Fulbright Gateway Orientation
This activity is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as part of the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international exchange program supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. For more information, visit fulbright.state.gov.
This activity is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
The Fulbright Gateway Orientation Program is a benefit made available to foreign Fulbright student grantees arriving in the U.S. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), as part of its flagship Fulbright Program, and designed by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
VCU has hosted the Fulbright Gateway program in 2019, 2018, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Above, President Michael Rao welcomes the scholars to campus.
The Gateway Orientation is intended to address two main components:
1) the participants’ roles and responsibilities as Fulbrighters and 2) skill development for successful academic and professional lives in the U.S.
As Fulbrighters: The Gateway Orientation Program provides an overview of the Fulbright Program, administration of grants and students’ rights and responsibilities as exchange visitors. The Program also aims to provide professional development activities and leadership training to Fulbright students.
As foreign students: Participants should receive an introduction to the U.S. academic system and culture as part of the overall goal of promoting mutual understanding and to assist with their entry into their U.S. academic programs. Gateway Orientations are an opportunity for Fulbright grantees to experience and learn about regional culture and highlights.
Warm greetings from Richmond, Virginia!
The Global Education Office at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is excited that you will be joining us this August for the Fulbright Gateway Orientation.
One of the nation’s top research universities, Virginia Commonwealth University enrolls more than 31,000 students on two Richmond campuses — the Monroe Park (academic) Campus and MCV (medical) Campus.
Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is a culturally diverse city featuring historic neighborhoods, abundant parks and the scenic James River. The city consistently ranks among the “Best Places to Live and Work in America,” and is regularly lauded for its booming arts, culinary and outdoors scenes in several national publications.
Studying and living in a foreign country is both an exciting and challenging experience. We want your stay in Richmond to be as productive and enjoyable as possible, and the Global Education Office staff is here to help you in any way we can. We are looking forward to meeting you as you begin what we are sure will be a memorable experience in the United States.
The Global Education Office has planned an exciting series of educational and social events during your time in Richmond. All of the activities are designed to help you better understand your role and responsibilities as a Fulbrighter and to develop skills for successful academic and professional lives in the United States.
We are very excited about your stay here in Richmond and look forward to meeting and working with you in August! Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.
As the orientation dates draw closer, we will be posting additional information on the program and logistics on this website - so stay tuned!
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey!