Before international students decides to apply to RISD for a semester exchange, it is important to check with their home school’s exchange coordinator. Exchanges between RISD and schools abroad are contractual and not everyone may apply. Applications are submitted online. When a student decides to apply he/she should contact a member of the Office of International Programs (OIP) staff for detailed instructions.

(Chinese students: click here to learn about pre-departure orientation and information on studying in the US.)

Address all correspondence and application materials to:
Office of International Programs
Rhode Island School of Design
Two College Street
Providence, RI 02903 USA

telephone: 401 454-6754
fax: 401 454-6755
e-mail: oip@risd.edu

WHEN + HOW TO APPLY | THINGS TO CONSIDER | IF YOU ARE ACCEPTED

WHEN + HOW TO APPLY
Students must apply one semester in advance of their planned exchange. The application deadline for the fall semester is March 15. The deadline for the spring semester is October 15. All applications are submitted to a particular department.

Electronic application consists of:
· two letters of recommendation
· statement of purpose
· portfolio
· official transcript

The letters of recommendation are to be written by faculty members from the student’s school. Each letter should speak to the student’s work ethic and skill level.

The statement of purpose should be a concise and thoughtful consideration of goals and reasons for seeking study at RISD. It should discuss how the proposed program of study would benefit the student’s artistic development and how it relates to his/her educational and career goals.

The portfolio must include at least 10 images of work, including work in the proposed area of study. The individual images should include the title of the piece, medium and dimensions.

THINGS TO CONSIDER
Acceptance into the exchange program at RISD depends on many factors. In most cases, contractual agreements between RISD and schools abroad are renewed every three years and state that there must be an equal number of exchanges over that three-year period.

Whereas, in principle, all exchange applications are received positively, there are conditions where exchanges cannot take place:

· When the International Exchange Committee determines that the number of exchanges to RISD is excessive in relationship with the number of exchanges from RISD to a school abroad. The aim is for an equal exchange between schools over a three-year period.

· When the head of the department at RISD to which a student is applying determines that there is a practical or academic reason why the exchange cannot take place. For example, there may be insufficient space available or — in certain circumstances — a curriculum may require a full year of study.

· When the head of the department at RISD to which a student is applying determines that the student ’ s work and academic standing are inappropriate to such an exchange.

The Office of International Programs will inform students of the result of their application no later than six weeks after submission.

IF YOU ARE ACCEPTED
Students on exchange are subject to the rules and regulations of RISD.

Official transcripts/evaluations will be sent to the student’s home school by RISD’s Registrars Office several weeks after the completion of the exchange semester.

An evaluation form is completed at the end of the program. This form is to be submitted to the Office of International Programs and is to be used as an aid in evaluating the program for future exchanges.

While at RISD housing and transportation are the responsibility of the student.