Selecting a Program

Some important questions to consider as you weigh program options are:

  • Which program or university offers the best courses in your specific major or combination of majors?
  • Are your educational goals best achieved in a major metropolis, a medium-sized town, or a tropical rainforest?
  • How large is the enrollment on the program or at the university and how many students are American?
  • Which program model is a better fit for your learning style and course needs: classroom study, integrated study, field study, or internship?
  • Would you like a chance to do an independent study project?
  • Does the program include a home stay? If not, how will it connect you with members of the host society?
  • Do you need or want to improve language skills?
  • Do you want to study in the “developed” or the “developing” world?

Rhodes offers its students a list of quality programs which have been reviewed and approved by Rhodes faculty and staff for academic rigor and good student service.  Set up an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor in the Buckman Center early in the process; they will help you consider which programs are the best fits for your individual preferences.

Application Process

  1. Determine Eligibility: Review the admission criteria for your proposed program. Rhodes College welcomes applications for its programs from students who possess a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (unless specified higher than 2.00) and are in good social standing.  Some Rhodes programs have additional language requirements or other prerequisites. All admissions are conditional based on continued good academic and social standing.  Non-Rhodes programs set their own admission criteria that may differ from those of Rhodes College.
  2. Find a Program: You must select a program which supports and extends your Rhodes academic program, particularly your major or combination of major(s), minor(s) and degree requirements.  Set up an appointment with a member of the Buckman Center staff or e-mail the Buckman Center at internationalprograms@rhodes.edu for an advising appointment.
  3. Meet with a Member of the Buckman Center Staff : If you are hoping to study off -campus for a full year, or if you are thinking of studying on a program which does not explicitly appear on Rhodes’ recommended list, you MUST meet with a staff member, preferably as soon as possible.  In addition to the above reasons, you may want to schedule an appointment with a staff member if:
    • you are having trouble finding a program that fits with multiple majors and/or minors
    • you are looking for a particular interdisciplinary or sub disciplinary specialty not listed
    • you need some help comparing the merits of certain programs, or
    • you have any other sort of confusion or concern about the process
  4. Complete and Submit an Off -Campus Study Application: You must submit a complete Off -Campus Study Application by the appropriate deadline and be approved by the Director of International Programs. See the “Instructions and Checklists” for application deadlines and instructions.  
  5. Apply Separately to Your Program Sponsor or Host University: You must submit a separate application to, and be accepted by, the program listed on your Off -Campus Study Approval Form. DO NOT WAIT until you have received a reply from the Director of International Programs to complete this step!  Note that some programs have “rolling admissions” and close well before the Rhodes deadline, while others may have application deadlines as much as a month after Rhodes. Therefore, you will want to pay special attention to specific program deadline dates as you are considering options.

Acceptance Details

Once a student is accepted to study off -campus on either a Rhodes or a non-Rhodes program, the Buckman Center for International Education will send an electronic acceptance letter that includes a web-based Pre-Departure Guide.


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