RIT launches European Post-High School Semester program to ease college transition

High school graduates who seek a self-reflection opportunity before fully deciding on and entering into college have a new alternative through Rochester Institute of Technology.

The RIT European Post-High School Semester program is designed for graduating high school seniors that may want to take a pause before going to college fulltime. Ian Mortimer, vice president for Enrollment Management and associate provost for RIT Certified, said that group may include those that want to improve their college credentials from a COVID-impacted senior year, those that love to travel but have had limited recent opportunities, and those with an interest in learning how to properly conduct college-level research.

“We recognize that some high school graduates may want to take a half-step into full college from bumpy high school rides due to COVID and we believe this program is the perfect solution for their needs,” said Mortimer. “To be clear, this European transition program is for potential RIT students and students that choose other college destinations; we just want to use our available capabilities and offer new alternatives because of COVID.”

The program allows recent high school graduates to use Dubrovnik, Croatia—considered one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world—as their home base while they take three classes, conduct original research, embark on guided excursions across Europe, and build new friendships and mentorships along the way.

Mortimer said that after the European semester, students would return to their home country with new perspectives, new friendships, and new knowledge about how to engage with academic research that will propel them to their next step.  Additionally, students will have a direct admissions pathway to RIT in the spring semester or have access to a highly credentialed, independent college counselor who will work with students on spring 2023 or fall 2023 admissions. 

Don Hudspeth, President of RIT Croatia, is excited about welcoming students this fall.

“When the students arrive on the beautiful shores of the Adriatic Sea in Dubrovnik, the challenges of the past few years will seem a bit more distant,” said Hudspeth. “Moreover, we are all very excited about kicking the fall term off in Rome, Italy, one of the most amazing cities in the world”

The program begins in Rome, Italy on Aug. 22, 2022, with a week-long study tour and concludes Dec. 21. To learn more or register for an upcoming informational webinar, go to the RIT Admissions website or email Ian Mortimer at ijmoem@rit.edu.