Skip to main content
Global Opportunities

Spelman College (USA) Summer Exchange

Applications are closed for summer 2025. The below information is relevant for participants in the summer 2025 edition of the summer exchange programme with Spelman College.

Summer 2026: Interested students may consult the below information and resources as a guide only, as updated information for summer 2026 will be published during winter 2025/26.

Opportunity overview

In collaboration with Spelman College and London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (hereafter referred to as “the London Links”), Queen Mary has two funded spaces available on this short-term ‘immersion’ mobility opportunity for undergraduate Queen Mary full-degree, female-identifying students who self-identify as part of the African Diaspora.

If selected, you would meet and buddy-up with visiting students from Spelman College while they attend session 1 of the Queen Mary Summer School, 30 June – 18 July 2025. Then, you would attend the historic Spelman College in Atlanta (Georgia) in the USA for the start of their academic year for three weeks, dates are TBC at present but the programme will take place from mid-August-early-mid-September. Tuition fees are waived for participants in both programmes.

The London Links covers the cost of travel and accommodation for the selected Queen Mary students. The selected students must cover subsistence, local transportation in Atlanta and other related costs (e.g. passport, ESTA fee). Among other requirements, you must hold or be entitled to apply for a UK passport in order to be eligible to apply and to participate.

Please consult the informational flyer under the "Resources and find out more!" tab for full programme details, including eligibility and how to apply.

About Spelman

Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a private, historically Black liberal arts institution and global leader in the education of women of African descent in Atlanta, Georgia. Spelman is dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and the intellectual, creative, ethical, and leadership development of its students and is renowned for its dedication to ethical leadership and social change. Spelman stands at the forefront of educating women of African descent through rigorous programmes that foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and lifelong learning.

For the past 15 years, Spelman College has been ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report on the list of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Spelman has a distinguished reputation for academic achievement, innovation and community engagement. Prospective students are encouraged to consult Spelman's website to explore its broad range of majors, global collaborations and transformative opportunities.

Through diverse learning modalities, Spelman empowers the whole person to engage the many cultures of the world and inspires a commitment to positive social change. Today, Spelman's student body comprises more than 2,100 enrolled students from 43 states and 10 foreign countries. With a faculty committed to mentorship and leadership development, Spelman offers a vibrant campus culture enriched by diverse extracurricular activities. This inclusive environment supports both personal and professional growth, equipping graduates to make a lasting impact on their communities worldwide.

About the London Links

The Links, Incorporated is a charitable organisation founded in 1946 by Sarah Strickland Scott and Margaret Roselle Hawkins, in Philadelphia, PA USA. Members come from variety of industries and are committed to espousing the ideals of friendship and service through delivering comprehensive philanthropic programs. Today the organisation serves international communities through its membership with chapters across the United States, United Kingdom and the Bahamas.

After serving the London community in partnership with other charitable groups for several years, the London (UK) Chapter was chartered in 2018 as the 288th chapter of The Links, Incorporated and was later separately registered as a charity and non-profit company by limited guarantee operating in England. The London (UK) Chapter supports women and youth providing mentoring, career skills workshops and other support to enable them to progress into higher education and working society.

Location

Queen Mary students completing the summer exchange programme with Spelman study at its main campus in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta is celebrated for its rich civil rights history, thriving arts scene and renowned Southern hospitality. According to the Lonely Planet, “this metropolis seamlessly blends heritage with modern charm,” offering visitors attractions such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, lush green spaces and a vibrant culinary landscape.

Level of competitiveness

Competitive **

This summer exchange programme with Spelman is open to students from all faculties at Queen Mary (other eligibility requirements apply; see further sections). However, only two places are available each year, making the application process competitive. Prospective applicants should consult the informational flyer (see "Resources and find out more!" tab of this page) for detailed eligibility requirements and to ensure that they already meet all academic or other prerequisites before applying.

The level of competitiveness (Less competitive * / Competitive ** / Very competitive ***) refers to one's chances of being allocated a space on this programme. This is an approximation determined by the number of applications received for this destination during the last academic year versus the total number of spaces available to Queen Mary students. 

Back to top