National Student Exchange (NSE) General Information Session Learn how to research and choose the right program for you!

What and Where is NSE? NSE is a unique domestic exchange program that provides undergraduate students the opportunity to explore different educational horizons Nearly 200 participating schools in the: –Continental U.S –Hawaii –Alaska –Canada –Guam –Puerto Rico –The U.S. Virgin Islands Hawaii

Why NSE? Experience life from a different point of view Broaden your personal and educational perspectives Live in a different geographic region Take courses not offered at URI Explore and appreciate new cultures Investigate future graduate school options Look for future employment opportunities Make new friends Acquire life skills Break out of your comfort zone Colorado

NSE Options Study at a campus different than your own Access honors courses Exchange as a resident assistant Washington

Exploring Participation Resources: 1)Eligibility 2)Length of Exchange 3)Money Matters 4)Financial Aid 5)Application California

1. Eligibility At the time of application, URI students must: Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 Be enrolled full-time at URI Be in good academic, social, and financial standing Have no incomplete grades When applicable - meet any additional GPA requirements or academic requirements of the host campus

2. Length of Exchange Students may participate for a single term/semester, an academic year, or calendar year. The total exchange period must not exceed the equivalent of one full academic year. Note: Some schools have additional restrictions with regards to length/terms of exchange.

3. Money Matters There are two NSE payment plans: PLAN A – Students pay the host institution’s in-state tuition and fees directly to that campus. PLAN B – Students pay URI in-state tuition and fees (regardless of current resident standing) to URI. Placements are assigned to students URI Policy for Payment Plans –students must willing to participate on Plan B –if plan B is not available, then students will be placed on Plan A Arizona

3. Money Matters Room and Meals for on-campus housing are always paid to the host campus. NOTE: some NSE member institutions do not offer on-campus housing so other accommodations will need to be arranged. Course-related fees (i.e., laboratory, technology, art supplies, orientation programs, internships, student teaching, etc.) are paid to the host campus. Transportation and incidental expenses are the participant’s responsibility.

3. Money Matters 1. The URI Off-Campus Study Registration Fee (OCS 999) –Covers expenses related to maintaining student's matriculation status at URI (uninterrupted access to all the services and facilities that URI provides its students). –Covers expenses related to the transfer of credit back to URI. 2. The OIE Administrative Fee –Covers the OIE expenses related to operating off-campus programs –Covers expenses associated with state mandated Risk Management Policies. –Funds maintenance of contracts and activities linked to off-campus programs. 3. NSE Application & Placement Fee –Forwarded to the NSE Central Office. –Covers the administrative expenses related to operating the NSE exchanges. –For More information about the fees involved in participating on NSE: _policy.htmlhttp:// _policy.html **All fees are subject to change URI/NSE Fees Related to Off-Campus Study

4. Financial Aid PLAN A PLAN B Use FAFSA codes for your host campus and URI. Federal aid will be awarded and disbursed by the host campus. URI tuition waivers, institutional scholarships and grants (i.e. Centennial scholarships, University Grants, Talent Development grants) cannot be applied. Use FAFSA code only for URI. Federal aid will be disbursed by URI. URI institutional scholarships and grants (i.e. Centennial scholarships, University Grants, Talent Development grants) can be applied. NOTE: Aid awards may differ in amount, sources and timing for distribution from aid you currently receive.

There is a $500 URI/NSE Scholarship available to one student participating on the NSE program each academic year. All students who submit a completed application by the scholarship deadline are automatically entered in a random drawing. Canada $500 Scholarship Available

5. Application Prior to application, it is important to do your research: Read the NSE Student Guide- esp. the pages on “How it Works”. The Guide is available at the International Center (37 Lower College Rd.) or online at Review the “Students” page of the NSE web site Select and prioritize exchange sites. Choose between 2 to 4 potential exchange locations to discuss with your advisor at your first appointment.

5. Application Once you have completed your research and prioritized your sites: Call or to make an appointment with the URI NSE coordinator to discuss your plans During the application process, expect to submit the following to the URI/NSE office: –The URI/NSE application –Official transcripts for all college-level work –A letter of recommendation –A brief essay/statement of purpose –Participant waiver forms –The NSE placement and application fee The application deadline is in February of the year prior to the exchange. –Visit for the exact date. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis. It’s never too late to inquire!

IMPORTANT Meet with your Academic Advisor It is very important that you discuss your plans with your Academic Advisor so that you know how spending time on the NSE program could affect progress towards completing your URI degree. Be sure to include your advisor in the planning process. With careful planning, it is possible to participate on this program and “graduate on time”.

After You Submit the Application The URI/NSE Office reviews all applications and confirms each applicant’s eligibility. Applications are considered for placement by their prospective host institution representatives at the NSE National Placement Conference that takes place annually in early March. Placed students will be notified of their placement at a mandatory URI Post-Placement Meeting held on the URI Kingston campus in mid-March where they will have the opportunity to accept or decline participation on the exchange. Signed confirmation documents are sent to the host institution and the participating student can expect to begin receiving comprehensive instructions and other pertinent information directly from their host institution shortly thereafter.

Participants will have to secure course approval for the classes they intend to take while on exchange and pay the URI Off-campus Study Fee to confirm their participation in the program. Directions will be provided during the URI Post-Placement Meeting. Read, complete, and return enrollment materials to your host campus NSE coordinator in a timely manner. Important – you must maintain all NSE eligibility requirements at the completion of the term prior to participation or your exchange will be cancelled. After You Submit the Application

IMPORTANT Grades and Transfer Credit To receive transfer credit earned while participating on the NSE Program, students must obtain prior approval for all courses to be taken while on exchange from her/his Dean prior to participation. Transfer credit may be given in those courses in which the student received a grade equivalent to a "C" (2.00/4.00) or better. No transfer credit shall be given for courses in which a "C-" or lower was earned. Grades earned while on NSE exchange do not appear on the URI transcript and are not calculated into the student's G.P.A. at URI.

While on Exchange Meet with your host campus NSE coordinator. Attend the host campus orientation program. Maintain all eligibility requirements. Adhere to home and host university rules and regulations. Pay all bills in a timely manner. Enjoy your exchange! Alaska

After your Exchange Request that a transcript from your host institution be sent to the International Center. –37 Lower College Rd Kingston, RI Volunteer to assist the URI National Student Exchange office in promoting the NSE program. Massachusetts

Resources NSE Coordinator – International Center, 37 Lower College Road Student Handbook Campus profiles, catalogs and majors search – “Students” Consult with your academic advisor Talk to a financial aid officer Visit with former NSE students Florida

Next Steps Submit the On-line form from the link below and make an appointment when ready – Schedule an appointment with the NSE Coordinator –Call or –Stop by the International Center