Incoming Exchange Students

The Education Abroad Office at East Carolina University (ECU) welcomes exchange students to study for a semester or a year Students are eligible to take part in this exchange if their home university/institution has an exchange agreement with ECU.

Students interested in attending ECU on exchange will need to contact their home university’s International Office to get more information.

Application Process

  1. In order to apply, students must be nominated by their home university.
  2. Once nominated, students will receive an email with a link to complete the application online.
    • The online application will require some documents to be uploaded; such as: the passport picture page, a transcript of completed classes and are currently taking, and proof of English language proficiency if applicable.
    • Proof of financial means to cover the cost of exchange as well as a list of classes that would like to be taken while on exchange at ECU.
  3. After the online application has been completed, an acceptance packet will be sent by mail.

Pre-Arrival and Arrival Information

Up to date information will be sent by email.

All new international students must attend orientation prior to the start of classes. At orientation, students will get the chance to meet other international students, learn about ECU student services and get information to stay in positive visa status. Students will also get the chance to receive any immunizations or vaccinations that were not completed prior to arrival.

Exchange students are required to live on campus. Spots are specifically set aside for exchange students and exchange students are able to move into their on campus housing the day prior to orientation.

More helpful information can be viewed on our electronic arrival guide: East Carolina University Arrival Guide

Life at ECU

ECU students have an array of ways to get involved and be entertained outside of academic at ECU. There are many student organizations, sport clubs, intramurals and activities to get involved with. You can view information about student life by looking at the current students website.

As an ECU student, you will receive free tickets to sporting events as well as entrance to the Eakin Student Recreation Center. There are also opportunities to receive reduced price entrance to plays, musical performances and speakers on campus.

Most likely, you will not have a car while you are here on exchange; however, ECU has an extensive bus system that gives students a safe way for getting around Greenville as well as around campus.

Returning Home

At the end of your exchange program, a transcript of records (grades and credits) will be mailed to your home university within 30 days of your program end date. As an exchange student, only one transcript can be ordered and shipped to your home university at no cost. If you wish to order an additional transcript for yourself, you can order one by following the instructions on the Registrar’s website.

The J-1 visa program allows students to stay in the United States for a period of 30 days beyond the program end date listed on the DS 2019. Students must make arrangements to depart the U.S. in accordance to the J-1 visa rules. Students that are from a country that is part of the visa waiver program would be allowed to continue traveling the U.S. 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.