Office of International Education Facts
An Introduction to the Office of International Education
The University of Richmond places great emphasis on internationalizing the education and campus life of all students. To that end, the Office of International Education (OIE) creates and administers 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.
Study Abroad Advising and Administration
The University of Richmond has linkages with more than 60 distinguished universities and study abroad programs around the world. These study abroad opportunities enhance Richmond's curriculum by offering students a wide variety of courses and experiences. Students can go abroad for a semester, year or summer and earn major, minor and elective credits toward graduation. There are also short programs related to specific courses. Professional staff offer guidance, advising and support throughout the entire study abroad process. The office organizes orientation programs to help prepare students for their experience abroad. Upon return from study abroad, the OIE organizes activities to help reintegrate students into the University community and to identify opportunities for continuing international education on campus and in the community.
With few exceptions, Richmond programs charge Richmond tuition. All financial aid is transferred to Richmond semester programs abroad, and a travel allowance is provided. Early planning and the assistance of an adviser help identify additional internal and external funding for students with high financial need. With the exception of places such as London and Paris, the cost of living abroad is generally similar to Richmond.
The University currently offers academic year and semester programs in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. Additional opportunities in Asia, Africa and Latin America are available through affiliate programs.
The University sponsors summer study abroad programs. Recent programs include Argentina, Australia, China, the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain and United Kingdom, as well as internship programs in Australia, London, Dublin, Madrid, Senegal and Honduras. New study abroad programs are being developed.
International Student and Scholar Services
The Office of International Education supports international students in their transition to studying and living at the University of Richmond and in the United States. Staff members serve as advisers on immigration, academic, financial and personal matters, as well as cultural transition and adjustment. An in-depth orientation program is held before each semester, and workshops on various aspects of life and culture in the United States are offered. Other programs that help to integrate international students into the Richmond community include the Ambassador Program, International Club and Host Family Program.
The Global House, located in Keller Hall, is the focal point of residential activity on campus. U.S. and international students live in this culturally diverse residential facility. Throughout the academic year, residents of 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 International Club's mission is to share cultural experiences with the campus and Richmond community; celebrate diversity and foster diverse integration; enhance awareness and educate others about differences and similarities in cultures and of people; 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 coordinate the 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, open and free to the public, offers new films from around the world. Recent series featured films from France, Japan, Argentina, Norway, Ivory Coast, Iran and Slovenia.
The annual International Week includes such events as the Study Abroad Fair, the International Career Forum, the International Dinner, the Study Abroad Q & A Session for Parents and other 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 insights 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, 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 has traveled to a total of 22 countries. Richmond faculty meet with academic counterparts, political and business figures, as well as average citizens. Upon return, faculty members 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 theatre 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 and a classical dancer from India.
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 NSEP scholarship.
Travel, Work and Volunteer Abroad Resource
The International Resource Center 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 U.S. and abroad. Others continue their overseas experiences as Fulbright scholars, English teachers, Peace Corps volunteers or employees of international businesses and non-profits.
Professional Staff
Dr. Uliana Gabara
Dean of International Education
E-mail: ugabara@richmond.edu
Michele Cox
Director of International Programs
E-mail: mcox@richmond.edu
Krittika Onsanit
Director of International Student, Scholar and Internship Services
E-mail: konsanit@richmond.edu
Susan Jordan
Associate Director of International Programs
E-mail: sjordan@richmond.edu
Amy Bergmann
Program Assistant
E-mail: abergman@richmond.edu
Abby Ward
Project Coordinator
E-mail: award@richmond.edu
Laurie Mackey
Administrative Assistant
E-mail: lmackey@richmond.edu
Catherine Orr
Administrative Assistant
E-mail: corr@richmond.edu
Office of International Education Home page
Dr. Uliana Gabara
Dean, International Education
(804) 289-8836
Office of Admission
(800) 700-1662
(804) 289-8640