Semester Exchange and Direct-Enroll Programs

What exactly is an exchange program?

An exchange program is where a student from NC State and a student from a partner institution trade places for a semester or academic year. NC State students pay NC State tuition and fees and become a visiting student at the international university. Some of the benefits of going on an exchange program include, but are not limited to:

• Low cost (especially for in-state students)
• A more independent, immersive experience with the host institution and country
• Taking classes with other international students
• Wide range of course options

How is this different from a direct-enroll program?

The major difference is that for exchange programs, NC State students will pay NC State while for direct-enroll programs, students will pay the host institution tuition and fees directly to that institution. Some of our partner institutions have both exchange and direct-enroll options (also known as free mover options), while others do not.

Direct-enroll programs have all of the same benefits as exchange programs with the main difference being that they can be more cost-effective for out-of-state students, as tuition and fees from the host institution may be cheaper than paying out-of-state tuition and fees.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are choosing to direct-enroll, you still have to complete a PackAbroad application.

List of Exchange and Direct Enroll Institutions