National Student Exchange

NSE is a consortium of nearly 170 accredited baccalaureate-granting colleges and universities in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Member institutions offer exchanges to undergraduate students for up to a full academic year. The program can be thought of as an additional opportunity to traditional study abroad experiences, allowing students to enrich their undergraduate experiences while stepping out of their comfort zones.

Benefits to NSE Participation:

The NSE was established in 1968 and offers many benefits to students looking to expand their horizons and experience new cultural settings. Continue making progress toward your degree program while studying in new places, meeting new people, and enrolling in specialized courses or unique academic options which may not be available on your home campus. Other benefits include:

  • Broaden your personal and educational perspectives
  • Explore new areas of study
  • Learn from different professors
  • Access new courses
  • Break out of your comfort zone
  • Experience personal growth
  • Make new friends
  • Live in a different area
  • Investigate graduate schools
  • Seek future employment
  • Become more independent and resourceful

How It Works:

Rutgers students from New Brunswick units are welcome to apply for fall semester or full academic year exchanges (no spring-only exchanges). Students can participate in the NSE as early as their sophomore year. In order to qualify, students must be in good standing and have a minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA. In order to receive an application, students must come to our office for an in-person meeting with the NSE Coordinator.

  • SAS students should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule an appointment and receive an information packet.
  • Students from units other than SAS (e.g., SEBS, SoE, RBS-NB) must begin by meeting with their academic advisor to review transfer policies, restrictions on how non-New Brunswick credits can be applied to major/minor requirements, and other school-specific policies that may impact an exchange experience, like senior residency. Afterwards, they are welcome to contact Dean Dudzak for more information.

Rutgers participates through “Plan A,” which means students pay in-state tuition at the host school. For a list of “Plan A” sites, please see our list located within Online Resources. Please note, some member institutions are “Plan B Only.” These schools are not open to Rutgers students for exchanges.

Students interested in the NSE will need to plan ahead and meet with all major, minor and school advisors in order to understand how transfer credits can be applied to degree requirements. Applications are due by the end of February for exchanges taking place the following academic year.

Online Resources:

  • Visit the NSE website at nse.org to learn more.

How Can I Learn More?

Are you interested in learning more about the NSE? If so, please contact Dean Lauren Dudzak to schedule an appointment and receive an NSE information packet.

Dean Lauren Dudzak
Ruth Adams Building, Room 103
Douglass Campus
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
848-445-8888 or 848-932-8888

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Bronwyn Harris (SAS '14) exchange to University of Montana, Fall 2013, ready for her class "Microbiology of Yellowstone Hot Springs".

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Amanda Reddington (SAS '15) exchange to University of New Orleans, Fall 2013, shown here with her friends from Germany, Pennsylvania, and Turkey in front of Jackson Square in the French Quarter.

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Zahra Janoowalla (SAS '15) exchange to University of Hawaii, Manoa, Fall 2013, enjoying Waikiki Beach.