Student Exchange Program

We welcome students from our global partner institutions to apply for a semester or academic year of study at Hope College.  Studying abroad at Hope College is an outstanding opportunity to immerse yourself on a unique liberal arts college campus in the Midwestern United States. As an exchange student you are fully integrated in all aspects of the college and have access to the many academic and extra-curricular experiences!

To learn more about the unique exchange program between your home institution and Hope College, please contact your study abroad or international office to explore the opportunity of studying with us!

“Being an exchange student at Hope has been an incredible way to open my eyes to the world. It has been amazing how people from a wide range of different experiences and backgrounds have become close and supporting friends. This just supports the fact that even with ‘abysmal’ global differences, we are more alike to each other than we usually think."
–Aura Romero, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Mexico Exchange Student

How to Apply

STEP 1: GUEST APPLICATION

Students interested in studying one or two semesters as an exchange student at Hope College should submit the Guest Application to their institution's study abroad office. Please contact your home institution’s study abroad office for information about our Exchange Program Agreement between our institutions — especially for billing agreement and credit transfer requirements that you need.  

To apply, access the Guest Application fillable form to start the process.

STEP 2: DEPOSIT FEE

After your home institution nominates you to study at Hope College, the Center for Global Engagement at Hope College will review the Guest Application. Once your application is approved, the student pays the $300 deposit fee to demonstrate her/his intention to enroll as a guest student. At the end of your exchange program with Hope College, Business Services will return the $300 deposit fee to you if no damages have been done to your on-campus room. 

STEP 3: J-1 VISA

When the deposit fee is received, the student will need to apply for a J-1 student visa. The International Student Advisor will provide you with detailed instructions to request your DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 student visa. Once the student submits all the requested forms, the International Student Advisor will issue the DS-2019 and will send it to the student for his/her visa interview in the U.S. Consulate.

Securing a visa interview appointment is the responsibility of each individual student.

STEP 4: REGISTER FOR CLASSES

The International Student Advisor will assist you in selecting your courses in coordination with the Hope College Registrar's Office. The student may review the course offerings to explore course options. After you access the link, a) select a “Term” from the drop box, b) then select the “Subject” from the drop box that you are interested in studying. Please note that some classes have prerequisites.

STEP 5: ARRIVAL & INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION

All international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation that will be held for students upon arrival at Hope College. For students who arrive for the fall semester, more information on arrival and the International Student Orientation dates is available by visiting the Admitted Student page. 

For those arriving in the spring semester, the International Student Advisor will provide you with information regarding the spring orientation and arrival date.

To Learn More

As you join us at Hope College, you will find a vast array of co-curricular activities for you to experience. As an exchange student, you will be fully immersed in our campus life. Want to learn more about our Student Life? Enjoy exploring your options — we look forward to seeing you at Hope College very soon!