Office of International Education |
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Academic Advising Guide for Exchange Students at UR History of Exchange Students at UR Enrollment The Office of International Education has hosted exchange students since 1991, when there were 4 students from Queen Mary, University of London and the University of Muenster, Germany. As UR has increased the number of direct exchange study abroad programs over the years by adding partner institutions overseas, the exchange student population has grown tremendously (see chart for details).
Academic Performance Exchange students perform on par with UR domestic students. Below is a history of exchange student GPAs for the past 6 years. The exchange students in Fall 2007 had the highest average GPAs of all fall groups.
Exchange Students U.S. Students
Fall 2007 3.31 3.22 Exchange Student Admissions Process and Criteria UR has clear written exchange agreements with top tier partner universities abroad. The agreements specify that UR exchange partners carefully screen and select their students according to our admissions criteria; however, UR has the final admission decision. In general, incoming exchange students should have an average GPA equivalent to our 3.0. There is some flexibility with the GPA requirement as most institutions outside of the U.S. do not have the level of grade inflation that exists in the U.S. In addition to a strong academic background, we require exchange students to have the equivalent level of English required of undergraduate degree-seeking students whose first language is not English. This means that the level of English must be equivalent to 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 80 on the internet-based test. As TOEFL is very expensive, we will also accept alternate tests such as the IELTS, which is more commonly used for English speaking universities outside of the U.S. In some cases where we have a strong history of students coming to UR with more than adequate English skills (Uppsala University in Sweden for example), we will waive the TOEFL requirement based upon the recommendation and verification of English language skills by our partner institution. For students who wish to study particular majors (law, computer science, psychology, business), we also consult with the department chairs for a second review of the application as well as a review of courses the students wish to take at UR before the final decision is made about their acceptance. Departments also decide on whether the students have the prerequisites for a given course. All exchange students must undergo a satisfactory mid-semester academic review to determine whether they can continue at Richmond for the semester or year. Students are required to meet with advisors from their academic department and the Office of International Education as part of this review. They are expected to do the same coursework as their Richmond counterparts and follow the same policies for class attendance, class participation, and the Honor Code. These expectations are communicated in the acceptance packet materials prior to arrival at UR and during a mandatory 3½ day international orientation at the beginning of each semester. Exchange Student Academic Advisors All exchange students are assigned to a faculty advisor in their major field of study. Usually the advisor is the chair of the department or a faculty member designated by the chair to work with exchange students. These assignments are made prior to the students’ arrival to UR so that students can correspond with their advisor regarding course selection. Exchange students classified as undergraduates are considered to be in junior, or third-year, standing. There is an increase in graduate exchange students in law, business, psychology, and history. Graduate students are assigned faculty advisors from the graduate programs. Academic Support Services for Exchange Students at UR Exchange students have the same services available to them as degree-seeking students. Their first point of contact at UR is the International Student Advisor in the Office of International Education. The International Student Advisor assists exchange students with immigration, employment, health insurance, cultural, practical and academic matters. The International Student Advisor also organizes a mandatory orientation program with sessions on immigration, health insurance, U.S. educational system, U.S. laws and customs, culture shock, community service opportunities, academic services, computing services, and the Honor Code. A Study Abroad Advisor in the Office of International Education handles the terms of the exchange agreement with the student’s home institution, such as the exchange budget, the balance of the exchange between incoming and outgoing study abroad students, and acceptances of exchange students in cooperation with UR faculty. In addition to the Office of International Education, UR has several academic support services for exchange students. The Director of ESL Services works with non-native English speakers on an individual basis. The Writing Center offers individual tutoring on organization and revision of written assignments. The Academic Skills Center assists students with test-taking, note-taking, time and stress management skills, as well as tutoring in specific courses. The Speech Center helps students with interview skills, oral presentations, and public appearances. Social Outreach Programs for Exchange Students at UR Exchange students have many opportunities to experience American life and culture and share their background with the local community through outreach programs organized by the Office of International Education and other campus offices. Programs that integrate exchange students into the Richmond community include the Ambassador Program, Host Family Program, Global House, and International Club. These programs encourage international students to participate in social events and trips to cultural and historical places of interest around the city of Richmond and the state of Virginia. The International Student Peer Mentors is a social outreach program of the Office of International Education designed to encourage peer to peer contact between international students. The Events & Publications Coordinator in the Office of International Education organizes frequent talks and social gatherings featuring international students, and invites them to make presentations and write articles on their cultural backgrounds for publication on campus and in the community. The Office of the Chaplaincy publishes newsletters and organizes faith-based presentations featuring students of all religious backgrounds. The Center for Civic Engagement directs students toward service opportunities and related educational events and provides transportation to selected service sites. The Office of Common Ground provides confidential consultation on campus diversity issues and serves as a clearinghouse for information regarding diversity, cultural, and social change. The city of Richmond has many ethnic, language, and cultural organizations. Internships for Exchange Students at UR Some exchange students may be required by their home institution to do an internship. Exchange students are eligible to undertake an internship or other work experience related to their UR major through an employment benefit called academic training. Academic training can be done for credit during the semester or after completion of the exchange program. Academic training must be approved in advance by the International Student Advisor. Please refer to the Internships for J-1 Exchange Students page for more information. |
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Office of International Education | University of Richmond VA 23173 | Phone 804-289-8836 | Fax 804-289-8904 |
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