Exchange/Study Abroad for Rhodes students

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

The International Office handles all exchange programmes to and from Rhodes University. We have over 35 Partner Institutes which regularly receive visiting Rhodes Students on Exchange. Going on exchange is an exciting way for you to enrich your academic career. The Rhodes International Office proudly facilitates your exchange programme from beginning to end, helping you through the whole process.

Are you a current Rhodes Student thinking about studying abroad?

The International Office is here to help you. Our Partner Institutes are all renowned for their academic excellence and the high quality of education that they provide. While abroad, you will get to meet leading professionals in your field of study, learn different perspectives on your areas of discipline, and make friends who will enrich your life both socially and professionally for years to come. (Remember, even if you only see yourself going on exchange in a few years’ time, we urge you to get hold of us now so that we can help you prepare well in advance for a one of a kind experience abroad.)

Important Dates

Rhodents on Exchange programme:

Applications open from: 1 March 2012

Closing date for applications: 31 July 2012

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

How does an exchange work?

Rhodes students participating in an exchange programme will attend an overseas institution for either a semester or a full academic year, however most often an exchange programme is only for one semester.

• Please download the STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME Booklet 2013 or collect a copy of the booklet at the International Office. 

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

Rhodes students will have exchange student status at the host institution and may take courses for transfer credit at Rhodes University, but will not be eligible for a degree from the host institution.  Rhodes students will continue as candidates for their degrees at Rhodes.

There are no additional costs involved.  The candidate must pay normal Rhodes tuition and boarding (for an A Grade residence) as well as travel expenses including air ticket, visa costs, insurance, medical aid, and spending money etc.

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

Where can I go?

The STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME Booklet 2013 gives a listing of Exchange and "Study Abroad" programmes for Rhodes University students for 2013.

You can see the list and websites of our Partner institutions here.

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 2013

• 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 Tuesday 31 July 2012.

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.