Global Education Office

Richmond, VA (November 5, 2025) – At VCU, global learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom – it happens across dinner tables, living rooms and through connections that bridge cultures. Through its mission to foster global connection among international students, domestic students and the community, the Global Education Office’s Family Cultural Exchange Program brings together international students and local families to share experiences, traditions and everyday life. 

For families like Sarah Hill’s, opening their home to students from around the world has been both eye-opening and deeply rewarding. “I think it's a benefit to anyone to learn about different cultures,” Hill said. “It helps you remember that it's not all about us here in the U.S. There's a big world out there.” Hill and her family have welcomed students from countries like Egypt, inviting them to join in everyday activities and celebrations. “Just include them in your normal family life celebrations, whether it's a birthday party or a holiday… anything.” she said. “To me that's a real key, introducing internationals to our cultural festivals, Fourth of July activities. You don't have to plan a lot because you're doing your normal things. You're just pulling in a few more people.”

Coordinated by VCU’s Global Learning department, the Family Cultural Exchange Program matches international students with Richmond families who offer connection, community and a home away from home while they complete their studies. Hill recalls her experience as a “wonderful opportunity” that is both “low commitment” and “very flexible,” making it easy for students or families to participate. “If we had had young children, it would have been such a great educational experience for them,” she added. “It expands our minds and it’s a blessing to them too.”

For longtime participants Steven Saltzberg and Sheila Chandler, the experience has been equally fulfilling. “One of the reasons we continue to do this is that we learn about their cultures and what they do, what's important to them. It's fascinating,” said Saltzberg. “We become world travelers without having to go there.”

Their friendship with graduate student Nourchene Bargaoui became a story of connection that crossed cultural barriers. “Being matched with Sheila and Steve has been wonderful,” Bargaoui said. “It’s the best thing they ever did, honestly.”  From family birthdays to holiday dinners, Bargaoui was quickly included as part of the family. “I went to the birthdays of the family, I met the kids, the grandkids, I feel like I'm really a member of the family at this point.” When she graduated, the Salzburgs threw her a surprise party, and bought a “VCU Mom” shirt for her visiting mother.

“They care about you as a person,” Bargaoui said. “They don’t see you as a label or someone from a certain country. They ask about your family, your food, your culture. You feel valued.” Through these relationships, students like Bargaoui gain not only new friends, but new perspectives. “When you travel, you learn that people don’t think the same way,” she explained. 

Kelly Richard, assistant director of global learning, oversees the Family Cultural Exchange’s matching process. She emphasizes that the program’s value lies in the meaningful relationships it builds between students and families. “The feedback we have received from this program is that it has been a wonderful way for VCU international students to feel connected to the larger Richmond community, as well as find support and build friendships that may help them in overcoming culture shock and homesickness,” Richard said. “Families have reported loving being able to explore the world right from their own city, and the opportunity to learn from the cultural backgrounds of students.”

Beyond the exchange of traditions and stories, the program embodies the values that make VCU a globally diverse campus. Bargaoui, who came to VCU through a State Department program, explains she now understands why she was placed here. “It’s a very good university, and very diverse. People come from all corners of the world, and that really creates this peace inside, that we’re all in the same boat.”

Looking back, she says she wouldn’t change a thing. “We never regretted going to VCU. It's a full package. You could get a good education anywhere... but it's the atmosphere and how diverse the community is.”

For both students and hosts, the experience creates lasting memories that outlast time spent together. For more information on connecting with VCU’s international students, please visit the Family Cultural Exchange Program webpage or email global@vcu.edu.