The Rutherfoord Center for Experiential Learning

Guaranteeing Access to a World of Possibilities

The Rutherfoord Center for Experiential Learning ensures that you can benefit from dynamic, real-world experiences beyond the classroom, beginning in your first year. Develop a global perspective and build your creative thinking and problem-solving skills in a tangible way.

Thrive Academically and Professionally

The Rutherfoord Center encompasses study abroad at an array of destinations around the world; domestic and international internships; initiatives that promote innovation and engagement while connecting academic work with practical application; leadership practice; and undergraduate research projects conducted in close partnership with Hollins faculty.

You can pursue each of these programs throughout all of your four years at Hollins. At the same time, you can receive mentorship; gain expert help in identifying leadership, study abroad, research, and career options; and explore prospects for financial assistance.

The Power of Experiential Learning

Transforming personal and social development, experiential learning enhances resiliency, tenacity, and curiosity. It’s an immersive process by which you gain knowledge and skills by observing, inferring, reflecting, and most of all, doing.

Undergraduate Research

Hands-on research and discovery, as well as collaborating with professors and classmates, are integral to the learning experience at Hollins. Students gain undergraduate research skills in multiple ways at Hollins, including the Hollins Science Seminar, completing a thesis or final project in their senior year, the Honors Seminar program, and January term opportunities.

Undergraduate Research

Internships

At Hollins, our extensive internships in the arts, humanities, science and mathematics, and social sciences will help you get practical work experience and begin building your resume. As many as 75% of Hollins students complete internships every year, and for-credit opportunities are guaranteed for every qualified student.

Study ABROAD

Our strong tradition of study abroad begins with our own program in London. Open to women and men from other colleges and universities as well as to Hollins students, the Hollins Abroad – London program provides an opportunity to experience the city as your classroom, while preserving Hollins’ unique campus culture.

London
We also offer more than 20 other ways to see the world (including faculty-led programs).

Take a look at how our alumnae are going places and making an impact.

Employers Start Here

Hollins students make the best employees. Want to know how to hire an undergraduate for an internship or make a connection with the university for your organization? Find out more.