UR follows a comprehensive and integrated philosophy of study abroad. Richmond has over 55 exchange agreements, which means that 75% of our students going abroad each semester, on average, are studying alongside their peers at our overseas partner institutions. This approach is different from that of many U.S. liberal arts universities our size, where many students study abroad through third-party providers, or with a faculty-led group.
We believe that our exchange-based model of study abroad benefits students greatly because students are learning in another university framework, philosophy, and pedagogy, which is often very different from the way Richmond approaches education. Richmond students abroad are expected to be very independent and self-reliant in both the academic and non-academic realms, yet they have the support of colleagues abroad at our partner universities, all of which have International Offices just as we do at Richmond.
In most cases, students on exchange programs take regular classes with local students, or a combination of regular classes plus classes arranged specifically for visiting international students. Studying in the local university system abroad is both rewarding and challenging. Richmond's study abroad team is always available to assist our students in dealing with the differences and challenges they encounter.
Finally, having exchange relationships with universities in other countries enhances and expands internationalization at Richmond. Our partners are carefully selected with input from faculty across all the schools of the University. These relationships foster faculty collaboration, thus enhancing the educational experience of Richmond students on campus. Additionally, exchange students from our partner institutions enroll in classes at Richmond, offering new perspectives in the classroom, thus enriching and raising the quality of education your student receives even before he or she leaves the country.
In addition to studying directly in universities abroad, each year Richmond sends about 25% of study abroad participants on third-party affiliate programs designed specifically for U.S. students. In some cases, these programs provide the best academic match for certain students, as they are centered on very specific themes, or they may be a better fit for students who do not have high levels of skill in foreign languages, or they may be good for students who want or need a high-degree of on-site support. Another reason for which we do offer a limited number of third-party affiliate programs abroad is that we have found that it is not practical to offer exchange programs in all locations.
STA Travel - Offers airfare and other travel options (hotels/hostels, tours, rail passes, etc) at discount rates to students with activated ISIC cards (see below).
myISIC.com - International Student Identity Card (ISIC), licensed by STA Travel, offers discounts on travel, museum entrance fees, food, and much more. Students going on approved UR study abroad programs who submit their passport photos to the OIE by the required deadline are provided with a free ISIC card. Students should activate their ISIC cards at myISIC.com to take advantage of these disounts. Those students who missed the required passport photo deadline can purchase ISIC cards at their own expense from myISIC.com.
ISIC International Calling Cards - The ISIC card packet includes an international calling card which provides 10 free talk time minutes and low international calling rates. Family and friends can also use the service to leave voicemail messages for students. This website provides rates, calling tips and user guides, among other things.
Culture Smart! guides - Offer illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Borders.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Travelers' Health - CDC Travelers' Health offers information to assist travelers and their health-care providers in deciding the vaccines, medications, and other measures necessary to prevent illness and injury during international travel.
Choose the "Find a Program" tab and click on the name of a program or do a search. This will take you to a "brochure" page describing the various features of the program such as academics, housing, and eligibility requirements.
How much will it cost? In most cases, Richmond programs charge Richmond tuition, but not room and board, for the semester abroad. Housing fees are usually paid directly to the institution or landlord abroad. Most universities abroad do not have meal plans, so students "pay as they go" in university dining facilities, or they prepare their own meals in shared kitchens in dormitories or apartments. To view detailed cost estimates for your student's program, go to the appropriate brochure page and click on "Dates and Costs."
Where can I find the dates of the program? To view dates for your student's program, go to the appropriate brochure page and click on "Dates and Costs." Note that the dates may not be updated for future semesters, but that the start and end dates are usually the same for each semester (plus or minus a day or two). Dates are updated as soon as this information is known to OIE staff.
What are the unbilled and discretionary costs? Students should anticipate pre-departure costs for luggage, ID photos, vaccines (when required) and travel items such as travel alarm clocks, money pouches, converters, etc.
While abroad, most program participants spend $2,500 to $4,000 per semester above and beyond living costs. These expenses include entertainment, souvenirs and cultural events, but the biggest single category of discretionary expense is independent travel beyond the student's program site. Students considering study abroad should be encouraged to start saving early. Expenses can be reduced by traveling to nearby cities as well as visiting local sites. We suggest students not travel too much outside of their host city or else they will not be able to develop relationships with local students and persons and will not really know the city or town where they are spending the semester.
Why do I pay UR tuition for the semester my student will be abroad? The policy of charging home tuition for study abroad is standard among the University of Richmond's peer universities around the U.S. Like other highly-selective institutions, Richmond carefully chooses and monitors its study abroad programs, linking only with top tier institutions and programs abroad. Richmond charges home tuition because students on study abroad continue to earn credit towards a Richmond degree. Students going abroad remain Richmond students and thus retain many of the services that they would normally receive on campus (such as IT, counseling, advising, online library and research services), as well as additional specialized services particular to study abroad. All Richmond financial aid is transferable to Richmond semester or year abroad programs.
It should also be noted that the following financial benefits are provided to all students on UR semester or year abroad programs:
Travel allowances ($500 to $1200 per semester, depending on location)
Living costs in select locations where the cost of living is notably higher than at Richmond
Passport/visa/residence fee reimbursements
Reimbursement for gym fees up to $200/semester
Reimbursement or payment for cultural/academic excursions organized or endorsed by the institution abroad up to $500/semester, if excursions are not included in the program fee (must be pre-approved by the relevant study abroad advisor)
In addition to these benefits, Richmond offers study abroad scholarships through the Office of International Education (see our website for details, under "Financial Matters"), the Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures, and Latin American and Iberian Studies departments. Visit http://lais.richmond.edu/program/awards.htmlfor information.
Should my installment payments change? If you use the installment plan through Academic Management Services (AMS), you may need to adjust your payments. After you have consulted the budget sheet for your student's program, you should contact AMS (800-635-0120) to request an adjustment based on which fees you will need to pay to Richmond for your student's semester or year abroad.
Does financial aid apply? Yes. Financial aid is applicable to Richmond semester or year abroad programs, and additional scholarships are also available. See "Financial Matters" for details. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 804-289-8438 for information about your son or daughter's situation, or email finaid@richmond.edu.
Is health insurance required? Yes. We automatically enroll your student in the CMI insurance plan. More information is provided on the "Health and Safety" section of our web page. For questions regarding coverage of a pre-existing health condition, call the ACI Claims office at 1-888-293-9229.
Is it safe to travel abroad? Although there are risks inherent in any form of travel, and no institution can guarantee any individual's safety in any setting at home or abroad, the Office of International Education is committed to taking every reasonable precaution to provide program participants with healthy and safe international education experiences. Health and safety abroad comprise important parts of our orientation process, we provide students with all relevant State Department safety notices, and we closely monitor situations abroad that could have implications for student welfare. To learn more, please visit the "Health and Safety" section of our website, and the U.S. Department of State's site.
Most students travel independently while abroad. Although students are advised to provide their contact information and itineraries to our office, many do not. Please encourage your student to notify our office, as well as their designated contact person abroad, of their travel plans and contact information. It is also important that they read the U.S. Dept of State Travel information prior to departure, and that they get any visas that they may need for the places they intend to visit beyond their program sites. We also encourage all students to register their traveling with the local U.S. embassy in case it is necessary for them to be contacted in an emergency.
Richmond has a crisis management plan as well as insurance that can provide assistance in unusual circumstances - for example evacuation to a safe location - should this become necessary. (However, this has never been necessary in the twenty years that Richmond has been providing international education.)
What about housing abroad? Another way in which Richmond students are immersed in the cultures of the countries where they study is that in most cases students reside in the same kinds of housing as local students. It is not uncommon for males and females to reside in the same residence hall or apartment (flat). Also, students may be placed with older more mature students who are studying at the bachelor, master's or PhD level.
Accommodation abroad will be different from the experience of living in a Richmond residence hall. For many students, the new experience of living more independently will be a time of growth and greater responsibility, which can be both rewarding and challenging.
Depending on the program, students may have the option of living in a residence hall, apartment or home stay. A few programs require students to locate their own housing upon or prior to arrival. Information about housing for each Richmond semester or year abroad program is provided on the program brochure page for that program.
Students should not expect residences abroad to be the same as at Richmond, particularly with regard to convenience or amenities. Housing abroad, particularly in Europe, is often in older buildings, and living spaces may be smaller and more sparsely furnished than student rooms at UR. In some countries, living alone is the norm, while in other locations students will share a room or flat. Many student residence halls abroad include kitchen facilities and students are expected to cook their own meals. A meal plan is almost never available, although pay-as-you-go cafeterias are often available at student-friendly prices.
Although there are some exceptions, universities abroad rarely have a campus environment like one is accustomed to in the U.S., so students should not expect to live "on campus." Residence halls, apartment buildings, and home stays will be located throughout the host city and a commute (walking or public transportation) will likely be required to reach the academic buildings or the residences of other students. Residence halls and apartment buildings may not have card or key security at the front door, and there may not be 24-hour security provided at a front desk, even for residences located in urban areas. Repairs (except for emergencies) may take longer than what students are used to on Richmond's campus. Student housing, regardless of whether it is a residence hall, apartment, or home stay, may not be directly adjacent to public transportation, so students may need to walk 10 minutes or more to reach their residence after getting off the metro/bus/tram.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers may not be standard amenities; students who wish to purchase these items abroad can be reimbursed for the cost by the OIE.
Students should be aware of all of these differences when choosing a study abroad program and when selecting their accommodation. Advising and information is available to help students choose the most suitable residence. If a student has a particular concern about housing on a particular program abroad, they should bring it to the attention of their Richmond study abroad advisor immediately.
Will my student be met at the airport? In some cases, students will not be met at the airport and will need to take a taxi or public transportation to the place where they will be living. Some universities abroad do arrange for airport pick-up during specific dates and times; however, this is not always the case.
Is there a group flight? Most Richmond semester and year abroad programs do not offer group flights; however, it is not uncommon for students going on the same program to coordinate their travel plans so that they can fly together. Information regarding student discount travel can be found on our web page in the "Travel Resources" section.
Will my student need to obtain a student visa prior to departure? Yes, in some cases, depending on the student's citizenship, a student visa will be required. In most cases, the student will need to apply for the visa directly either in person or via mail prior to departure. More information on whether or not a visa is required can be found at the bottom of the program brochure page for the UR semester program abroad. Upon approval to a semester abroad program, students will receive a program specific checklist with information regarding passport and visa requirements.
Where can my student have forms notarized? Students who require notary services as part of their visa application may bring their relevant paperwork to Cindy Holma in the Office of International Education (Puryear Hall) during walk-in hours from 2-4 pm, Monday-Thursday. Those who cannot meet during that time must make an appointment with Ms. Holma (cholma@richmond.edu). Photo identification is required for notary service. If a signature needs to be notarized, do not sign the document until you are in the presence of the notary (Cindy Holma).
What happens if a program is cancelled? If the U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to leave the host country, we will cancel the relevant program and recall students to the U.S. In such an instance, we will immediately notify students and parents, relying on the contact information provided by your student on the Emergency Contact Form (see below). To date, Richmond has not had to recall students from abroad.
How do I communicate with my student while he or she is abroad? Most students use Skype (http://www.skype.com/welcomeback) to communicate with family and friends back home. Skype is a free download and offers free computer-to-computer calls. Calls can also be made to land and mobile phone lines for additional low cost fees.
Students will have access to internet at the university or program abroad. In some cases, but not all, internet access may be available in the housing abroad. There may be an additional fee for this service or the student may have to set up wireless services at his or her expense.
Mobile phone rates are fairly reasonable in most countries. Therefore, many study abroad students purchase a cell or mobile phone abroad. Some U.S. cell phone companies offer international calling options that enable U.S. cell phones to be used abroad. Note that U.S. rates abroad are usually more expensive.
Once accepted by our office, your student will be required to complete and submit, or read and heed, the following forms and materials:
Agreement and Release. This is the only form requiring a parental signature. Please note that because this is a carbon-copy form, your student must complete and sign the form's top portion before giving or sending it to you, so that you can complete and sign the bottom portion. Students whose parents or guardians are not contributing financially to their educational expenses are not required to obtain their signature.
Withdrawal Policies and Procedures. Students and parents should read our Withdrawal Policybefore the student signs the "Commitment Form."
Commitment Form. By signing this online form, students acknowledge that, for the designated semester or year abroad, they will be ineligible for on-campus housing or course registration at Richmond. Of course, they will maintain their full-time status as Richmond students while studying abroad on Richmond programs.
Emergency Information Sheet. This form tells us how to contact you in the event of an emergency.
Checklists. Students will receive a program-specific checklist with essential to-do items. In most cases, this document specifies that students must make their own flight reservations, apply for a passport and a visa (if required), and arrange their own accommodation. We give students instruction in each of these areas, but it's ultimately up to the student to make the actual arrangements.
University of Richmond Office of International Education Puryear Hall, Middle Floor Office Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday studyabroad@richmond.edu
Info for Parents