The University of Richmond is witnessing a notable rise in the number of students participating in study abroad programs. According to the university’s International Education department, more students are taking advantage of opportunities to study overseas, driven by a variety of motivations, including the desire to learn new languages, immerse themselves in different cultures, and engage in global social change initiatives.
This upward trend in international experiences is reflected in the university’s statistics, with 53% of junior students planning to study abroad in the upcoming fall semester. Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Denmark are the top five most popular destinations for Richmond students. Additionally, destinations like Hungary, Portugal, and Australia have been steadily gaining attention among students.
Alan Sayles, director of the Office of International Education, noted that the number of students studying abroad has significantly increased in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. “The number of students going abroad has gone up, and the percentage of students going abroad has also risen compared to three or four years ago,” Sayles said.
The University of Richmond’s diverse study abroad programs are a major draw for students. For example, business students find it appealing that study abroad programs offer rich academic experiences and provide easy credit transfers for coursework completed abroad. Approximately 28% of the students studying abroad this fall are business majors, with Western Europe being a common destination due to its strong business curricula.
In addition to academic benefits, students also gain valuable professional experience through internships abroad. Junior Dio Scott, who will attend Bocconi University in Milan this fall, expressed excitement about the internship opportunities provided by the International Education program. “One of the advantages of IES is their internship programs, so I will be able to intern abroad. I believe that having international work experience will be a great addition to my resume,” Scott said.
While Europe remains the top choice for study abroad, the university’s students are also venturing further afield. Junior Chloe Fortune, who spent a semester in New Zealand at the University of Otago, shared her experience of studying in a culturally rich and distant location. “New Zealand is so far away, and the culture is so rich that I felt I would really enjoy studying there,” she said.
For many students, studying abroad is more than just an academic pursuit. It offers a chance to experience life in another country and build connections with people from different backgrounds. “I realized that by learning about other people’s cultures and languages and making friends with people from diverse backgrounds, you become a more well-rounded person,” Scott said.
Studying abroad is an essential component of the university’s Global Studies program, with students in this major required to study overseas in order to graduate. Sophomore Sam Darwen, a Global Studies major focusing on development and change, chose Cameroon for his study abroad destination. “I wanted to find a place where I could apply what I’ve learned in the classroom,” Darwen said. “Cameroon is so different from what I’ve experienced, and I wanted to understand the way people live in different parts of the world.”
As the semester ends, 411 University of Richmond students will be embarking on study abroad experiences in the fall, with some set to leave the country for the first time. Despite the nervousness that can accompany such a significant transition, Fortune reflected on the positive impact of her time abroad: “I had the best time of my life. I felt a little different when I came back, but I was also more confident about traveling alone and found a sense of belonging. I returned with a great group of friends.”
The increased participation in study abroad programs at the University of Richmond marks an exciting trend, providing students with invaluable experiences that broaden their global perspectives and enhance their academic and professional futures.
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