Introduction
Going on exchange as part of your bachelor’s degree is an exciting opportunity that will not only enhance your RSM experience but will greatly benefit your career prospects. You get to travel, meet new people, study in a different country, experience a new culture, and develop new academic and personal skills.
With a selection of over 100 partner universities spanning the globe, the options for exchange are vast. However, it's important to approach your research with careful consideration. To make the most of your exchange possibilities, it's advisable to initiate your planning as early as your first bachelor year.
When considering going on exchange and to prepare for your exchange application, there is a lot to consider and to think about like, personal goals, professional goals, language(s) (of instruction), the location and environment of the partner school, course offerings, housing preferences, financial aspects, academic calendars, and more. Additionally, you must ascertain your eligibility for the exchange program, ensuring you fulfill the requirements of both RSM and your chosen partner school(s).
Imagine being among the approximately 350 students selected for an enriching experience spanning blocks 9, 10, and potentially 11 of your third year, spent at one of our esteemed partner universities in Europe, North America, Latin America, Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, or Africa, all under the umbrella of the Bachelor Exchange Programme!
Will you take up the challenge? Apply for our Bachelor Exchange Programme! For the latest factsheets, study reports and updates, we recommend you to sign up for the RSM Bachelor Exchange page on Canvas.
Destinations
There are more than 100 exchange destinations available to you. These business schools and universities are seen as some of the best in their countries and are renowned worldwide. You have to list 6 preferred destinations in your application.
The RSM partner schools’s website provides you with information, such as its programmes, accreditations and rankings, location, and accommodation possibilities for international students.
All information about partner schools: fact sheets, requirements, and study reports can be found in Canvas.
Selection criteria
There are several mandatory requirements which you must fulfil in order to be considered eligible for an exchange abroad via RSM, on top of that, sometimes even more requirements are needed for specific destinations in particular. We will mention the basic requirements set by RSM in order to be able to apply for the exchange programme:
- Study Progress
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
- English language certificate
For further information, please refer to our Canvas page.
Finances
How much does an exchange cost?
A study experience abroad always involves additional costs such as language course fees, visas, insurance, airfare and other travel expenses. The total amount of additional costs depends on the destination and your personal expenses.
Please do make sure that you make a realistic budget overview for yourself before deciding where you would like to go. Do not calculate receiving possible scholarships or grants within this budget overview as you can never be sure if you will actually receive them. If you do, see it as extra spending money.
Please read the study reports of your predecessors on Canvas, as all students mentioned their budget spent. In the factsheets of our partner universities (to be found on Canvas as well) and/or on their webpages, most universities mention the approximate costs for an exchange at their school. Always look for extra costs involved, some might be mentioned in their application requirements.
For example:
Some universities in countries such as the USA or Australia need proof that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay at the host university. Selected students for these universities need to show evidence at the time of application (around February) at the host university that they have the equivalent of approximately $ 5000-7000 or more on their or their parents’ bank account. In some cases, grants and scholarships are available.
Do I have to pay tuition fee?
As an exchange student selected by RSM’s Exchange Office, you don’t have to pay any tuition fee at the host university, however you need to be enrolled at RSM. An exchange always involves at least half a year RSM tuition fee.
Small administration fees for e.g. facilities might be charged by the partner school, these costs are your responsibility.
How can I reduce costs during my exchange?
The following information may also help to you to reduce your extra costs.
Subletting your room during your exchange
Subletting your room during your exchange period can reduce exchange costs, and using your room will help us to accommodate our incoming exchange students.
There is always a shortage of rooms for exchange students studying in Rotterdam. If you want to rent out your room temporarily you can use the housing webpage: www.HousingAnywhere.com. This webpage was developed to bring student accommodation supply and demand together; and it operates student-to-student, without using intermediaries.
Grants & scholarships
Information about grants and scholarships can be found in our Canvas page.
Application
To apply for an exchange term abroad, students need to complete:
- Part I: application form (focus on general information, study progress and the requirements):
- your personal details
- your RSM education
- your preferred exchange destinations (up to 6 destinations)
- carefully consider whether or not you are open for alternative destinations if not selected for your 6 preferred destinations.
- your language skills (uploads requested: IELTS or TOEFL iBT certificate and, if applicable, additional language certificate(s)
- have your uploads ready; copy passport or European ID card, language certificate(s), if applicable diploma in combination with native passport.
- Part II: Interview Stream (focus on your motivation):
- questions to be answered in written form and video pitches
Further information about application and selection process can be found in our Canvas page.
Contact information
Location and opening hours
The RSM Exchange Office is responsible for initiating, organising and co-ordinating international exchange and joint / double degree programmes with international business schools and universities at bachelor and master levels.
Location and opening hours
- Location: Woudestein campus, Mandeville (T) Building, 5th floor, rooms 5-14 & 5-18,
- General email address: exchange@rsm.nl
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 17:00
- Appointments are recommended as all staff members work parttime. Please see contact information.
Useful Contacts and Addresses
Student advisers
Website More information
Erasmus Student Services Centre (ESSC)
Room Sanders building
Tel. +31 - (0)10 - 408 88 80 (option 1)
Website https://www.eur.nl/en/education/practical-matters/contact
Open daily 9:30 to 16:00 h.
The ESSC can help you when:
• applying for scholarships, grants or funds;
• reimbursing your OV student card;
• registering for a language test or course;
• you need information on practical matters concerning an academic period abroad,
such as visa and insurance;
• you need statements of enrolment or other documents.
Information from Nuffic
The Netherlands Organisation for International Co-operation in Higher Education (Nuffic) is the Dutch organisation for international co-operation in higher education. They provide useful information about studying abroad, grants, etc. The Dutch website provides more information compared to their pages in English as it mainly focuses on Dutch students but it can be of some help for international students as well: www.wilweg.nl