International Focus

The University of Richmond places great emphasis on internationalizing the education and campus life of all students. Our Office of International Education coordinates study abroad programs; international student and scholar services; activities and events such as International Week, lectures, concerts, fairs and an annual international film series; a faculty seminar abroad; and an International Resource Center with travel, work and volunteer information. The office also offers advising and administration of grants and scholarships.

International Student and Scholar Services

The Office of International Education supports international students in their transition to studying and living at the University and in the United States. Staff members serve as advisers on immigration, academic, financial and personal matters, as well as cultural transition and adjustment issues.

An in-depth orientation program is held each semester. Throughout the year, workshops on various aspects of life and culture in the United States are organized for international students and scholars. Other programs that help to integrate international students into the Richmond community include the Ambassador Program, International Club and Host Family Program.

International Programs and Events

The Global House, located in Keller Hall, is a major center of international activity on campus. U.S. and international students live in this culturally diverse residential facility. Throughout the academic year, residents of the Global House organize activities for students, faculty and staff. The aim of the Global House is to raise campus awareness of international issues and to provide a social center where students can engage in various activities.

The International Club members include U.S. and international students. The club’s mission is to share cultural experiences with the campus and Richmond community; celebrate diversity and foster integration; enhance awareness and educate others about differences and similarities in peoples and cultures; create an interactive environment for all international students, including Americans, as well as faculty and the Richmond community; incorporate cultural, social, educational and community service programming; and help make a difference on a global level.

The Ambassador Program pairs Richmond undergraduates with new international students. The objective of the program is to welcome international students to the University and to the city of Richmond and to help integrate new international students into the University community.

The Office of International Education and the Alumni Office also offer a Host Family Program. Students are hosted by families of local alumni and Richmond faculty and staff. They get together for meals, trips, shopping and movies or just to enjoy each other's company.

The International Film Series is free and open to the public and offers new films from around the world. Recent series featured films from Finland, Russia, Israel, Italy, France, Iran, Denmark, Germany, Spain and South Korea.

The annual International Week includes such events as the Study Abroad Fair, the International Career Forum, the International Dinner and various events that bring together students, faculty, alumni, parents and members of the Greater Richmond community.

Seminars, panels and performances sponsored by the Office of International Education address topics of international concern and offer insight into diverse cultures. Past programs include a conference on L'viv, Ukraine; performances by a Russian choir and Cuban jazz musicians; a workshop by a Hungarian folk band; an exhibit of Russian art; lectures by visiting scholars on Thracian archaeology, the philosophy of Nietzsche, Aboriginal rock art and urban sustainability; and panel discussions by scholars from Kazakhstan, Georgia, the Ukraine and Moldova.

Juniors and seniors may be selected for membership in Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars.

Faculty Development in the International Arena

Since 1989, the Faculty Seminar Abroad program has included travel to more than 22 countries. Richmond faculty meet with academic counterparts, political and business leaders, and local citizens. Upon return, faculty incorporate the seminar experience into teaching, advising and research.

Each year, the Office of International Education invites an international scholar, writer or artist to teach and conduct research at the University for either a semester or a year. Recent scholars-in-residence included an Italian theater and TV director, a Jamaican poet, an information systems scholar from Australia, a scholar of Islam and Middle Eastern studies, a human rights scholar from Egypt, a classical dancer from India, two Fulbright teaching assistants from Turkey and Morocco, a Fulbright scholar from Poland, and a psychology scholar from China.

Advising and Administration of Grants and Scholarships

The Office of International Education administers a variety of grants and scholarships for study and research abroad. These include the Carole Weinstein Fund, the Fulbright Student Grant for graduating seniors, the Gilman and Freeman funds, and the National Security Education Program fellowship.

Travel, Work and Volunteer Abroad Resources

The International Resource Center (IRC) provides books, videos, magazines, travel guides and informational materials that cover study, work and travel abroad, scholarships, graduate study, and international internships. The IRC is equipped with a television, VCR and computer with Internet access.

Graduates

Study abroad alumni go on to medical school, law school and other graduate programs in the United States and abroad. Others continue their overseas experiences as Fulbright scholars, English teachers, Peace Corps volunteers or employees of international businesses and nonprofit organizations.