NSE Program Eligibility
The National Student Exchange program requires that students have an overall GPA of a 2.5 on a 4.0-point scale for admission. A few NSE institutions maintain a higher GPA requirement.The selection of incoming and outgoing students for the NSE program is the responsibility of the Office of International Education & National Student Exchange in consultation with faculty, deans and department chairs (when relevant). In all cases, the ultimate decision for acceptance is determined the host institution. Selection is based on the following criteria:
- Cumulative G.P.A. of a 2.5 (some programs have higher requirements)
- Students must have completed 30 or more college level credits at the time of the exchange
- Enrollment at URI during the time of application
- Recommendation of advisor, dean, and/or faculty
- Interview with an OIE/NSE advisor
- Written statement of plans and goals for the period of the exchange
- Language proficiency when applicable
Transfer of NSE Credit
NSE credit that has been pre-approved by URI's academic departments transfers back to URI as transfer credit. Transfer credit may be given in those courses in which the student received a grade of "C" (2.00) or better, but no credit shall be given for courses in which a "C-" or lower was earned.Grades earned while participating on the NSE program are not calculated into your URI G.P.A.
Selecting a NSE Institution
With nearly 200 NSE colleges and universities to choose from, the major problem will be deciding which schools fit your needs and interests. URI students should always meet with an advisor in the Office of International Education & National Student Exchange to make sure that:- They are selecting a NSE institution that is best suited for them (personally, academically, in-line with future goals, etc.)
- They are familiar with URI exchange policies.
- They are aware of their responsibilities related to off-campus study.
- Talk to your academic advisor or faculty in your field of study to determine what institution has a program that will complement your plan of study.
- Read the NSE Directory (available in the OIE/NSE office), which contains information on the campuses and their locations. It provides details on restrictions, special options, lists of available majors, and costs for tuition/fees and room/meals.
- Go to an OIE/NSE Sponsored Event, such as the Study Abroad Fair, slide shows, General Information Sessions, and more. At these events, students can gather more information about the NSE program. Visit the OIE or the "OIE Calendar of Events" to learn when these programs are offered.
NSE Application Process
Students that meet the eligibility of a NSE program will need to meet with an advisor in the Office of International Education & National Student Exchange to receive an application. Before applying, students should also meet with their academic advisor to determine how participating in NSE would affect their academic plan of study at URI.NSE applications require the following:
- Program Application Forms/Information Sheets
- Personal Essay
- Student Agreement and Release
- Assistant Dean's Acknowledgement Form
- Financial Information Form
- Faculty/Academic Advisor References
- Official Transcripts from all universities/colleges attended
- NSE Application fee
It is feasible to place a student at a NSE institution after the March 1 deadline (annual application deadline dates vary), but the number of schools accepting students will be very limited. Students interested in this option should meet with an Advisor in the OIE/NSE office.
NSE Placement Meeting
After the February 25th application deadline, the Office of International Education & National Student Exchange at URI sends a representative to the annual NSE conference. At the conference, the URI representative attempts to place student applicants at the institution of their choice. Placement probabilities are governed by the number of openings at an institution and the number of students seeking that locationAfter the NSE annual conference, the OIE/NSE coordinates a NSE Placement Meeting at URI. At this meeting, all applicants are informed what institution has accepted them for an exchange. At this time, applicants are required to sign an agreement informing the OIE/NSE office whether they plan to accept or decline their placement.
The OIE/NSE notifies applicants of this mandatory meeting. The date and time of the URI NSE Placement Meeting is also made available on the OIE Calendar of Events.
NSE Pre-departure Paperwork
After students are placed on the NSE program their primary contact will be the NSE Coordinator at the host institution. This individual will assist with issues related to course registration, housing and meals, orientation related to your exchange at their institution. However, pre-departure paperwork needs to be completed at URI before you leave:Prior-Approval Form For Off-Campus Study
The Prior Approval Form assures the student that they will receive appropriate transfer credit upon successful completion of an approved exchange program. Approval of a student's study plan requires the signatures of appropriate academic department chairs and her/his dean. Students participating on the NSE program must visit their dean's office to obtain this form. This form must then be completed and on file in their dean's office before they depart for their exchange.
Off-Campus Study Registration Form
The Off Campus Registration (OCS999) Fee is used to register students while on exchange. This non-refundable fee allows credits earned away to be evaluated and posted to the URI transcript. Payment is made to Enrollment Services.
Students expecting to use financial aid to cover their expenses must confirm with the appropriate offices that all financial aid materials are in order before leaving URI.
Financial aid for Plan A students is disbursed by the host institution; on the other hand, financial aid for Plan B students is disbursed by the Enrollment Services - Financial Aid. Read the section on the "Cost of the NSE program & Financial Aid" for additional information.
