Global Engagement Office | International Students | Exchange Students

Exchange Students

Exchange Students

Thank you for your interest in participating in a study abroad exchange experience at UNC Greensboro! 

The Global Engagement Office at UNC Greensboro welcomes exchange students to study for a semester or a year long experience.  Students are eligible to take part in this exchange if their home university/institution has an agreement with UNC Greensboro.  Students interested in attending UNC Greensboro on exchange will need to contact their home university’s International office to get more information. 

Please review the UNCG Fact Sheet for more detailed information regarding preparation for your exchange experience. 

    APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS 

    1. To apply, students must be first nominated by their home university. 
    2. Once nominated, students will receive an email with a link to complete the application online. 
      1. The online application will require the following documents to be uploaded: 
        1. the passport picture page
        2. Transcripts of classes completed/are currently taking 
        3. proof of English language proficiency if applicable. 
          1. English proficiency scores that are accepted: 
            • TOFEL: PBT:550; CBT: 213; IBT: 80; ITP: 550 
            • IELTS: 6.0 for undergraduate students; 6.5 for graduate students
            • DET (Duolingo): 110
        4. For students applying for graduate exchange they will need 2 letters of recommendation.  This will be emailed to GEO by the home university. 
    3. After the online application has been completed, an acceptance packet will be sent via email. 
    Orientation Schedule

    Orientation is mandatory and happens during the week before classes at UNCG begin. Up-to-date information will be sent by email. 

    Survival Guide

    This Survival Guide is full of advice and helpful tips left from previous exchange students. Please use this as you think about packing and preparing for your exchange experience at UNCG!

    Housing

    Most exchange students in Greensboro choose to live on-campus due to its tremendous convenience, diversity of accommodations, and general value. Tower Village (home of our International House) is the most popular housing choice among exchange students, as these more European-style accommodations include single rooms and a shared kitchen/bathroom. For a more American experience, Phillip-Hawkins is a popular choice. More detailed housing options and information can be found at UNCG’s Housing and Residence Life website. 

    Visa Application

    Once you are accepted into the exchange experience, you will be given instructions on how to apply for the J-1 visa. You can view our Visa Information page in the meantime to learn more.

    Health Care and Mandatory Insurance

    You are required to have medical insurance in effect for the duration of your program. Your acceptance packet will contain detailed information about waiving and enrolling. Visit our Student Health Center for more information.

    Note: All students will receive detailed information on how to purchase or waive the UNCG health insurance plan once accepted into the exchange program. 

    Maintaining your status is very important! GEO will work hard to keep you in status. See our Maintaining Your Status page here.

    Did you know that as a J-1 visa holder, you are eligible for on-campus employment and internship opportunities (both on- and off-campus)? 

    On-campus employment 

    You can visit the UNCG Career Center to see student job postings. It’s better to do this before you’ve arrived, as on-campus jobs go very quickly. You are able to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during your exchange experience. Once you’ve received the employment letter, you must meet with Incoming Exchange Coordinator to get more information for visa compliance.

    Internships both on- and off-campus (Academic Training) 

    If you are interested in doing either Academic Training (paid or unpaid), or obtaining employment while on your exchange experience, you will need to stop by GEO and speak with our office. After your meeting, you will have detailed information and steps to start the process. 

    For more information on Academic Training, please see our Survival Guide.

    At the end of your exchange experience, an official transcript of your grades earned at UNCG will be sent to you digitally and mailed to your home university within 30 days of the end of your program.  This transcript is at no charge to you, however if you would like to order additional official transcripts, you can order one by following the instructions on the Registrar’s website. 

    The J1 visa program allows students to stay in the United States for up to 30 days beyond the program end date listed on the DS2019.  Students must make arrangements to depart the US in accordance to the J1 visa rules.  Students that are from a country that is part of the visa waiver program would be allowed to continue traveling the US after initially departing the country and re-entering on a tourist visa.  More information about the Visa Waiver Program can be found on the US Department of State Website. 

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