Student studying abroad in Copenhagen — "Living in a new country challenges what you believe to be the right way of living," said junior Clara Kugelman, who studied in Copenhagen, Denmark, last fall.

UR receives top marks for study abroad programs

January 5, 2024

Student Experience

The University of Richmond ranked first among U.S. colleges for undergraduate student participation in semester-long study abroad programs, according to a report from The Institute of International Education. The nonprofit, funded by the U.S. government, recognized UR in its latest Open Doors Report. Richmond also ranked No. 2 for total number of undergraduate study abroad students.

Junior Abby Smith studied abroad in Perugia, Italy, last semester.

The Open Doors Report includes data from the U.S. Department of State, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Institute of International Education.

“The University of Richmond has a proud tradition of top rankings in study abroad participation, and 70% of our students now graduate with international experience,” said Martha Merritt, dean of international education. “The international education team works diligently to ensure our remarkable students have every opportunity to take a meaningful trip abroad.”

UR offers students many ways to study abroad, including research and internship opportunities, short-term experiences (one to three weeks), summer programs, and semester- and year-long programs. The award-winning EnCompass program also supports students who are unlikely to have an international experience.

"Our goal is to ensure all students at UR are empowered to study abroad should they wish to do so, regardless of their academic schedule, finances, or familiarity with international travel,” said Merritt.