A Message from the Dean of International Education:
In 2007-2008 the Office of International Education will celebrate 20 years of international education at Richmond. It was in 1987 that a faculty ad hoc committee was created and ultimately its recommendation to create the Office of International Education was accepted by the administration. This jump started the process of internationalization at the University of Richmond. The Director of the Office of International Education was charged with the implementation of a new, interdisciplinary International Studies major, with creating a structure for study abroad, support of international students, and designing events and programs for a broad-based internationalization of the campus.
We have come a long way in these 20 years. Richmond now has about 50 bilateral relationships with top-tier universities around the world, a number of internships and faculty-led programs during the academic year, usually connected to semester-long courses and faculty-led summer study abroad programs. 70% of the class of 2007 will graduate with a study abroad experience. International students, who come from more than 70 countries, represent 6-8% of the total student population. Also, a number of international faculty and staff members are here for various periods of time, including tenured positions. So how did we get from where we were in 1987 to where we are now in 2007?
Globalization has proven to be something that does not merely happen to others; it is happening, in fact it has already happened right here. It is not a phenomenon that affects only large companies, or people who work in business, government, and the military. It is about all of us, in all walks of life, regardless of where we live and work, and who our ancestors were. It is about our culture and society. It is important to recognize that we are a much more diverse society; and, with the exception of some groups, we have learned, at least publicly, to recognize the rights of people of various origins to maintain their cultural ties with the past. Most of us have signed on to a social contract, which acknowledges that people 'not from here' contribute to our shared culture and that these contributions are worth acknowledging and cultivating.
And so we will have an opportunity to celebrate our progress during this academic year and I hope you will plan to be actively involved.
Sincerely,
Uliana Gabara Dean and Carole M. Weinstein Chair of International Education
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you a UR alumnus/a who studied abroad while at Richmond? Were you an international student or exchange student at Richmond? Are you a Fulbright recipient or a former member of the Host Family Program or International Education Committee? We'd love to hear what you are up to and where you are! Send an update, including your current contact information to Abby Ward at award@richmond.edu or call Abby at 1-804-484-1642.
University of Richmond Office of International Education Puryear Hall, Middle Floor Office Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday studyabroad@richmond.edu
