Study abroad allows students to experience an educational setting that is different from UR and different from the United States. The skills students learn while studying abroad make them more independent, mature, and culturally aware. These skills will serve students well as they return to Richmond to complete their studies and also in the job market. Study abroad often impacts students' projected career paths and interests, plus, employers look favorably upon international experience and cultural competence.
When should I begin planning?
As soon as possible! It is never too early to begin considering your options for study abroad. The OIE even offers an information session about study abroad at the Admitted Students Open Houses and during Freshman Orientation. Otherwise, weekly information sessions are open to all students, and there are no restrictions on who may see a Peer Advisor (students generally must have attended an information session to see a Study Abroad Advisor). Early planning is necessary so that students can plan their curriculum here at UR so that they are prepared and able to take the classes they wish to while abroad, and have no problems graduating in four years.
How much will it cost?
The UR semester study abroad programs charge UR tuition as students ultimately receive a UR degree at the end of their studies. This policy is the same as used by many Richmond peer institutions. Cost for room and meals varies by location. Only a few programs include room and/or meals in the fees. Most universities (or programs) abroad do not include a meal plan. Students cook for themselves, eat in the university canteens or in local restaurants. Housing costs vary depending on the abroad program. Estimated budgets for each UR semester study abroad program are available on the program pages.
Can I use my financial aid?
Yes, the same types of assistance for which you may be considered during enrollment at Richmond are also available to you for a UR Study Abroad program during fall and/or spring terms. You should speak with your Financial Aid Officer for more details about how the logistics of your aid will work for the semester you are abroad, especially if your financial aid covers your room and board fees here at UR. More information about financial aid can be found on the Office of Financial Web site. Click here for more details http://financialaid.richmond.edu/current/abroad.html
Are scholarships available for study abroad?
Yes! The OIE offers a scholarship open to all students going abroad for a semester or year on a UR program. Other scholarships are available through departments such as Modern Literatures and Cultures. Please click here for more information about internal scholarships. Also, many external scholarships are available. Click here for a detailed list. Students interested in scholarships may direct questions to Amy Bergmann at abergman@richmond.edu.
Are my grades sufficient?
Most UR study abroad programs require a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to be considered for admission. However, some programs have higher GPA requirements and some have slightly lower minimum requirements. The minimum GPA required for admission is stated on each program's brochure page. If your cumulative GPA does not quite reach the stated minimum for your program(s) of interest, please see a study abroad advisor for more information.
Can I earn credit toward a general education requirement?
Yes, gen-ed requirements can be fulfilled abroad in some cases. In order to do this, students must complete the Study Abroad Course Approval Form either before or after their study abroad experience. Students must receive the signature of the chair of the department responsible for the gen-ed requirement. If you are interested in fulfilling a gen-ed abroad, please discuss this with your study abroad advisor when you meet with him/her.
Can I earn credit toward my major/minor?
Yes! Study abroad students frequently earn credit towards their majors/minors while abroad. In order to do this, students must complete the Study Abroad Course Approval Form either before or after their study abroad experience. Students must receive the signature of the chair of the major/minor department. Robins School of Business students should also be sure to read and understand the specific set of policies for RSB students here. For all students, this process will be explained in more detail at information sessions and after acceptance to a program.
If I am a Robins School of Business student, are there any Richmond semester/year programs that are not available to me?
Business students who wish to study abroad can only transfer business courses from universities listed here.
Business minors are sometimes permitted to take a course or two for transfer credit from a non-Robins partner. This is on a case-by-case basis and students must consult with Prof. Tom Cosse prior to submitting their study abroad application. Note that A & S economics major and minors are dealt with separately, again on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the economics department chair.
What if I am a business major and I want to apply to a non-Robins School of Business partner school?
If a Robins School student wishes to go to a non-Robins School partner, his/her application must be processed through Prof. Tom Cosse's office. Courses from these programs will not be approved for business course transfer credit; however, students may take courses to transfer to other majors/minors. Note that all courses taken abroad must be approved by the relevant department chair if the student wishes to have the course count toward a major, minor, or field-of-study requirement.
Will study abroad delay my graduation?
Study abroad will not delay graduation if students plan properly. Early planning is key to ensuring that graduation is not affected by study abroad. Students should discuss their interest in study abroad with their academic advisor as soon as possible. Exceptionally few study abroad students report that study abroad affected their graduation date.
How are admissions decisions made for UR semester abroad programs?
The Office of International Education collaborates with Richmond faculty, our partner institutions/programs abroad, and with various offices on campus to determine applicants' admissibility for study abroad. The Richmond and Westhampton deans play an essential role in the approval of students for study abroad. Students with conduct records, and students on conduct or housing probation, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Are there limits to the number of students you send abroad?
There is a limit on the number of UR studying at any one location, so applicants must indicate a second choice program (including a well-considered list of classes) on the study abroad application. This should be a viable program choice--in other words, students should be prepared to go to their second choice location if not selected for their first choice program. Competition is considerably higher in the fall semester than in the spring.
Where can I find out more about studying abroad?
Study abroad information sessions are offered every Wednesday during the academic year at 12:45 p.m. in the International Resource Center (Puryear Hall 114). Additional information sessions are offered at 5:00 p.m. on an as-needed basis. Specific sessions are also held each semester for Robins School of Business students who wish to study abroad. Watch Spiderbytes and the scrolling announcements on this site for the schedule of information sessions.
After attending an information session, students are encouraged to meet with a Study Abroad Peer Advisor. Click here for more information about Peer Advisors.
OIE study abroad staff are also eager to meet with interested students during Walk-In Hours, which are Monday-Thursday, 2:00-4:00 p.m. during the regular academic year. Students who cannot come during these hours should email the appropriate study abroad staff member for an alternate appointment time. Click here to find contact information for OIE staff.
May I make an appointment with someone in OIE?
OIE staff are eager to meet with interested study abroad students during Walk-In Hours, which are Monday-Thursday, 2:00-4:00 p.m. during the regular academic year. Before seeing an advisor, students should have attended an information session (see above). Students who cannot come during Walk-In Hours should email the appropriate study abroad staff member for an alternate appointment time. Click here to find contact information for OIE staff.
Whom should I see if I want to study in a non-Anglophone country?
There are many opportunities to study abroad in a non-Anglophone country, even if you do not speak a foreign language. Study abroad programs in non-Anglophone countries are managed by:
Abby: Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia
Michele: Latin America, Spain, Asia
Amy: Denmark, Sweden, Africa (application process)
Chris: France, Switzerland, Africa (cultural matters)
Click here to find contact information for OIE staff.
What if I want a non-UR program?
Students interested in non-UR study abroad programs should attend an Information Session and then see the appropriate study abroad advisor. A meeting with the appropriate study abroad advisor BEFORE submitting a non-UR study abroad application is mandatory. Information about the non-UR study abroad policy is available here, where you can read the benefits of attending a UR program, as well as click to read the Non-UR policy.
What about insurance coverage while abroad?
U.S. citizens and permanent residents on UR semester abroad programs are automatically enrolled in the CMI health insurance plan, a MEDEX Global Group Company, for study abroad.Payment for this insurance is made by the University of Richmond at no extra cost to the student. Students are advised to maintain existing U.S. coverage while abroad to avoid problems re-enrolling upon return (such as with pre-existing condition clauses).
Non-immigrant students will not be covered by CMI as they are already covered worldwide (with a $1,000 limit in their home countries) by Trawick International, the required insurance for non-immigrant students attending the University of Richmond. If studying abroad in their home country, these students are advised to purchase additional supplemental health & accident insurance coverage, as $1,000 is not sufficient to cover a major accident or illness.
University of Richmond Office of International Education Puryear Hall, Middle Floor Office Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday studyabroad@richmond.edu
