States and Canada presents numerous challenges and opportunities for tomorrow's citizens and leaders. By exchanging to an institution different than your own, you have the opportunity to gain insights into the historical and cultural makeup of different regions of North America and to improve communications skills with individuals from diverse backgrounds. NSE offers an opportunity to make the most of your education and prepare you to live and work in a more culturally-diverse society. To help you identify those campuses which offer diverse multicultural experiences go to Campuses by Ethnicity.

"The National Student Exchange taught me to celebrate the diversity of our country. Through this program, I have gained a new appreciation for the diversity and cultural traditions that could not have been taught from any textbook."

Dawn Gullickson
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
to the University of Memphis

EXCHANGE WITH CANADA

Under its Canadian Partners Program, NSE offers opportunities for exchange with Canadian colleges and universities. For the most part, exchange between U.S. and Canadian universities parallels normal NSE and campus exchange timelines and procedures. However, not all NSE members in the United States participate in Canadian exchanges. See Canadian Partners for participating campuses and Canadian Exchange for polices and procedures governing these exchanges.

HONORS COURSES AND PROGRAMS

Many NSE member institutions allow NSE students to access honors courses while on exchange. For additional information and a list of participating campuses, see Honors Exchange.

INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS

Many NSE colleges and universities have international or study abroad options which can be accessed through the National Student Exchange. These options require advanced planning (6-8 months prior to the actual exchange) and an additional application process. Additional information, considerations and questions to ask are available at International Guidelines. Costs for participation, language requirements, application deadlines, and a contact for more information is available at International Study.

RESIDENT ASSISTANT EXCHANGE

Some NSE colleges and universities facilitate the exchange of resident assistants in their institution’s residence life program. This option requires advanced planning and an additional application process (RA Application) which is due in late November. Individual campus parameters, remuneration, and a contact for more information are available at RA Exchange. Also see RA Questions for guidelines on how the exchange works.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Like access to study abroad and participation as an RA, there are other NSE opportunities which require advanced planning and discussion prior to placement. If you have Special Needs, you may wish to disclose your situation at the time of application so that your campus coordinator can assist you in identifying a campus or campuses which can best meet your needs. Other situations which require advance planning include student teaching and internships.

"NSE has been like a seminar in diversity. I have learned to appreciate the diverse world in which we live and, most importantly, I now treasure the values and perspectives that differ from my own."

Yajaira Barbot
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
to SUNY College at Buffalo