10 Steps to National Student Exchange

You’re just 10 steps away from studying away!

Step 1

Familiarize Yourself with Eligibility Guidelines

1. Baccalaureate degree seeking undergraduate (matriculating) student at an NSE member campus.

2. Completion of one term of full-time attendance (12 semester or 12 quarter hours) at NSE member campus prior to application*. (First-Year and Transfer students may be eligible).

3. Completion of one academic year (24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours) at an NSE member campus prior to exchange*. (First-Year and Transfer students may be eligible).

4. Full-time enrollment at your NSE home campus.

5. Minimum home campus cumulative GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale).

6. Good academic standing as defined by your home campus.

7. No incomplete grades from previous terms.

8. No outstanding financial obligations to your home campus.


Step 2

Search Programs

Research programs based on your academic goals. Use filters as a guide for finding programs that are the best fit for you. Consider course offerings, location, housing cost, and semester start dates. When you are considering study away or study abroad with an NSE exchange, you are encouraged to select colleges and universities that will provide learning opportunities to complement those of your home institution and assist you in reaching your educational goals. You are also encouraged to select campuses that will match your personal strengths and allow you to experience the educational, geographic, and cultural diversity found throughout NSE.

**NOTE: When searching for your top 5 schools, you must select at least one “OPEN” school.**


Step 3

Meet Your NSE Advisor

You will need to set up a LoboAchieve appointment with your advisor. The advisor for National Student Exchange is Toni Corso. Simply search for the Global Education Office in LoboAchieve.

Walk-in advising hours for NSE are Thursdays from 1:30 PM-3:00 PM during the Fall and Spring Semester and Wednesday from 1:30 PM-3:00 PM during the Summer at the Global Education

Office (The Global Education Office is on the second floor of Mesa Vista Hall. We are above AASS, AISS, and El Centro).

Students are encouraged to attend NSE 101 informational sessions. Students can register for these group appointments via LoboAchieve.


Step 4

Meet with Your Academic Advisor

Plan early!  Once you have selected a school and review their course availability, you should meet with your academic advisor to make sure the program satisfies your academic requirements and keeps you on track for graduation. Research the courses you would like to take during your exchange before meeting with your academic advisor.  

 

 Credit transfer


Step 5

Explore Your Resources

NSE Information Sessions

Costs

Funding and Scholarships 

Health and Safety (Canada only)

Credit Transfer 

Visas (Canada only)


Step 6

Complete Your GEO Application 

Once you have met with your NSE advisor and have selected your top 5 school choices, you will apply first through the UNM application portal.  

Decisions will be released to students shortly after each deadline.  

Students who submit their applications during the priority placement application window have the best chance of being accepted for their top programs. 

Direct Placement Applications are accepted March 15 to November 30 

Priority Placement Applications are accepted December 1 to March 1 


Step 7

Complete Your NSE.org Application

Once you complete your GEO application, you will then fill out your other NSE application through the NSE portal. Please note that the cost in total is $300. ($150 for UNM application fee, $150 for NSE application fee) 


Step 8

Placement and Coordination with Host School

After submitting your GEO application, you will receive notice if you’ve been accepted. Students who are accepted will then be instructed to apply directly to their host institution. This application may include online or mail-in documents to be completed entirely by the student. Check the program’s website or check in with your NSE advisor for more information. 


Step 9

Get Ready to Go!

 

After you have been accepted to the NSE host school, a new list of requirements will appear in your UNM via account. 

1. Complete the remaining items on your GEO application as soon as you are able.

  • Get in contact with your host campus 
  • Apply for your visa (Canada Only) 
  • Secure housing 
  • Meet with your advisor to answer specific concerns or questions you may have!  
  • For a full list of tasks, please refer to your Post-Decision Application

2.Attend yourMANDATORY Pre-Departure Orientation. 

All Post-Decision tasks should be completed one month before your departure date. 


Step 10

Stay Connected! 

While you are away:  

  • Reach out if you have any questions or concerns. The NSE team is happy to help!
  • Send your advisor updates! Advisors love to hear about your experiences
  • Tag @unm_nse in your Instagram photos

When you return: 

  • Share your story: volunteer at NSE events and encourage your friends to do a NSE program!