Exchange/Study Abroad for Rhodes students

Why YOU Should Go on Exchange Through the Rhodes International Office:

• It's a great way to see the world.
• Going on exchange gives you access to different perspectives on your chosen study path.
• You get to meet experts from around the world.
• You get to make friends and contacts for life!

What you need to know:

• The Rhodes International Office handles ALL undergraduate international exchange programmes.
• Exchange programmes tend to run for 1 semester.
• While abroad, you will take classes that contribute to your Rhodes courses. It's important to check with you Head of Department before going on exchange that they are prepared to accept courses from your chosen university.
• It is your responsibility to book aeroplane tickets and to pay for your visa.

There are three types of exchange:

1. Full Exchange: You pay Rhodes fees for accommodation and tuition and get the same on the other side.
2. Half Exchange: You pay Rhodes fees for tuition but must pay for your own accommodation at the host institution.
3. Study Abroad Programme: Your Rhodes fees are waived for the semester abroad, but you pay the semester's fees to the host institution at their rates.

To find out more about our partners and the types of exchange available, please have a look at our STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME Booklet 2013

Or visit our list of partners.

If you are a Law student, please see which programmes are available to you here.

Important Dates

Rhodents on Exchange programme:

Applications open from: 1 March 2013

Closing date for applications: 31 July 2013

Applications for these exchange programmes will be carefully screened by a selection committee and academic excellence is a strong criterion for acceptance.

What We Need from You:

• Academic excellence - you must have good results, with no fail marks to your name.
• Leadership/Community Engagement experience - While this is not necessary, it will definitely strengthen your chances of being selected!
• Curiosity and a willingness to learn and engage in a new enviroment.
• A valid passport.
• Confirmation from your Heads of Department that you have spoken to them about going abroad.
• Two reference letters from academics who know your work.
• A motivation letter.
• Your up-to-date CV.

To APPLY:

Fill out our Application for Exchange Admission 2014

And drop it off at the International Office in Eden Grove Building.

Is there financial assistance available?

Please see our Financial Assistance Policy in Pdf here: Financial Assistance Policy

Why go on an international exchange?

This is what two exchange students had to say about their experience:

"It began as just an idea. Mr Barker announced to the third year law class that there was a possibility of an exchange to a university in the United Kingdom. I didn't know where Leicester was or what I wanted to do in 2005 but I liked the idea of studying at a foreign university. I decided to take the chance and apply. It ended as one of the most rewarding and unique experiences of my life. For the past four months I have been studying law at Leicester University and loving every second of it."

- Nicola Palmer, Rhodes LLB student, on exchange at Leicester University, 2005.

 

"I have no words to describe how amazing my exchange experience was. It was a lifelong dream come true. Rhodes gave me an opportunity that I had always been dreaming of since I was a child and that is why I made the most of it."

- Ntendeni Luvhengo went on exchange to Furman University in the second semester of 2010. 

 

These two quotes neatly illustrate one of the major reasons why students go on exchanges or want to study abroad.  A semester at a foreign university often counts as one of the most rewarding student experiences.  Students find that they return reinvigorated, with a fresh enthusiasm, and that it was academically very valuable.  The opportunity to live in a different society and to enter an unknown culture not as a tourist but as a participant is an opportunity too unique to let go by.  Be bold!

For further stories, please see: Exchange Experiences

Applying for an exchange

What do I need to do?

• Look at the Exchange Programme Booklet above for possible exchanges.

• Come and see the Exchange Display along the corridor near the International Office at Eden Grove.

• Go to the various universities' websites and see if they offer courses that are compatible with your Rhodes degree.

• The website links for our Partner Institutions are here.  You are required to discuss your choice of courses with your Heads of Departments here at Rhodes.

• Once you've decided which two universities you want to go to, download an application form and complete it: Application for Exchange Admission 2014

• Ask the relevant Head of Departments to complete the relevant sections in the application form.

• Get two academic referees (ie: a lecturer) to complete the relevant sections in the application form.

• Write a personal motivation essay about why you are a good candidate for an exchange.

• Get an academic transcript from Student Bureau.

• Put together a Curriculum Vitae.

• NO ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED.

• Submit all this to the International Office, Rhodes University by Wednesday 31 July 2013.

What happens next?

The Selection Committee then meets to shortlist students.  Students on the shortlist are invited to be interviewed by the Selection Committee, whereafter final selection is made by Rhodes.  The successful students' applications are then forwarded to the various host institutions for their consideration.  Please note that academic acceptance by the host institution is not automatic.  Before embarking on an exchange, Rhodes students must have obtained approval from the appropriate Head of Department and the Dean of the Faculty at Rhodes for the inclusion of the proposed transfer credit from the host institution in their Rhodes University degree structure.  This approval must be facilitated through the International Office.  Rhodes students are required to spend one semester at the host institution.

Wait, I want to come on exchange to Rhodes...

International students who want to come to Rhodes either as exchange students or as study abroad students can find the relevant information on the International Exchange/Study Abroad Students page.