Richmond Experience

Richmond Semester courses are ‘study away’ courses where students reside in Richmond for a portion of the class. A study away course offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different city or region within their own country, providing a unique educational experience that combines academic learning with real-world exploration. Typically, students relocate to the designated city for a specified period, ranging from a few weeks to a full semester. Throughout the course, students engage in a curated curriculum tailored to the location's cultural, historical, or professional significance, allowing them to deepen their understanding of various subjects while experiencing firsthand the unique aspects of the region. This experiential learning approach often involves a combination of classroom instruction, field trips, guest lectures, internships, and community engagement activities. Whether studying urban development in a bustling metropolis, environmental science in a rural setting, or cultural anthropology in a diverse community, students gain invaluable insights and skills while broadening their perspectives beyond the confines of their home campus. Study away courses foster personal growth, intercultural competence, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of society, making them enriching and transformative experiences for students.

A study away course and studying abroad both offer students opportunities for experiential learning outside of their home campus, but they differ in a few key aspects:

Location:

• Study away courses typically involve traveling to a different city or region within one's own country, often within the same country or continent.
• Studying abroad typically involves traveling to a foreign country, often in a different continent or part of the world.

Duration:

• Study away courses can vary in duration, ranging from a few weeks to a full semester.
• Studying abroad programs are often longer-term, lasting a semester or an entire academic year, although shorter programs may also be available.

Cultural immersion:

• While study away courses provide opportunities for cultural immersion and exploration, students may already be somewhat familiar with the language, customs, and norms of the host country since it is within their own country.
• Studying abroad offers a more immersive cultural experience, as students are fully immersed in a foreign culture and language, providing opportunities for deeper cross-cultural understanding and adaptation.

Academic focus:

• Study away courses typically focus on a specific academic theme or subject relevant to the location, allowing students to explore topics such as urban development, environmental science, or cultural anthropology within the context of the chosen city or region.
• Studying abroad programs may offer a broader range of academic options, including courses in various disciplines, language immersion programs, internships, or research opportunities specific to the host country.

Logistics and support:

• Study away courses may involve less logistical complexity, as students remain within the same country and may have access to familiar support systems from their home institution.
• Studying abroad requires careful planning for travel, accommodation, visas, health insurance, and cultural adaptation, often with support from the host institution or program provider.

In summary, while both study away courses and studying abroad offer valuable opportunities for experiential learning and personal growth, they differ in terms of location, duration, cultural immersion, academic focus, and logistical considerations. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the student's academic goals, personal preferences, and willingness to embrace new experiences.

During the study away course in Richmond, students have the flexibility to choose their living arrangements based on personal preference, as there is no requirement to reside in a particular location. However, it is essential that students attend all study away activities scheduled for the course duration. For those seeking convenient housing options, there will be available accommodation in the VCU housing. While residing at VCU offers proximity to campus facilities and study away activities, it is important to note that there will be a cost associated with this housing option, which students are responsible for covering.

The duration of the study away course in Richmond varies depending on the specific requirements of each course. Students are advised to consult the course website and review the syllabus for details regarding the length of their stay in Richmond. As of now, courses are exclusively offered during the summer term. The duration of the program may vary from a few weeks to a full summer session, depending on the course curriculum and objectives. It is essential for students to thoroughly review the course materials to understand the specific time commitments and requirements associated with their chosen study away program in Richmond.

In the study away program, students are responsible for covering tuition and fees associated with the course. Additionally, students are responsible for their housing and food expenses during the program duration. However, transportation costs to and from event sites will be provided as part of the program benefits. It's important to note that students will need to cover parking expenses if they choose to bring their own vehicle. Overall, while tuition and transportation to event sites are covered, students should budget accordingly for housing, food, and any personal transportation expenses incurred during their time in the program.

Yes, participants in the study away course will receive academic credit for their involvement. All courses offered are credit-bearing and can be taken for academic credit. Work with your advisor to determine how the credit will apply to your degree. It's important to note that these courses follow Virginia Tech guidelines for enrollment. For more detailed information regarding academic credit policies and procedures, students are encouraged to consult the Virginia Tech Registrar's website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/. This resource provides comprehensive guidance on enrollment requirements and academic credit transfer processes.

Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Richmond for the study away course. However, transportation to and from the study away activities assigned for the course will be provided. It's important to note that any transportation needs outside of the scheduled course activities will be the responsibility of the student. Richmond offers a mass transit system, which students can utilize for additional transportation needs. For more information about Richmond's mass transit system, students can visit the website at https://ridegrtc.com/. This resource provides details on routes, schedules, and fares for public transportation options in the Richmond area.

During the study away course, the types of classes and activities in which you will participate may vary depending on the specific course you choose. For detailed information about the activities offered in each course, please refer to the course descriptions available on our website. Possible activities that you may participate in during the study away course include:

• Interactive lectures and seminars led by expert faculty members.
• Field trips to relevant sites, museums, and cultural landmarks in Richmond.
• Guest lectures and panel discussions featuring local experts and professionals.
• Hands-on workshops and experiential learning opportunities related to the course theme.
• Site visits to organizations, businesses, or institutions relevant to the course subject matter.
• Group projects and collaborative activities with fellow students.
• Cultural immersion experiences, such as visits to local festivals, markets, or community events.
• Service-learning projects or volunteer opportunities with local organizations.
• Networking events and opportunities to connect with professionals in the field.
• Reflective activities and discussions to deepen your understanding and learning experience.

These activities are designed to provide you with a comprehensive and immersive educational experience while exploring the unique offerings of Richmond. Please refer to the course descriptions for more specific details about the activities included in each course.

Yes, as a Virginia Tech student participating in the study away course, you will have access to a wide range of resources, including libraries and academic support services. You will have full access to all Virginia Tech student support resources, ensuring that you can continue to access the same level of academic support and assistance while away. This includes online access to the Virginia Tech library, where you can find a vast array of academic resources, research materials, and databases to support your studies. Whether you need assistance with research, writing, or any other academic endeavor, you can rest assured that you will have access to the resources you need to succeed, even while away from the main campus.

Living in Richmond, Virginia, as part of your college experience through the study away program, will offer you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant and historically rich city. The impact on your college experience and daily life will be profound, offering both challenges and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Firstly, Richmond's diverse culture, arts scene, and historical significance will enrich your overall college experience. You'll have the chance to explore landmarks like the Virginia State Capitol, the Museum District, and the historic Shockoe Bottom, providing valuable insights into American history and culture. Additionally, Richmond's thriving arts community offers opportunities for attending performances, art exhibitions, and cultural events that can broaden your horizons and enhance your understanding of different perspectives.

Living in Richmond will expose you to a unique blend of urban and natural environments. You can enjoy outdoor activities in parks along the James River or participate in community events that celebrate Richmond's natural beauty. This exposure to diverse environments can foster a deeper appreciation for sustainability and environmental stewardship, enriching your college experience beyond the classroom.

From a practical standpoint, living in Richmond will also introduce you to the dynamics of city life, including navigating public transportation systems, engaging with local communities, and adapting to the rhythm of urban living. These experiences can help develop your independence, resilience, and cultural competency, all of which are valuable skills for personal and professional growth.

Overall, living in Richmond as part of your college experience will undoubtedly shape you in profound ways, offering a blend of academic, cultural, and personal enrichment that will stay with you long after your time in the city has ended.

For participants in the study away course, there are no specific requirements or expectations beyond those necessary to register for the class. You are encouraged to consult the Virginia Tech course catalog or the timetable for specific details regarding registration requirements and course expectations. As long as you meet the standard prerequisites and registration criteria outlined for the course, you are eligible to participate in the study away program. This approach allows for flexibility and accessibility, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines can take advantage of this enriching educational opportunity.

To apply for the study away program, simply register for the corresponding class through the university's registration system. Once you have successfully registered, you will need to work closely with the faculty instructor to understand the specific details and requirements of the course. The faculty instructor will provide guidance on any additional steps or paperwork needed for participation in the study away program. It's essential to communicate with the instructor and stay informed about deadlines and any pre-departure preparations to ensure a smooth and successful experience. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to the instructor or the relevant department for assistance.

During the study away course, students will have access to a range of support services similar to those available to all students who live away from Blacksburg while taking online courses in the summer. Please consult your academic advisor for more information on these services.

Yes, you can work or intern while participating in the study away program, provided that you can meet the requirements of the course. While engaging in external work or internships, it's essential to ensure that your commitments outside of the course do not conflict with the study away program's schedule or academic expectations. Communication with the course instructor regarding your external commitments is encouraged to ensure that you can effectively balance your academic responsibilities with any work or internship obligations. By managing your time effectively and staying organized, you can maximize the benefits of both your study away experience and any additional professional opportunities.

Living in another city for part of your college course as part of the study away program will require you to make your own housing arrangements. However, for your convenience, housing in VCU housing is available during the study away course, with students being responsible for covering the associated costs. This option provides a convenient and centralized housing solution for students participating in the program.

Regarding financial aid, the policies and guidelines established by Virginia Tech will still apply. Your financial aid package will adhere to Virginia Tech's policies and regulations, regardless of your temporary relocation for the study away program. For specific information on how financial aid applies to alternative academic terms and sessions, such as summer sessions, you can refer to the Virginia Tech Financial Aid website at https://finaid.vt.edu/undergraduate/alt-academic-terms-sessions/winter-summer.html. Here, you'll find detailed information about financial aid eligibility, disbursement, and other important considerations for students participating in programs outside of the traditional academic calendar. It's crucial to review these policies and communicate with the financial aid office if you have any questions or concerns about how your financial aid will be affected by participating in the study away program.