support

Events for International Students

Get involved with virtual happenings that allow international students to connect with each other and other VCU students.

View the Calendar of Events


Community Members

The Global Education Office offers multiple programs for Americans and established internationals from the university and local community to get to know international students and scholars studying at VCU.

Cultural Ambassadors

The Cultural Ambassador Program, started in 2008, offers opportunities to learn about different cultures on campus while helping international students with their English in a structured classroom or semi-structured social environment.
Full program information

 

Cultural Conversations from Around the Globe

Cultural Conversations engages VCU students with peers from international partner institutions in weekly guided gatherings via Zoom. Topics of conversation vary based on student interests and have included art, business, the environment, food, health, human rights, language, music and tourism. During the one-hour sessions, students speak in English or the language of the partner institution, allowing for authentic linguistic and intercultural communication practice.

View program information and schedule

Global Buddies

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

 

Global Café

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.


Friendship Families

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.

Volunteer Application

 

International Student Support Advisory Board

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.
 

Peace Corps Prep Program

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

Phi Beta Delta

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