How it Works
National Student Exchange
A rich history.
The National Student Exchange was founded in 1968, with the University of Alabama, University of Montana, and Illinois State University serving as charter members. It was a time when our nation and students on college campuses were searching to understand identity, history, and how differences fit into the idea of American culture. What began with those three institutions exchanging seven students has grown into a premier network of colleges and universities exchanging 1,800 students annually throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. More than 123,000 students have taken advantage of collegiate study away from their home campus through the National Student Exchange since its inception.
Purdue Fort Wayne has been a member of National Student Exchange since 1975 and has sent over 700 students on National Student Exchange programs since we joined. In addition, more than 200 students from National Student Exchange member institutions have chosen to attend Purdue Fort Wayne. The program offers students a unique opportunity to expand their undergraduate studies to include geographic and disciplinary diversity across the United States, US territories, and Canada.
Payment Options
Home pay.
With this option, you will pay Purdue Fort Wayne tuition to the Office of the Bursar, the same as if studying on campus in Fort Wayne. Applicants on the home-pay option do not pay host university tuition. Applicants will pay accommodation and any required meal plan costs directly to the host university.
1975
Purdue Fort Wayne Joined National Student Exchange
700+
Purdue Fort Wayne Exchange Participants
Payment Options
Host pay.
With this option, you will not pay Purdue Fort Wayne tuition. All payments for tuition to the Purdue Fort Wayne Office of the Bursar, same as if studying on campus in Fort Wayne. Applicants on the home pay option does not pay host university tuition.
Applicants on the home pay option will pay accommodation and any required meal plan costs directly to the host university.
1975
Purdue Fort Wayne Joined National Student Exchange
700+
Purdue Fort Wayne Exchange Participants
Placement
How to get your top picks.
Hoping to study at a particular campus? Discover what you need to know about placement here.
National Student Exchange campuses accept students throughout the academic year. Many applications for exchange in an upcoming academic year are negotiated each March in our priority placement process. Each campus National Student Exchange coordinator determines eligibility for outgoing student applicants to be placed at this event and will accept applications from December 1 through February 15.
During priority placement, you can be accepted for exchange by only one campus. If your first-choice campus is not available, your placement request will then be considered by your alternate-choice campuses until a placement is confirmed. Once a campus has accepted you for exchange, no further consideration will be given by other campus choices.
You must select a first-choice campus. Visit Chance of Placement—1st Choice Campus to understand your placement availability at your first-choice campus (also listed on the campus profile). You are encouraged to have one to three campus options. Visit Chance of Placement-Alternate to understand chance of placement at alternate campus choices.
Direct placement applications are accepted from March 15 to November 30. Placements for fall can be arranged until midsummer; placements for the spring semester can be made in October. Direct placements are simple and are a great way to pursue your National Student Exchange options.
Direct placements are made according to exchange-space availability. You may monitor the campuses that will accept direct placements throughout the year. Make certain that the campus you select meets your academic, financial, and personal needs prior to application.
In the week following a priority or direct placement, the Purdue Fort Wayne director of study abroad will inform you of the placement decision. You accept your placement by completing and signing the Placement Acceptance Form (PAF), which identifies the host campus, exchange duration, and tuition plan for your exchange. The form also identifies the conditions of placement. Failure to sign and return the PAF by the stated deadline will result in cancellation of your placement.
National Student Exchange campuses accept students throughout the academic year. Many applications for exchange in an upcoming academic year are negotiated each March in our priority placement process. Each campus National Student Exchange coordinator determines eligibility for outgoing student applicants to be placed at this event and will accept applications from December 1 through February 15.
During priority placement, you can be accepted for exchange by only one campus. If your first-choice campus is not available, your placement request will then be considered by your alternate-choice campuses until a placement is confirmed. Once a campus has accepted you for exchange, no further consideration will be given by other campus choices.
Direct placement applications are accepted from March 15 to November 30. Placements for fall can be arranged until midsummer; placements for the spring semester can be made in October. Direct placements are simple and are a great way to pursue your National Student Exchange options.
Direct placements are made according to exchange-space availability. You may monitor the campuses that will accept direct placements throughout the year. Make certain that the campus you select meets your academic, financial, and personal needs prior to application.
You must select a first-choice campus. Visit Chance of Placement—1st Choice Campus to understand your placement availability at your first-choice campus (also listed on the campus profile). You are encouraged to have one to three campus options. Visit Chance of Placement-Alternate to understand chance of placement at alternate campus choices.
In the week following a priority or direct placement, the Purdue Fort Wayne director of study abroad will inform you of the placement decision. You accept your placement by completing and signing the Placement Acceptance Form (PAF), which identifies the host campus, exchange duration, and tuition plan for your exchange. The form also identifies the conditions of placement. Failure to sign and return the PAF by the stated deadline will result in cancellation of your placement.
Application
How do I apply?
First, you must meet with John Jensen, director of study abroad and coordinator of NSE. Contact him at [email protected] or 260-481-0322. Once you’ve met with the director, you can begin the application process.
Both Purdue Fort Wayne and the National Student Exchange require separate applications for participation in a National Student Exchange program, and both applications must be completed before your application can be approved. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements and submitting an application do not guarantee your selection or placement.
The National Student Exchange will assess a fee when you submit your application for exchange participation. This is an application fee and it is not refundable. Your coordinator will not submit a request for placement until the fee has been paid. No refund will be given whether or not you are placed, accept or decline your placement, or withdraw or become ineligible. If you reapply for National Student Exchange participation, you may incur an additional application fee.
Contact Us
Have questions?
Contact Purdue Fort Wayne’s National Student Exchange program at [email protected], or find us in the Liberal Arts Building, Room 264.