Your academic adviser and an education abroad adviser are the best way to get started!
Participate in Rams Abroad 101 at global.vcu.edu/abroad as your first step to go aborad, or meet with an education abroad adviser to learn more about your options.
The Global Education office is located at 912 West Grace Street, 4th floor and they can be reached at (804)827-7882 or by emailing abroad@vcu.edu with questions.
What courses should I take?
This can be different for every student, but biology advisers agree that study abroad is a wonderful opportunity for students to take classes that fulfill a variety of requirements including both major and non-major requirements. If you are looking to take biology course work abroad, the department encourages taking biology electives. However, there are programs that offer lower level and required courses for the major if you plan accordingly.
The Department of Biology works closely with the Education Abroad office to ensure that classes taken abroad will fulfill requirements in your degree.
Be sure to check out our pre-approved courses database where you can search for courses in your major.
Students should always work with their academic advisers to ensure that their plan of study - at home or abroad - meets their academic needs.
Funding Study Abroad
Studying abroad does not have to be expensive! VCU offers a variety of program options to fit most students’ budgets and the Education Abroad office assists students with identifying and applying for funding.
Most financial aid and scholarships that you already receive can be used toward study abroad. Ask the VCU Financial Aid office about how your financial aid may apply to study abroad opportunities.
Scholarships
There are VCU scholarships to study abroad as well as nationally competitive scholarships, like the Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship for Pell-grant recipients. Begin your search on our site and at StudyAbroadFunding.org and DiversityAbroad.com
VCU Programs
While these are featured opportunities, students are not limited to these opportunities.
Term: Summer
This summer study abroad program offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with South African natural, evolutionary, and social history experientially. Students will gain unprecedented access and experience working to excavate an actual paleoanthropological site in the Cradle of Humankind.
Terms: Fall, Spring, Academic Year
Macquarie University offers an exciting and global experience for VCU students to study for a semester or a year. Located less than 10 miles outside Sydney's city center, Macquarie's expansive 300-acre campus is situated in the heart of Australia's largest high-tech precinct which means students will be surrounded by more than 300 leading companies located on or around the campus.
Terms: Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Summer
American College of Greece is located on an idyllic campus and is the springboard for exploring Athens and the nearby Greek islands. All classes are taught in English and a wide array of disciplines are represented. ACG is a great value – the comprehensive semester fee is similar to what an in-state student pays at VCU!
Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Sant’Anna Institute has an exceptional summer program in Sorrento, Italy on the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Students can take classes in a wide range of disciplines, taught in English or Italian. Marine Biology is a highlight for many. Internships are also possible!
International Student Exchange Program
Choose from over 300 universities around the world offering summer, semester and year-long programs. Apply to up to 10 institutions on a single application. ISEP offers two types of placements: ISEP-Exchange (program fee based on VCU’s in-state tuition, room and board) and ISEP-Direct (program fee based on the host university’s tuition, room and board).
Where have VCU students studied Biology with ISEP?
- NEW ZEALAND: Massey University
- AFRICA: University of Botswana
- ITALY: Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo
And many more across the globe!
External Programs
While these are featured opportunities, students are not limited to these opportunities.
University of Ghana (available through USAC)
Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer, Academic Year
Courses have included: Ghanaian Culture and Natural Resources Field Study and more
Universidad Veritas (available through CIS)
Terms: Semester, Quarter, Year, or Summer
Courses have included: Tropical Marine Biology, Land Vertebrates of Costa Rica, Tropical Ecology, Costa Rica Health Care System and Tropical Medicine
Wildlife Management Studies and Public Health (available through School for Field Studies)
Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Courses have included: Techniques in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values, Directed Research
Paolo de Olavide University in Seville (available through API)
Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Courses have included: Anatomy & Physiology II, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Ecological Systems
Chonnam National University (available through USAC)
Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Courses have included: Metabolic Engineering, Molecular Biology, Trends in Medical Sciences,