UTC Prospective Exchange Students
- List of participating schools
- Getting started
- Choosing an exchange school
- Application deadline and timeline
- Student testimonials
- FAQ
- Special exchange opportunities
Getting started
- Visit the Office of Cooperative Education and International Programs (326 University Center, 423-425-4735, coop@utc.edu) to meet with a staff member, to obtain more information about the National Student Exchange Program, and to pick up NSE's Directory of Exchange Opportunities. (The NSE Directory of Exchange Opportunities also can be downloaded.) This directory and the main NSE web site are the primary/initial sources of your search and provide you with a brief description/sketch of the member universities and the majors that each offers to incoming NSE students.
- Read the directory and pay particular attention to the beginning sections that describe the overall process of exchange and how to get the most out of the booklet.
- As you read, begin writing down your NSE exchange goals and objectives on paper. Include personal, academic, social, and other goals and objectives.
- Make an appointment to discuss your initial thoughts with one of UTC's NSE staff memberse and get a copy of UTC's NSE application.
- Before completing the application, read the whole application carefully and follow the checklist provided for you. Make sure that each section is completed carefully before returning the completed application to UTC's NSE Office.
Choosing An Exchange School
The selection of your NSE host schools is arguably the most important part of preparing for an exchange. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most informed decision:
- Start early. Allow yourself enough time to explore your options and complete the application materials.
- Consider first what you want out of this exchange. Do you want to experience a larger (or smaller) university, see a different part of the country, be exposed to different cultures, take classes unavailable at UTC, check out potential graduate schools, etc.? Spend some time reflecting upon the reasons for your exchange. Prioritize your requirements and use this information to help focus your search.
- Find schools that meet your needs. Once you know what you are looking for in an exchange, use the NSE Directory (available in the UTC NSE Office or online) and the main NSE web site to find schools that fit your requirements. The information in the back of the directory and on the NSE web site will be especially helpful in the early stages of your search. For example, the directory and web site provide the following lists: members with special designations (e.g. Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Hispanic Serving Instituions; Land, Sea, and Space-grant universities; Private Universities; Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges), population and enrollment figures for each institution; a mathematical breakdown of ethnic diversity for each NSE college and university; and the schools that give NSE students access to their honors and Residential Assistant programs. Also on the main NSE Web site there is a section devoted to the major programs of study available through the NSE program.
- Where do you want to live while you are on exchange? Do you want to live in a dormitory or in off-campus housing? The answer to this question will lead to two very different exchange experiences. Check the NSE Directory for the housing policy for the schools that you are considering. Some schools may require on campus residence while others encourage on campus residence, offer off campus housing assistance, or provide other options such as family housing.
- Will you want to participate in a host school’s honors or Residential Assistance (RA) program? If so check the NSE Directory for lists of participating schools and special deadlines. These programs require a special application process with additional eligibility requirements and earlier deadlines so check with the UTC NSE staff for more information.
- Will you be going alone or going on exchange with a friend? You should realize that arranging an exchange with another person may limit your options or diminish your chances of placement. Also, exchanging with a friend may hold you back from fully immersing yourself in the environment and reaching out to meet new people. Despite these drawbacks, some students decide to go on exchange with a friend and have a very positive experience. After you have weighed your options and decided to go on exchange with a friend, compare your priorities for exchange. Choose schools that meet the most of both individuals’ requirements. Also, decide whether you want to live together or apart while on exchange.
- Consider exchange costs. Undoubtedly, the price of the exchange will be a consideration when selecting your top host schools. Look in the NSE Directory and check the prices for tuition, room and board, as well as additional fees. Refer to the “Payment Plan” section of the UTC NSE Web site for an explanation of different payment options.
- Choose the length of your exchange. Do you want to exchange to another school for a year, a single semester, or a summer? Or maybe you want to exchange for a full year but would like to go to two different schools. Some students want a shorter exchange or can only leave the UTC campus for a single semester. Others want to take a year to really become a part of the host campus and community. In fact, some exchange students remark that it takes at least a semester to get settled before they are truly comfortable at the host campus. As a result, some students try to extend their exchange from one semester to a full year. This extension is possible but both the home and the host school must approve the extension. The only way to ensure a full year of exchange is to request it during the initial placement. Weigh your options and reflect now on how long you want to be on exchange. Also, be aware that some schools require a year exchange. Check the NSE Directory for this information.
- Special considerations for international students. Note that some NSE universities and colleges do not accept international students through this program. Check the NSE Directory for more information.
- Considering the academic offerings of your choices. Most likely you will choose a school, at least in part, for its academic program offerings. Refer to NSE host school catalogs on the Web for the specific courses offered at your top choices. Realize that not all courses will be offered or available while you are on exchange. Also, refer to the NSE Directory for the list of limited and closed programs at these universities and colleges.
- Take advantage of all available resources as you do research for your exchange. Use the NSE Directory, the UTC NSE staff, individual host school Web sites, and the main NSE Web site as resources when selecting schools for exchange. Share your plans with UTC faculty members and your advisor to help find the university that best fits you. To get a different perspective, you could even talk to UTC faculty and staff that have attended a university that you are considering for exchange. If possible, the UTC NSE Office can help arrange a meeting between you and this faculty or staff member.
- Advice from the National Student Exchange Web site
Application deadline and timeline
| Fall Exchange Deadlines | Spring Exchange Deadlines | Summer Exchange Deadlines |
Fall 2008- deadline passed |
Spring 2009- October 1 (not all exchange schools have openings) |
Summer 2009- February 15, 2009 |
Fall 2009- February 15, 2009 |
Spring 2010- February 15, 2009 |
Summer 2010- February 15, 2009 |
Student testimonials/Pictures (UTC students who have participated in NSE)
PICTURES- UTC Students on Exchange
UTC students have exchanged throughout the country and to Canada. Here are pictures from a few of these students and their exchange sites:
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY(Miami, FL)- Christina and Andrea
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY (Miami, FL)- Andrea
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (Seattle, WA)- Michelle
BISHOP'S UNIVERSITY(Quebec, Canada)- Ashley
HUNTER COLLEGE (New York, New York)-Robin
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY (Bozeman, Montana)- Ben
Where have UTC students gone on exchange? The exchange sites include:
- Alabama State University (Montgomery, AL)
- Bishop's University (Quebec, Canada)
- California State University, Chico (Chico, CA)
- California State University, Fresno (Fresno, CA)
- California State University, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
- California State University, Northridge (Northridge, CA)
- California State University, San Bernadino (San Bernadino, CA)
- College of Charleston (Charleston, SC)
- Florida International University (Miami, FL)
- Fort Lewis College (Durango, CO)
- Humboldt State University (Arcata, CA)
- Hunter College (New York, NY)
- Johnson State College (Johnson, VT)
- Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Montana State University (Bozeman, MT)
- Murray State University (Murray, KY)
- New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM)
- North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC)
- Notheastern Illinois University (Chicago, IL)
- Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ)
- Portland State University (Portland, OR)
- Sir Wilfred Grenfell College (Newfoundland, Canada)
- Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY)
- Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN)
- Towson University (Baltimore, MD)
- Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL)
- University of Alaska Fairbanks (Fairbanks, AK)
- University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
- University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
- University of Hawaii at Hilo (Hilo, HI)
- University of Hawaii at Manoa (Honolulu, HI)
- University of Maine at Presque Isle (Presque Isle, ME)
- University of Massachusetts at Amherst (Amherst, MA)
- University of Massachusetts at Boston (Boston, MA)
- University of Memphis (Memphis, TN)
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Twin Cities, MN)
- University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS)
- University of Montana (Missoula, MO)
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV)
- University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM)
- University of Northern Colorado (Greeley, CO)
- University of Puerto Rico, Humacao (Humacao, PR)
- University of South Florida (Tampa Bay, FL)
- University of Southern Maine (Portland, ME)
- University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
- University of Wisconsin- Green Bay (Green Bay, WI)
- University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY)
- Utah State University (Logan, UT)
- William Patterson University of New Jersey (Wayne, NJ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How will my exchange courses count at UTC?
A: Before you leave on exchange, you will have UTC department heads approve the courses that you intend to take. Once you have taken your exchange courses, you will order a transcript and have it sent to UTC's NSE Office. The staff will use your pre-approved course form to complete the steps to have your courses and grades posted on your UTC transcript as you planned.
Q: Can I take courses that aren't taught at UTC? How will these courses count at UTC?
A: Yes, you can take courses that aren't offered at UTC. One of the best reasons to participate in NSE is to take courses that aren't available at UTC. You will have these courses pre-approved by the appropriate UTC department head so that you will know how they will return to UTC.
Q: Can I exchange as a senior? Don't I have to be on the UTC campus for my last 30 hours?
A: Yes, you can go on exchange as a sophomore, junior, or senior. However, you will want to check with your major department and make sure that you select the best time for your exchange. Find out which semesters you will need to be on the UTC campus for special projects, internships, or courses. Also, you can participate in NSE during your last 30 hours. Even though you aren't on campus, you are still participating in a UTC program. If you intend to exchange during the last semester of your senior year, be aware that your host university grades won't be processed in time for the upcoming graduation. You will have to postpone graduation until the following summer or semester.
Q: Can I extend an exchange?
A: Yes, you can extend an exchange with the permission of both your host and home NSE coordinators. However, your host university may not have any exchange spots or housing left for you. It is better to ask for the full exchange during the initial application process.
Q: Can I exchange to more than one NSE school?
A: Yes, you can apply to more than one NSE school. Since NSE allows you one full calendar year to exchange, you could potentially attend as many as three universities. These exchanges would not have to be during consecutive semesters.
Q: Can I go on exchange with a friend?
A: Yes, you can request to be "linked" or to be considered for a placement with a friend. In this case, universities will accept or reject both of you together.
Q: Can I use my financial aid (loans and scholarships) to help pay for the exchange? What if the exchange costs more than what I normally pay to go to UTC?
A: Yes, in most cases you can use all of your existing loans and scholarships. Some exceptions include special scholarships (e.g. music performance scholarships) restricted to the UTC campus. In addition, students who have Tennessee tuition discounts (from parents who work for the UT System or work as teachers in Tennessee public schools) can only use these discounts on tuition plan B (plan where the student pays UTC for its tuition and fees).
Once a student is accepted by an exchange school, UTC's NSE Office will send UTC's Financial Aid Office a letter stating how much it will cost the student to participate in an exchange to that particular university. UTC's Financial Aid will use this information to determine whether the student qualifies for additional loans to pay for any added costs.
Q: Does UTC have exchange or travel scholarships to help cover my NSE costs?
A: No, there are no special scholarships for NSE. The University's travel scholarships are only for international studies. We encourage you to plan in advance and apply on your own for scholarships within and outside the University.
Q: Can I live off campus while I am on exchange?
A: If your host university doesn't require that you live on its campus, you are free to live off campus while on exchange. Check the NSE Directory of Exchange Opportunities (available in UTC's NSE Office) to find out about individual schools' off campus housing policies. (Note: Most universities, including UTC, recommend that you live on your host campus while on exchange. It is easier to acclimate and get to know the host campus and students if you live in the residence halls. In addition, a few host schools have limited or no on campus housing available for exchange students.)
Q: Can I work in an internship or job while I am on exchange? How would I find one?
A: Except for your host campus' work study program, there are no restrictions on where and how many hours you can work. However, we recommend that you leave time to study, get to know new people, become involved on campus, and visit the unique sites in and around your host city/town. If you are looking for a major-related internship, you can work with both your home and host universities' career services or co-op/internship offices. UTC's NSE Office is also home to UTC's Cooperative Education and Internship Program so let us know if you want to look for an internship while on exchange. Be sure to let us know well in advance so that we have time to help you!
Q: My parents have questions about NSE.
A: Is there someone that they can talk to about it? Yes, UTC's NSE staff is available to meet with parents in person or to answer their questions by phone or e-mail.
Q: Do I have to speak French to go to the French speaking Canadian schools? Do I have to speak Spanish to attend the Puerto Rico schools?
A: Yes, you have to be proficient in French to attend the French speaking Canadian schools as well as proficient in Spanish to attend any of the Puerto Rican schools. UTC' Foreign Language Department determines whether you meet the required proficiency.
Q: What are my chances of being placed at my first choice school? At being placed at all?
A: We cannot give you statistics for each of your choices but we are able to help you put together a list of exchange choices that optimize your chance of being accepted for an exchange. Each university's NSE Office has access to statistics and information about the acceptance/rejection trends for all of the other participating universities. Using that information, we usually have a good idea of the likelihood of a student's chances for placement at a particular school or at least one of the exchange choices. In addition, NSE tells us that about 97% of eligible students are placed each year and over 80% get their first choice.
Q: How do universities decide whether to accept a student?
A: Each university has its own criteria for accepting exchange students. A university may base its decision whether it is going to take a UTC student on one or more of the following: 1) whether it has ever had a student from UTC or whether it has had one recently, 2) whether it has students who want to come to UTC, 3) if the student has the required 2.5 GPA or not, 4) how long the student wants to go on exchange, 5) which tuition plan the student has requested, 6) if the student has a major that is closed to NSE students, 7) if UTC is trying to place more than one student at that host school, etc.
Q: I don't have the required 2.5 GPA. Can I still apply for NSE?
A: Yes, you can apply for NSE even if you don't have the required 2.5 GPA. However, we recommend that you explore NSE thoroughly and decide whether you are ready to embark on this experience now or if it would be better for you to postpone it. If you are close to the 2.5 GPA (in the 2.4 range), you can apply but you need to include in your application materials an explanation of why you are ready for to participate in NSE and any extenuating circumstances involved in your past academic performance.
Special Exchange Opportunities
Resident Assistant Exchange Program
UTC encourages resident assistants (RAs) from UTC to apply for an RA exchange to one of the participating NSE universities. (Note: Not all NSE schools participate in the RA Exchange Program.) For more information about eligibility requirements and application information, refer to the RA Exchange section of the main NSE web site. Be aware that the RA exchange has a December deadline (RA exchange would begin the following fall semester) and requires students to go on exchange and act as an RA for a full academic year.
For more information about RA amenities and payment, refer to the participating schools' listings on the RA Exchange section of the main NSE web site. Contact UTC's NSE Office for more information and for application materials.
Honors Program
UTC's University Honors' (UHON) students may access honors courses while on exchange at some NSE universities. Most campuses require that students be enrolled in an honors program at the home campus and have a specified GPA. Some programs require recommendations from the student's home honors program or an interview. For more information about the participating honors programs as well as the amenities and special courses it makes available to exchange students, refer to the Honors Exchange section of the main NSE web site.
