Incoming Exchange Students
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Exchange – Application Process
Your first step in the application process is to be nominated by your home university as an exchange student. Contact your home university’s study abroad, exchange, or international office to learn more about this process.
Once nominated by your home university, you will need to complete our online exchange student application and submit the below supplemental documents to melissa_modesitt@redlands.edu. Our online application provides more details about the exact requirements, but be prepared to submit:
- Official Transcript/Student Record
- University of Redlands Transcript Request Form
- Passport ID Page
- English Language Proficiency Certification
- Most students whose home educational system provides instruction in a non-English language need to submit this.
- Choose between TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET)
- TOEFL score requirement - 80 ibt/550 paper based
- IELTS: 6.5
- DET: 105
- Financial Support Certification
- Proof of adequate funds in order to qualify for the J-1 visa.
Current Exchange Partner Universities
Waseda University, Chinese Univeristy of Hong Kong, Nanzan, Reitaku, Tuskegee, University of East Anglia and University of Galway
Application Deadlines
Fall and Academic Year: April 1
Spring : October 1
Your home university may give you an earlier deadline to follow. Once you successfully complete our application, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application from Melissa_modesitt@redlands.edu if you did not receive a confirmation email from this email, you did not submit your application properly. Please double-check your application and contact us with questions. It is your responsibility to apply on time.
Academics
Courseload
A full-time semester course load is between 12-16 credits. Most U of R courses are worth 4 credits each and students take 3-4 courses. Students on a J-1 visa are required to take 12 or more credits.
Course Offerings
The University of Redlands offers over 40 degree programs. Exchange students can enroll in courses in any degree program as long as they meet any course prerequisites and there is space in the course. Information about the U of R’s academic programs can be found through the Program Finder.
Course Registration
Exchange students will be assigned a U of R faculty advisor and will meet with them virtually prior to course registration. The advisor will assist students with the course enrollment process.
Academic Support Services and Accessibility
The University of Redlands Student Success Center is a space to help students develop and strengthen skills to help with a student’s academic success. Support they offer includes:
- Subject Tutoring
- Writing Tutoring
- Peer Mentoring
- Academic Success Workshops
More detailed information about their services and how to schedule appointments with their office can be found here.
Exchange students who receive academic accommodations at their home university are able to receive accommodations at the University of Redlands. Accommodations commonly used by students are: extended time on exams, time-and-a-half or double time, exams in a reduced-distraction environment, note-taking and alternative texts. Students need to contact the Associate Director of Accessibility with such requests. More information about accessibility at the U of R can be found here.
Important Dates
As exchange students prepare to come to the University of Redlands, there are many dates that they should be aware of (mandatory international student orientations, program start and end dates, examination dates, and university holidays).
University of Redlands academic calendars
The University of Redlands has one unified academic calendar and individual school/college academic calendars. Access to all calendars can be found here.
International Student Orientation
Prior to each academic term, the University of Redlands will hold mandatory international student orientations. You will be notified in your acceptance materials from the University of Redlands as to the dates of your orientation.
In the fall, the international student orientation dates are prior to new student orientation and in the spring, orientation dates are prior to the start of classes.
During orientation, students will complete their mandatory international student check in, take a campus tour, learn about campus resources and services, meet current international students, get a tour of the greater Redlands community and more.
Housing and Campus life
The University of Redlands main campus is an undergraduate residential campus; all undergraduate students are required to live on-campus unless they fulfill certain requirements to meet the exemption criteria. All incoming undergraduate exchange students are required to live on-campus.
The residential community provides an immersive experience and opportunities to meet a larger network of Redlands students. The Resident Assistants (RAs) who also live in the residence halls facilitate fun and innovative programs for students to get to know each other and find community within the residence halls.
Housing Placement Process
More information coming soon.
Campus Life
There are many ways for exchange students to get engaged while studying at the University of Redlands.
RISA
RISA plays a vital role in supporting international students and promoting cultural diversity on campus. It organizes events and activities that celebrate different cultures, helping to create an inclusive environment where all students can learn from one another. RISA also provides a support network for international students, assisting with the transition to life in the U.S. and at the university.
On Campus Clubs and Orgs
The University of Redlands boasts a vibrant array of clubs and organizations, catering to a wide range of interests and passions. From academic and cultural associations to special interest groups and service organizations, there is something for everyone. Joining a club is a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals, develop new skills, and engage with the campus community. Clubs also provide leadership opportunities, allowing students to take on roles that contribute to their personal and professional growth.
Outdoor Programs
Outdoor Programs at the University of Redlands offer students the chance to explore the natural beauty surrounding the campus. From hiking and camping trips to water sports and adventure activities, these programs encourage students to engage with the outdoors and experience new adventures.
Intramural Sports
Intramural sports at the University of Redlands offer a fun and competitive way to stay active, engage in healthy competition, and build community. Open to all skill levels, these sports provide a casual environment for students to participate in a variety of activities, ranging from soccer and basketball to more unique offerings like ultimate frisbee and dodgeball. Intramural sports are a great way to relieve stress, stay fit, and foster teamwork and sportsmanship among students.
Visa Information
Once accepted to the University of Redlands as an exchange student, students who need to apply for a J-1 student visa will receive a DS-2019 document and information about how to apply for the J-1 exchange visitor visa.Once accepted to the University of Redlands as an exchange student, students who need to apply for a J-1 student visa will receive a DS-2019 document and information about how to apply for the J-1 exchange visitor visa.
To view a sample DS 2019 click here.
Visa application process
Students must:
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at www.fmjfee.com and print their proof of payment.
- Go to the US Department of State website (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/) to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160 and pay the visa application fee. Students need to consult the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they plan to apply for their visa for specific instructions on how to pay.
- Schedule an appointment to apply for their student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. More detailed Information can be found here: http://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/interviews-documents/ and from the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the student will be applying.
- Go to their visa appointment. It is important to bring the following with the visa appointment: your original Form DS-2019, Form DS-160 confirmation page, passport, photo, visa application fee receipt and proof of SEVIS fee payment. Check the website of the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate to see whether additional documents are needed.
Once a student receives their DS 2019 and instructions, they should initiate this process as availability of appointments and processing times vary.
Travel to the U.S.
When traveling to the U.S. students will need to bring their paper DS-2019, along with their passport containing their J-1 visa. At the port of entry, the immigration officials will stamp their travel document and the DS-2019.
Health Insurance
The University of Redlands requires all CAS undergraduate students (including visiting exchange students) to have health insurance that provides access to local health care and helps minimize the financial burden an accident, injury or illness creates. Exchange students will automatically be enrolled in this insurance policy. Information about the University of Redlands Student Health Insurance Plan and the cost associated with the plan can be found here.
Students are billed each semester for their health insurance coverage.