Overview

While attending Rhodes University in Makhanda, students experience first-hand the “new” South Africa while also encountering the social and economic hardships the country still faces. The Rhodes University exchange is highlighted as a strong community involvement program because of the opportunities students have to volunteer with social organizations throughout Makhanda. The Center for Social Development will guide and prepare international students to become involved in the community. Find more information through Rhodes' International Office. Minimum GPA required by host program: Based on WU approval.

Academics

Find Rhodes classes here: (Classes are called "courses")
List of departments (Courses can be found in student handbooks on each department's site.)

Rhodes provides many academic options for WU students. A full list of departments can be found here. Courses can be found in student handbooks on each department's site. Because of space limitations Journalism; Visual, Studio, and Practical Art; and Practical Music courses are not available to international students. Students interested in Ethnomusicology should consider Rhodes because of its International Library of African Music.

Housing

Students live in university housing and take meals at dining halls.

Dates

The Rhodes program is available during either fall or spring semesters. There are four terms in each academic year at Rhodes; students will participate in two terms to complete the equivalent of one semester at Willamette. The third term begins in mid-July and the fourth term concludes at the end of November. The first term begins at the beginning of February and the second term ends in late June.

Cost

Willamette tuition plus a fee equivalent to Willamette’s Room and Board Plan B, which includes room and board. Specific health insurance is required by Rhodes University - the cost for five months of coverage is approximately $200USD.

Pre-departure Resources

Formerly located in Grahamstown, the city was renamed Makhanda in 2018 in order to address the legacy of colonialism in South Africa. "The town formerly known as 'Grahamstown' is named after Lieutenant Colonel John Graham whose role in the Frontier Wars was to exercise the "maximum degree of terror" on the Xhosa natives..." (Nathi Mthethwa, Makhanda Arts and Culture Minister). The town of Makhanda is now named after Makhanda ka Nxele, a Xhosa warrior, war doctor, philosopher and prophet. 

Willamette University

Office of International Education

Address
Global Learning Center
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-375-5493

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