Far-flung adventures
Student Experience
One of Lily Stevenson’s favorite memories in her study abroad trip to Copenhagen last fall semester was a Christmas parade of lit-up kayaks, the night before she returned home.
“The community feel and warmth of the people during dark and cold months was beautiful,” Stevenson said. “It was one of three locations where they stopped to sing Christmas carols. I saw a lot of beauty in Danish culture.”
Stevenson, a rising senior, was one of 400 University of Richmond students who took part in a semester-long study abroad program last year — the largest number ever.
“There was still probably a bit of leftover, pent-up demand from students not being able to travel during the pandemic,” said Ellen Sayles, associate dean and director of education abroad for the Office of International Education. “There is greater awareness of how precious it is to travel internationally, because we now know that it can stop.”
For students who traveled internationally in 2022-2023, Europe was a favorite, with Spain, Italy, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, and France among the top destinations. Outside of Europe, students favored South Africa, Uruguay, the Bahamas, Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand.
Sarah Clark traveled to Italy for the Fall 2022 semester, because some of her family is from there and she had never been. Her favorite class focused on the differences in mental health systems between the U.S. and Italy. She enjoyed the affordable options for travel, which allowed her to travel throughout Europe, and even a trip to Tangier, Morocco where she rode a camel on the beach with her friend, Emma Miller, who was studying abroad in Spain. Both are rising seniors.
“My abroad experience helped me to become more independent and to feel more comfortable traveling alone. I think it’s important to go abroad to immerse yourself in a different culture and become more comfortable as an individual. Classroom learning is important, but abroad provides an opportunity for you to learn more about yourself,” Clark said.
Semester-long programs are the most popular among students. But students also take part in year-long programs and those offered over semester breaks and during the summer. A total of 190 students took part in these additional programs last year.
UR’s award-winning EnCompass program has offered fully funded, faculty-led international travel to students since 2019. The program is designed to reach those least likely to study abroad: first generation college students, African-American and Latinx students, student-athletes, STEM majors, and male students.
When students travel abroad, Sayles said, they often experience personal growth. “They talk about being more open minded, aware of the world, and curious about it.” These experiences also affect their academic focus, as the student travelers bring back a broader cultural and global perspective, she said, which also appeals to future employers.
Stevenson appreciated learning about Danish culture, with its focus on happiness, mindfulness, and community. And she returned with insights on how the country tackles tough problems.
“I was excited to spend time in a city that is making changes toward sustainability and working toward solving global issues such as climate change, pollution, and increases in violence,” she said. “Living in a smaller country that values helping out your fellow people was truly beautiful and could only be experienced by living in Denmark for those four months.”