Education abroad can include study, internships, research or service-learning abroad. It is an invaluable experiential learning opportunity that allows you to explore your studies from a different perspective, experience the world, make connections through friendships and networking while abroad, and gain valuable employability skills. It sets you apart from other college graduates because of the key skills that you gain from your abroad experience.

Costs vary from program to program, and depend on when you go abroad, your program location and what type of program you choose. Most Rams who study abroad for a semester aim to pay the same in tuition and housing as they do for a semester on-campus.

In some cases study abroad can even be LESS expensive that what you pay at VCU. This is usually the case for out of state students.

Check out the funding section on our website to learn more and see scholarship opportunities.

Yes! VCU financial aid and institutional scholarships, such as the Pell Grant or Presidential Scholarship, are fully portable for study abroad. If you have certain types of aid, such as the GI Bill, VA 529 plan, VA pre-paid tuition, or athletics aid, please tell your Education Abroad Advisor.

Check out the funding section on our website to learn more and see scholarship opportunities.

There are programs all over the world that you can consider! Use our map search tool to check out some of the most popular destinations or search by term.Check out our Study Abroad Major Advising Sheets to explore signature programs for your academic department.

Some programs are led by VCU faculty, while others are with VCU partnerships universities or study abroad organizations.

You can go abroad as early as summer after freshman year, giving you time to transition to collegiate life at VCU. You can go abroad for a summer, semester, academic year or a shorter-term spring or winter break program. Speak with your departmental academic advisor about the most ideal time for you study abroad so that you can best plan your academic career at VCU.

The ideal time to go abroad would be sophomore or junior year. Senior year may be an option, though it isn't recommended. Some students even go abroad more than once!

Begin the study abroad process sooner than later, about a year in advance if you can, so that you have time to work through all of the logistics and apply for scholarships.

Your safety and well-being abroad is priority #1. You will work with your Education Abroad Advisor to select a program that fits your comfort level, provides the support you need while abroad, and to prepare you for your time abroad through your advising appointments and mandatory pre-departure orientation.

VCU provides all Rams studying abroad with international insurance coverage. VCU continues to support all Rams while abroad in addition to the in country support through the abroad program.

If you have specific concerns about your health or safety abroad, be sure to discuss with your Education Abroad Adviser.

Check out our health & safety webpage for more information and the VCU Education Abroad Website to stay up-to-date on the status of study abroad during Covid-19.

Complete Rams Abroad 101, a self-paced session on how study abroad works at VCU.

Explore the VCU Education Abroad Website to know more.

More questions? Email us at the VCU Education Abroad email (abroad@vcu.edu). We would love to talk about your interest in studying abroad and help make it real!

Familiarize yourself with VCUs travel restrictions and check out our Navigating COVID-19 Abroad page to learn more about how to navigate the uncertainties of international travel amidst a global pandemic.