Studying at Rhodes College
The Buckman Center for International Education
The Buckman Center is committed to providing accurate, timely, and well-informed information on federal regulations governing the stay of international students, scholars, faculty, and professional staff at Rhodes College.
How Can I Study At Rhodes College?
All students who are interested in studying at Rhodes College must apply through the Rhodes College Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions will evaluate the academic materials for admission and will also be responsible for issuing the initial I-20 (F1 Students) document which is required to apply for the appropriate visa from the U.S. Consulate in your home country. Please read the additional information provided on the Rhodes College website and the new student information included in your admission packet to prepare you to come to Rhodes.
Transferring from Another U.S. Institution to Rhodes College
A student may legally stay in the U.S. between finishing classes at one school and beginning classes at Rhodes if the proper process is followed. A student may also finish classes at one school, travel home (during the school vacation or to take a semester off) and then return to the U.S. to begin studying at Rhodes, as long as the student carries an I-20 issued by Rhodes or a DS 2019 issued by your sponsoring agency. A student who decides to travel internationally while between schools will need an unexpired F-1 visa and the new I-20 to return to the U.S. The student is not required to obtain a new visa unless the previous visa stamp has expired. It is not required to have Rhodes listed on the F-1 visa if the transfer process is followed correctly.
If you are currently enrolled in classes as an F-1 student in the U.S. and wish to transfer to Rhodes, you will need first to apply for and receive academic admission to Rhodes. After being admitted to Rhodes, submitting new financial documents, and having your old school complete a transfer information form, you will be issued a new I-20 that allows you to begin classes at Rhodes. Please communicate with the Rhodes College Office of Admissions to ensure that the proper I-20 is issued and that any travel plans are well established.
The transfer process (obtaining a new I-20 from Rhodes or DS 2019 from your sponsoring agency) must be completed within 60 days of finishing classes at the old school for an F-1 student. In addition, the student must begin classes at the new school within 5 months of the last day of attendance at the old school.
