Checklist for Outbound Students

Checklist for Outbound NSE Students

A successful exchange requires planning and preparation. Here is a checklist to help prepare for your exchange:

Check NSE eligibility requirements

Meet with your Academic Advisor(s) 

It is highly recommended that you meet with your Academic Advisors (College Advisor and Major/Minor Advisor) to determine if your academic plan will allow for exchange. In general, students should have registration flexibility while on exchange. 

Do Research on NSE Campuses

Visit the NSE website to view campus profiles and gather information on the institutions you are interested in attending. Here are some things to consider when selecting NSE campuses.

Select a Campus & Backup Choices

Select a first choice campus to attend on exchange. If your first choice does not have an “excellent” chance of placement (96-100% of qualified applicants are accepted) or is listed as "open" (accepts 100% of qualified students), it is highly recommended that you also choose at least one alternate campus whose placement chances are “excellent” or "open." The NSE application will allow you to select multiple campuses in order of preference.

Calculate Costs

Determine approximately how much your NSE experience will cost and how you will pay for it. Items to consider are: Host vs. Home payment for tuition/fees, housing, meals, airfare, and other expenses. Campus Budgets are also available here.

Apply for NSE

Submit an online application here. You will need to enter your biographical information, select your interested campuses, and answer 4 short essay questions. You will also need to have a reference submitted by a professor, advisor, or boss/supervisor. Contact your NSE faculty coordinator for the google reference form. There is a non-refundable NSE application fee of $200, which will be charged to your UH account once your NSE application is completed and verified.

The NSE priority application deadline is February 15 for exchanges for the following academic year. You may still apply after this date, but for the best chance of placement, you are encouraged to apply by February 15. 

Confirm your Placement for Exchange

Priority NSE placements are made at the annual NSE Conference (early March of every year). If you applied by the February 15 priority deadline, you will be notified of your placement by mid-March. To officially confirm your placement on exchange, submit the Placement Agreement Form (PAF), which will be emailed to you. 

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

You may use UHM financial aid and scholarship towards the cost of your exchange, regardless of the NSE payment plan you are on (home pay vs. host pay). 

• UHM Financial Aid Services

• UHM Scholarship Information

  • ASUH Study Abroad Scholarship

  • Global Opportunities Scholarship

  • Edwin T. and Leilani Kam Scholarship for NSE (must be a Hawaiʻi resident, inquire with your NSE Coordinator for more information).

Complete NSE Course Approval Form

Please read the instructions carefully and complete the NSE Course Approval Form.

Follow Instructions & Meet Deadlines of the Host Institution

Once your Placement Agreement Form (PAF) has been sent to the Host institution, you will start receiving communication from them directly. Be sure to follow all instructions and meet all deadlines set by the Host institution (i.e. apply for admission, send transcripts, apply for housing, and register for classes). 

Attend the UHM NSE Mandatory Orientation

All UHM students participating in NSE must attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation prior to going on exchange. You will be contacted about the date of this orientation in the future.  

Get Ready for Exchange

• Learn more about your Host campus and its location.

• Confirm your courses for registration and have back-up options.

• Secure housing for your exchange.

• Follow-up with UHM Financial Aid, if necessary.

• Make travel arrangements.

• Ensure you have adequate health insurance while on exchange.

• Communicate with your NSE Host Coordinator.

• Start packing and getting ready for your adventure!

Make the Most of your Exchange

• Attend orientation at the Host campus.

• Get involved at your new campus.

• Make the most of your exchange experience - explore, learn, & grow!