Get Connected
There are many ways for our international students to become engaged with the domestic students and the community while studying at VCU. View the categories below to determine the best way you can engage with others.
Events for International Students
Get involved with virtual happenings that allow international students to connect with each other and other VCU students.
View the
International Career Readiness
The International Student and Scholar Advisory Board (ISSAB) is a group of undergraduate and graduate students brought together to share issues of concern for international students at VCU and to offer feedback on GEO-sponsored programs, activities and resources. ISSAB members participate in programs and activities sponsored by the Global Education Office in order to provide feedback and to seek the feedback of their peers.
Phi Beta Delta (PBD) is an honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. An academic and professional society, PBD is unique because it is resolutely interdisciplinary and international. The chapter was established at VCU in 2019.
Find out about the organization
Major Global Experiences
VCU's Peace Corps Prep Program is ranked as the top program in the country. This academic and service initiative is designed to help students build cultural awareness and develop practical skills sought by the Peace Corps, other nonprofit organizations and global employers.
Program information
A first year living learning community that connects cultures and communities in-person and virtually. Students will have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world in-person and virtually. You will also learn more about study abroad, Peace Corps Prep, and all of the global learning opportunities offered by the Global Education Office.
UNIV 191: Maximizing Your Global Learning
A 1-credit, First-Year Student Success course that introduces key skills in developing cultural agility and explores various VCU global learning opportunities, including study abroad.
Globally Focused Academic Learning
A student-centered intercultural agility training is offered through the Student Global Zone Training. Participants will gain a basic understanding of intercultural agility and communication skills by considering how their own cultural experiences and values impact their intercultural agility practices. Students will grapple with real world scenarios that illustrate intercultural agility in action and identify opportunities for future intercultural engagement at VCU and in the community. Upon completion of this one-hour training, participants will attain a micro-credential digital badge.
To request this workshop for your class, student organization meeting, or program, fill out the interest form.
Interpersonal Cultural Experiences
Fluent English-speaking volunteers meet for at least one hour each week with VCU's international students/scholars to enable them to learn more about American culture, practice English language skills, and gain confidence in their communication abilities. Volunteers serve as a cultural mentor to international students/scholars and practice cross-cultural communication skills. Volunteers serve as a cultural mentor to international students/scholars, practice cross-cultural communication skills, and increase their international network of colleagues and peers. View more information about the program, and submit an application. To contact us, email global@vcu.edu.
International and domestic students, faculty, staff, and community visitors are invited to monthly for socializing and refreshments. It is a time for campus and community members to meet and develop friendships. Everyone is welcome!
View the Global Café schedule.
The VCU Family Cultural Exchange Program (FCE) provides Richmond community members and international students and scholars the opportunity to develop cross-cultural friendships with each other. The FCE Program provides sustained interactions between American families and international students/scholars, increases and enhances cultural understandings, and provides insight into a world beyond the students’ and community participants’ own perspectives and experiences. Community volunteers and students meet at least once a month to participate in whatever activities they would like. This could include family dinners, sporting events (baseball games, etc.), local food and music festivals, museums, canoeing, etc. The Global Education Office also coordinates several group events each year. For more information, email global@vcu.edu.