Our Story

Since 1968, National Student Exchange (NSE) has offered students a domestic alternative to study abroad. What began with three campuses, exchanging seven students, is now 180+ universities placing 3000 students a year! Iowa State University is pleased to offer exchanges through this program.

Since its founding, more than 90,000 students have participated in NSE. The National Student Exchange was founded as a counterpart to study abroad programs, recognizing that not every student is seeking a study opportunity outside of the United States. NSE offers low-cost options for ISU students to study out-of-state, at culturally diverse campuses with program compatibility within the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada! 

I wanted to grow as an individual which is something I think I accomplished. I learned a lot more about myself during this experience.

-- NSE Participant, Spring 2023

  • 8.08

    semesters to graduation, on average, for NSE participants

  • 75

    Cyclones completed exchange in 2022-2023

  • 180+

    campuses available across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rio, Guam, and the Virgin Islands

Why Study Away in the U.S. and Canada? 

Grow Your Academic Opportunities

  • Take classes beyond those available at Iowa State
  • Study with new professors, experts and researchers in your field
  • Broaden your educational perspectives
  • Pursue research, field study, and internship opportunities
  • Investigate potential graduate schools option or location

Develop as a Person 

  • Become more independent by challenging yourself to live in a new location
  • Experience different geographic and cultural settings
  • Grow your international and/or intercultural experience
  • Gain insight into the historical and cultural makeup of different regions

Cultivate Professional Success

  • Build your connections in a new job market
  • Develop your skills (independence and adaptability) and gain experience that make you more employable
  • Improve your communications skills with people from different backgrounds
  • Prepare yourself to live and work in a culturally diverse society