Education Abroad
National Student Exchange (NSE)
National Student Exchange (NSE) provides an opportunity to study at one of nearly 200 universities throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Students may study for up to two semesters and all units transfer back to CSUMB. The program provides a variety of benefits to college students looking to add to their resumé and life experiences.
Academic Benefits
- Take classes not available at your school
- Study with new professors and experts in your field
- Broaden your education perspective
- Pursue research, field study, and internship opportunities
- Investigate graduate schools
Personal Benefits
- Experience personal growth and independence
- Live in different geographic and cultural settings
- Gain international and/or intercultural understanding
- Explore the historical and cultural makeup of the U.S. and Canada
Professional Benefits
- Make connections in a new job market
- Develop practical skills for use in your professional development
- Increase collaboration experience
- Prepare yourself to live and work in a culturally diverse society
- Priority deadline for Fall and Spring (following year): February 20th
- Final deadline for Fall: May 1st
- Final deadline for Spring: November 1st
- Please note: We highly encourage students to apply by the priority deadline for a higher chance to get placed at your desired NSE campus. Options will become more limited the longer you wait to apply.
Application Process
Review NSE program options, focusing on their course catalogs and application deadlines.
- Research courses at the host university/program that align with your academic goals, ensuring they fulfill GE, major, minor, or elective requirements.
- Confirm the availability of enough courses to meet at least 12 CSUMB credits per semester.
Select a program (or programs) and collaborate with your CSUMB Academic Advisor to obtain academic approval for chosen courses using the Education Abroad Academic Approval Form
- This form must be signed by your Academic Advisor and the Education Abroad Advisor.
- A copy of the form must also be uploaded to the "Pre-acceptance" section of the Education Abroad Application (see step 5 below).
- Once approved by the appropriate major advisor and/or GE representative, this worksheet will facilitate the transfer of course credit toward your major, minor, and GE requirements.
- NOTE: Remember that studying away may affect your graduation date. It may take anywhere from 2-6 months for CSUMB to receive your official transcript. This may result in the need to delay your graduation to a future term.
- All students are required to attend Education Abroad 101 to participate in CSUMB Education Abroad programs. During these sessions, the Education Abroad Advisor will cover everything you need to know to get started, including program options, academic approval, and more.
- Education Abroad 101 workshops are available both virtually and in person. To view dates and register, join the Education Abroad group in MyRaft.
- Students are required to attend Education Abroad 101 before meeting individually with the Education Abroad Advisor.
Complete the NSE application on the National Student Exchange website. To access, select “Apply Now.”
Upon placement to your NSE program, submit a CSUMB Education Abroad application within one month.
Be aware that the host university may have additional application requirements. Ensure timely completion of any necessary documents.
Upload your flight information and confirm participation in your program.
Summer/Fall orientations are typically held in April.
Winter/Spring orientations are typically held in December.
- Pass your classes.
- If needed, check in with the Education Abroad team.
Have a great time and share your experience on social media! Follow @csumbinternational on Instagram #NSEOtters.