Experiential Learning

Four walls can’t contain an entire education. That’s why, at Richmond, most students extend their educations by participating in experiential learning opportunities. They’re the chance to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world, either via research, an internship or study abroad.

Internships

Americans are beginning to recognize that monolinguism is not practical, in our personal lives or in the workplace. Employers who are competing in a global economy want to hire people who speak the languages in which they do business; they are looking for employees who feel comfortable and at ease in other countries and cultures. Knowing another language makes it even easier to land an internship that will propel you forward in your career. Knowing another language is an undeniable asset you’ll bring to the table. To explore internship opportunities that will utilize your skills, contact the Career Development Center.  

Study Abroad

Studying abroad provides a crucial dimension for language and cultural study. The Department of Modern Literatures and Cultures works with the Office of International Education to help you coordinate your study abroad experience. With the right planning, study abroad can even provide critical links between your work in MLC and your studies in other disciplines. You can study music history in Germany or European-American diplomatic relations in France. The options are limited only by your imagination.

There are many different ways to study abroad. You can participate in a traditional semester or year abroad at a university that Richmond maintains a cooperative agreement with. There are over 60 institutions around the world that have direct relationships with Richmond. These programs guarantee that you’ll receive credit for your work and that your tuition will remain in line with what you’re paying at Richmond. While abroad, you’ll still be able to receive financial aid and you won’t have to actually disenroll from Richmond while overseas.

There are also unlimited other programs worldwide but students should carefully consult with the Office of International Education, parents, advisors, professors and financial aid advisors to ensure that the transition between Richmond and the international educational institution will be a smooth one.

For students who don’t have an entire semester to devote to study abroad because of competing academic or athletic concerns, the University sponsors a number of summer language programs to Germany, France, Italy, Japan, China and Russia through the School of Continuing Studies.

Students are encouraged to begin researching study abroad opportunities early in their academic careers so that they can plan their academic coursework accordingly. For more information, contact of the Office of International Education.