Welcome to Ames!

Iowa State is proud to host exchange students through National Student Exchange. Since the early 2000s, we have hosted nearly 80 students from across the United States, Canada, and the U.S. territories at the university. Our staff is committed to supporting you on your exchange to our campus. 

Find more information below about exchange opportunities while visiting Iowa State!

Questions? Contact your home coordinator or email us at nse@iastate.edu.

What I remember most about my NSE experience in Ames was how everyone was so welcoming and helpful. I also remembered how beautiful the campus was compared to mine back home, as well as all of the other activities and clubs it offers for everyone. I for sure made lifelong friends that I am excited to see again soon.

  • 1800

    acres of sprawling, park-like campus

  • 29,969

    campus enrollment

  • 66,424

    Ames population (2021)

  • $750

    monthly avg/off-campus rent

  • 200

    majors and minors offered

  • 800

    student organizations and clubs

  • 16

    nationally competitive athletics programs (Big 12 Conference)

Campus snapshot

A Carnegie Doctoral/Research University-Extensive, and the nation's first land-grant school, Iowa State offers nationally recognized programs among 112 majors in the sciences and humanities in six undergraduate colleges. Students work alongside faculty on research and utilize the Parks Library (over 2.9 million volumes).The lush, sprawling campus is ranked as one of the country's most beautiful throughout the four seasons and includes the largest U.S. campus public art collection.

The university's extensive computer system offers wireless service throughout campus. Classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Noted for an exceptional extracurricular environment, the campus is home to 800 clubs and organizations, world-class recreation centers, and extensive intramural programs. Iowa State is a Big 12 school, and the Cyclone athletic program is immensely popular with students and the community. Ames is near Des Moines, the state's capitol and a center for insurance, finance, communications and tech startups. 

Payment Plans

  • Host pay
  • Home pay

English Proficiency 

Applicants from Puerto Rico are considered domestic students and do NOT need to complete proficiency testing. 

For the purpose of applying for NSE with Iowa State, English may be considered your native language if you have been raised in an environment where English is the only official language of your locality and nation, and English has been the primary language used in your home. Applicants whose native language is not English must meet an English proficiency requirement. They may do so in one of the following ways:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A score of 71 on the Internet-Based Test (IBT) or 530 on the Paper-Based Test (PBT) is required. Official scores should be reported directly to Iowa State University by the testing agency. Iowa State's reporting code is 6306. (Scanned copies and photocopies are not accepted.)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): An overall band score of 6.0 with no sub score below 5.5 is required. Scores should be sent directly to the Iowa State Office of Admissions by the testing center where you took the IELTS. (Scanned copies and photocopies are not accepted.)
  • SAT Critical Reading: A minimum score of 420 on the Critical Reading Section of the SAT. Scores should be reported directly to Iowa State University by the testing agency. (Scanned copies and photocopies are not accepted.)

Students who have taken English courses at a US institution are not exempt from submitting the required proficiency exam scores. Proficiency must be demonstrated prior to admission.