Exchange Students

How to Apply to the Exchange Student Program at Bryn Mawr College
If you plan to study as an exchange student at Bryn Mawr College and you are a student at one of our partner universities, you must be nominated by your home institution’s study abroad team. Contact the international/study abroad office at your institution for information about eligibility requirements and nomination procedures. If you decide to submit your application, your institution will support you through the entire process.

After your institution submits your name as a nominee to the exchange program, Bryn Mawr College’s International Student and Scholar Advising will provide a link for you to submit your application.

For more detailed information, please contact the Study Abroad/International office at your home institution.

Immigration Processing
Exchange students enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa. The J-1 visa in the United States is for students who wish to take part in study-based exchange visitor programs in the U.S.  Bryn Mawr College International Student and Scholar Advising will guide you through the process of obtaining your J-1 visa.

English Proficiency
The U.S. Department of State requires exchange students meet the English proficiency requirements for a J-1 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient English language skills to participate in the program and function daily.

Health Insurance
All J visa exchange visitors are required by the U.S. Department of State to have health insurance in effect during the time of their exchange visitor program. Bryn Mawr College requires all J visa exchange visitors to enroll in the College international health insurance plan.

Housing and Meals
Exchange students live on-campus in dormitories with other undergraduate students and are enrolled in the College meal plan as an integral part of the residential life experience. All of Bryn Mawr's dorms have a common living room.

Bryn Mawr has two dining halls. The meal plan menu always includes vegetarian and vegan options. You may find more information here:  https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/offices-services/dining-services

Course Enrollment (What classes can I take?)
Exchange students are eligible to enroll in any courses available through the Tri-College Consortium. The Tri-College Consortium member schools are Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College, and Swarthmore College. Exchange students are ineligible to participate in courses at the University of Pennsylvania through the Quaker Consortium.

There may be specific courses your university would like you to take, or specific departments you need to choose from. Be sure to be in communication with your academic adviser at your home institution.

Customs (New Student Orientation)
Orientation for new undergraduate and guest students is called “Customs” at Bryn Mawr.  Customs begins the Wednesday before classes start.    Exchange and Incoming International Students arriving to the U.S. on J-1 or F-1 visas can arrive at their dorm beginning at 9 a.m. the day before Customs begins.  We plan Arrival Day for exchange and international students to process immigration business. Exchange and incoming international students must arrive and check in at their dorm on Tuesday.

The Customs New Student Orientation schedule will be available in May online. 

Academic Advising
Exchange visitors are assigned an academic adviser who is a Dean from the Undergraduate College at Bryn Mawr.  We promote the academic and personal growth of undergraduates at the College. Through advising and programming, your Dean will help you learn about available opportunities and resources and make decisions about when and how to take advantage of them.

Transcript
Upon completion of your program, you may order your academic transcript via the Registrar’s Office.  You may submit your request on the Registrar’s page.

International Student and Scholar Advising
We are here to assist exchange students through the immigration process, to navigate the transition to life at Bryn Mawr, assist you in maintaining visa compliance, and to serve as the support center during your stay at the College.

How to Apply to the Exchange Student Program at Bryn Mawr College
If you plan to study as an exchange graduate student at Bryn Mawr College, you must be nominated by your home institution. Contact the international/study abroad office at your institution for information about eligibility requirements and nomination procedures. If you decide to submit your application, your institution will support you through the entire process.

After your institution submits your name as a nominee to the exchange program, Bryn Mawr College’s International Student and Scholar Advising will provide a link for you to submit your application.

English Proficiency
The U.S. Department of State requires exchange students meet the English proficiency requirements for a J-1 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient English language skills to participate in the program and function daily.

Immigration Processing
Exchange students enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa. The J-1 visa in the United States is for students who wish to take part in study-based exchange visitor programs in the U.S.  Bryn Mawr College International Student and Scholar Advising will guide you through the process of obtaining your J-1 visa.

Health Insurance
All J visa exchange visitors are required by the U.S. Department of State to have health insurance in effect during the time of their exchange visitor program. Bryn Mawr College requires all J visa exchange visitors to enroll in the College international health insurance plan.

Housing and Meals
Graduate Exchange students must find accommodations to live near the Bryn Mawr College.  Bryn Mawr College Dining Services offers meal plans. Bryn Mawr has two dining halls. The meal plan menu always includes vegetarian and vegan options. The Dining Services website can be found here: https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/offices-services/dining-services/meal-plans-prices  

Transcript
Upon completion of your program, you may order your academic transcript via the Registrar’s Office.  You may submit your request on the Registrar’s page.

International Student and Scholar Advising
We are here to assist exchange students through the immigration process, to navigate the transition to life at Bryn Mawr, assist you in maintaining visa compliance, and to serve as the support center during your stay at the College.