For students
Are you interested in studying abroad? Virginia Commonwealth University’s Education Abroad office offers a number of different programs and options, certain to fit any student’s schedule. Students can travel to places around the world — Australia, China, Peru, Russia, Scotland or other locales — throughout the academic year.
We encourage all students to study in another cultural setting during their time at VCU. Benefits of studying abroad include:
- Experiencing life and learning in different cultures
- Developing a broader understanding of the world
- Increasing knowledge of, and facility in, a foreign language
- Understanding differences in educational styles and systems
- Increasing employment marketability upon graduation
Events
Quiz - Is study abroad right for me?
Are you interested in studying abroad in a foreign country while receiving credit towards your major, minor or general education requirements?
Are you interested in learning a language, volunteering or interning abroad?
Have you considered the benefits of an international experience? It can enrich your VCU experience, and there are a number of options out there. If you change your mind, explore the many possibilities on our website or visit the Global Education Office to meet with an advisor.
Start your search for work, intern or volunteer opportunities abroad at the VCU Abroad Resources Page. The US State Department also offers Critical Language Scholarships for intensive summer language study.
Ready to take the next step? Start planning your trip today!Do you want to study abroad for a semester or a year?
Are you interested in studying abroad during a summer break, winter session or spring break?
Are you interested in learning a language, volunteering, interning or working abroad?
Have you considered the benefits of an international experience? It can enrich your VCU experience, and there are a number of options out there. If you change your mind, explore the many possibilities on our website or visit the Global Education Office to meet with an advisor.
Start your search for work, intern or volunteer opportunities abroad at the VCU Abroad Resources Page. The US State Department also offers Critical Language Scholarships for intensive summer language study.
Ready to take the next step? Start planning your trip today!
- VCU professors teach a number of courses abroad each year, in a variety of locations and topics. For a full list of Faculty Led programs, check out this page and search by location or topic.
- Search for summer short courses at the International Student Exchange Program.
- Additional summer and intersession study abroad programs can be found at studyabroad.com
If you are interested in studying abroad for a semester or a year, your options are VCU Partnership exchanges, Departmental exchanges, the International Student Exchange Program, and non-VCU programs. Select your field of study to access specific information about your study abroad options.
What is your area of concentration at VCU?
- Search International Student Exchange Program for STEM exchange programs in 15 countries. Take advantage of collaborative internship or research opportunities, expand your global network, and prepare yourself for an international career. Since ISEP exchange packages are priced based on in-state tuition, you can study abroad for nearly the same cost as a semester in Richmond!
- Take classes in your STEM major at top-rated Curtin University in Perth Australia through VCU’s partnership exchange program.
- Science majors can spend a year abroad through VCU’s Partnership Exchange with the University of the West of England in Bristol, England.
- Forensic Science majors have the opportunity to participate in a special departmental exchange with Laurentian University in Canada facilitated by ISEP.
- Search studyabroad.com for non-VCU science, technology, and engineering or math programs.
- Design majors should explore a departmental exchange with VCU Qatar. Challenge yourself to a new experience abroad, and be inspired by the culture of the Persian Gulf!
- Fashion Merchandising Students are eligible for a unique departmental exchange at University of Westminster in England. Study your major near London, a global fashion capital, and take advantage of internship opportunities in your field. Whether you want to go into Public Relations, trend forecasting, buying & merchandising or design, the University of Westminster has an internship for you!
- Delve into your passion through a semester or year abroad at the VCU Partnership Exchange with University of the West of England’s School of Creative Industries. Explore Bristol’s thriving animation industry or be inspired by Banksy’s marks around the town.
- Search for arts programs at one of over 300 universities in 39 different countries around the world through the International Student Exchange Program. Immerse yourself in a foreign culture and be inspired by local art while you earn credit towards your VCU degree. Since ISEP exchange packages are priced based on in-state tuition, you can study abroad for nearly the same cost as a semester in Richmond!
- Check out these arts-focused non-VCU programs:
- Study the fine, performing or creative arts with Arts Abroad.
- Study fashion design with Ecole du Parsons in Paris.
- Immerse yourself in the art and architecture of Ancient Greece with Hellenic International Studies.
- Be inspired by the artistic heritage of Italy with the Lorenzo de Medici Italian International Institute, the Santa Reparata International School of Art or Studio Art Centres International
- Get a global perspective with SIT’s Art, Media and Social Change programs in Czech Republic, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco and Senegal.
- Gain an international perspective and improve your language skills with a VCU Partnership Exchange program!
- Want to explore Latin American culture and Portuguese language? Study the humanities at the Universidad de Sao Paolo in Brazil
- Challenge yourself with a year-long exchange program with the University of the West of England.
- Explore beautiful West Australia and aboriginal culture while studying Humanities or Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University.
- An Italian expert? Put your language expertise into practice while studying the humanities at University of Messina, Italy.
- Take your Spanish to the next level with a semester abroad! Consider a partnership exchange with the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, or for more advanced speakers, try the University of Cordoba, Spain.
- Search for humanities programs at one of over 300 universities in 39 different countries around the world through the International Student Exchange Program. Immerse yourself in a foreign culture while you earn credit towards your VCU degree. Since ISEP exchange packages are priced based on in-state tuition, you can study abroad for nearly the same cost as a semester in Richmond!
- Search studyabroad.com for non-VCU humanities programs.
- Take your Business major global with study abroad, and improve your resume with an international experience. Check out this article to see the life-long benefits of investing in an international experience.
- Have you considered studying abroad in an emerging market economy? VCU has Partnership Exchanges with universities in Brazil, China and Mexico!
- Want to explore Latin American culture and Portuguese language? Study business at the Universidad de Sao Paolo in Brazil.
- Take your resume to the next level by adding Chinese language experience in two of China’s megacities! Study Chinese language and business at Beijing Foreign Studies University in the capitol or Fudan University in Shanghai!
- Upgrade your Spanish and your marketability in the same semester! Consider a partnership exchange with the University of Guadalajara, Mexico for Spanish immersion and business studies. For more advanced speakers, try the exchange program with University of Cordoba, Spain.
- Looking for a top-notch business school in an English speaking country?
- Explore beautiful South Australia while studying on a to Curtin University's Business School, ranked Perth's most comprehensive.
- Search for business programs at one of over 300 universities in 39 different countries around the world through the International Student Exchange Program. Take business classes in English while you immerse yourself in a foreign culture and gain valuable language skills. Since ISEP exchange packages are priced based on in-state tuition, you can study abroad for nearly the same cost as a semester in Richmond!
- Search studyabroad.com for non-VCU business study abroad programs.
- Enrich your knowledge of other cultures and languages with the following immersive partnership exchanges. Great for students with language experience!
- Want to explore Latin American culture and Portuguese language? Spend a semester at the Universidade de Sao Paolo in Brazil and learn about Brazil’s unique cultural heritage
- Explore the aboriginal culture of West Australia while studying at Curtin University
- An Italian expert? Put your language expertise into practice while studying at University of Messina, Italy.
- Take your Spanish to the next level with a semester abroad! Consider a partnership exchange with the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, or for more advanced speakers, try the University of Cordoba, Spain.
- Search for language or world studies programs at one of over 300 universities in 39 different countries around the world through the International Student Exchange Program. Immerse yourself in a foreign culture while you earn credit towards your VCU degree. Improve your language skills by taking classes in the host-country language or taking language classes on-site. Since ISEP exchange packages are priced based on in-state tuition, you can study abroad for nearly the same cost as a semester in Richmond!
- Search studyabroad.com for non-VCU immersive language or world studies programs.
- Mass Communications students should consult an advisor when planning to study abroad to pre-approve their program and should aim to study abroad in their first two years at VCU or during the summer. In the past, Mass Comm students have transferred credits from the following programs.
- University of Westminster, England (Non-VCU)
- Curtin University, Australia (VCU Partnership)
- Spain, CEA
- Radboud Universiteit, Netherlands, ISEP
- Macquarie University, Australia, ISEP
