Characteristics of Successful Programs

The following are characteristics that define high-quality short-term Rhodes off-campus programs.  The more characteristics that are present in any new program proposed, the greater the likelihood that it will be approved and will be successful.

For All Programs

  • The initial proposal provides evidence that the program leader has identified a topic of relevance, an adequate pool of students on which to draw, and an appropriate location for the program.
  • The program has been planned with a balance of fiscal responsibility, logistics, and academic content, to maximize both the opportunity for student learning and the opportunity for participation by Rhodes students.
  • The program seeks to offer a new opportunity to Rhodes students, rather than duplicating previously developed or concurrent off-campus offerings.  It is geared towards a previously under-represented population or academic major.
  • The normal ratio of program leader to student is 1 to 15.  Some programs may require more extensive assistance and supervision than others.
  • There is substantive evaluation of the program after each offering; this evaluation is utilized in planning for the next cycle of the program.

For International Off-Campus Study Programs

  • The course syllabus clearly incorporates academic content relating to the host country’s culture, economy and history in order to justify offering the program overseas.
  • The program provides substantive orientation programs, including pre-departure and in-country components, to prepare the students adequately for living and studying off-campus.
  • Field trips, site visits, and other cultural activities are integrated into the course material to provide an in-depth view of the host country in order to enhance the classroom experience.
  • Students live with host families or in student housing where host country students also live, providing Rhodes students with ample opportunity to interact with non-American students.
  • Additional opportunities for students to interact with residents of the host country are organized within the framework of the program.
  • English-language programs offered in non-English-speaking countries provide an opportunity for students to study the language of the host country along with other offerings, in order to guarantee a basic communicative competency in the language. 

For Language-Intensive Off-Campus Study Programs

  • In addition to language study, course content on the culture, society, history, or contemporary politics of the country is made available to students.
  • Program length is a minimum of 4 weeks and preferably longer
  • Language classes are offered at various skill levels and have small enrollments

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