FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About National Student Exchange

1. Who is eligible to participate in NSE?
2. What schools can I attend as an NSE student?
3. When is the deadline for applying to NSE ? February 25, 2009 is the deadline for 2009-2010 placements
4. What's the difference between a Plan A and a Plan B school, and why can't I go to a Plan A school?
5. How much is this going to cost?
6. Can I use my financial aid ?
7. When do I find out if I'm accepted?
8. Can a friend and I apply together to participate in NSE?

Who is eligible to participate in NSE ?

To participate in NSE, UMF students must meet the following criteria:

*This list is a summary; for a complete list of requirements, visit your campus NSE Coordinator in the Office of International and Exchange programs, Franklin Hall Room 201.

• 2.5 GPA (cumulative)
• at least sophomore standing at the time of exchange
• enrolled at UMF, full time, during the semester immediately preceding the exchange (excluding summer)
• no incomplete grades from previous terms
• no outstanding financial obligations to UMF

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What schools can I attend as an NSE student?

Almost 200 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada participate in the NSE program. For a list and more information about individual schools visit the NSE website at : http://www.buffalostate.edu/depts/nse/memcam.asp or pick up the NSE Directory in the Office of International and Exchange programs, Franklin Hall Room 201.

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What's the difference between Plan A and Plan B, and why can't I go to a Plan A school ?

On Plan A, students pay the in-state or resident tuition/fees of and to their host campus. UMF students are not eligible to participate on Plan A. On Plan B, students pay their normal tuition/fees to their home campus. Room and meals are always paid to the host campus. UMF is a Plan B school, which means you can only attend schools that are also Plan B or Plan A/B.

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How much is this going to cost?

On Plan B, students pay their normal tuition/fees to their home campus. Room and meals are always paid to the host campus. To get specific information about room and board costs, consult the NSE website at www.nse.org, the NSE directory or visit the host school's website.

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Can I use my financial aid?

With the exception of Work Study funds, financial aid recipients can expect to use all of their regular aid to study at a participating campus. Students must apply for financial aid at the campus where they pay their tuition, i.e. UMF. Make an appointment to talk with someone in the Merrill Center - Student Accounts as soon as you make your decision to participate in the NSE program.

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When do I find out if I'm accepted?

Of the 4000 students being placed each year, about 3700 are placed at a conference held every year in the second week of March. Each year approximately 97 percent of all students applying will be placed with 84 percent receiving their first choice. Your UMF NSE coordinator will contact you the week after the placement conference to let you know where you have been placed. You will then need to attend the mandatory placement acceptance meeting to confirm your placement. 

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Can a friend and I apply together to participate in NSE?

While this type of arrangement cannot be guaranteed, you can make this request. In the past, students have had some successes with this endeavor. There is a place on the NSE application to indicate that you are requesting a linked placement. You should only choose this option if your individual participation is contingent upon the participation of your friend.

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When is the deadline for applying to NSE?

The deadline to apply for a fall or spring placement for the next academic year is the week before UMF's February vacation. February 10, 2010 is the deadline for 2010-2011 priority placements. Because most placements are made at the annual conference, very limited options may be available after the deadline. If you miss this deadline and are still interested in applying, you will need to make an appointment with the NSE coordinator to discuss available options. Please note you must first pay the $150 fee before we will submit your request electronically for placement consideration. VERY IMPORTANT: Do not contact NSE offices at host schools on your own!