Cultures in Common(s): A Global Learning Fair

Sant'Anna The Sant'Anna Institute

Sant'Anna

Sant'Anna is one of VCU GEO Education Abroad's partner universities. 

Sant’Anna Institute is pleased to offer VCU students a semester study abroad program in Sorrento, Italy. The program offers an exceptional opportunity to take classes in a wide range of academic disciplines, all taught in English or Italian, while living in historic Sorrento, Italy.

• Students will take 4-5 courses (12-15 credit hours) during their semester abroad. Click here for a listing of course offerings at Sant'Anna Institute. Sant’Anna’s courses are pre-approved to transfer to VCU. 


• Optional Sant’Anna’s internship program. Students from all fields are encouraged to apply, especially those in Biology and Environmental Studies, Communications, Business, and Arts. (Note that participation in the internship program carries an additional $510 fee and requires a 3.0 GPA).


• Interested in a summer study abroad? Click here to learn more!

IAU The Institute for American Universities (IAU)

American College of the Mediterranean (ACM)

IAU College is one of VCU GEO Education Abroad's partner universities. 

"The Institute for American Universities (IAU) is founded in Aix-en-Provence, France by academics and former diplomats [in 1957]...In 2016, IAU filed articles of incorporation for The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM), which would ultimately house its undergraduate and graduate degree programs." (source) IAU operates in France, Italy, and Spain.



The mission of the American College of the Mediterranean (ACM), and its study abroad institute, the Institute for American Universities (IAU), is to provide excellence in international education, inspire intercultural awareness, and prepare students for success in a global community through the study of European and Mediterranean history, languages, cultures, and contemporary issues. You can read more about their mission & vision here.

American Councils American Councils for International Education

American Councils for International Education

American Councils is an alternative third-party provider. 

"Since 1974, American Councils has designed and operated groundbreaking programs to provide undergraduate and graduate students a unique understanding of less commonly studied cultures and languages that are critical to U.S. national interest. First established to enable American learners of Russian to study abroad in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, American Councils has maintained a long tradition of empowering participants to explore countries and communities that often lie beyond the beaten path for many Americans. Today, our students learn languages, study contemporary events, and engage with local communities in Armenia, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, South Korea, Tajikistan, Taiwan, and Turkiye.

While many of our programs are best known for foreign language study, we are also proud to offer a wide range of English language courses in such fields as political science, international studies, entrepreneurship, and sociology. All of our programs are predicated on a belief that supported immersion in new cultures and the unique global perspectives gained through dialogue with local communities are critical to individual growth and the strengthening of U.S. national security." (source)

University of Liverpool

Unviersity of Liverpool is one of VCU GEO Education Abroad's partner universities. 

The University of Liverpool is a place where people thrive through inspiring education and innovative research. They are the original redbrick, a historic part of the city of Liverpool for nearly 150 years and a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group. Founded in 1881, UL has propelled itself to become a global University with internationally excellent research, gold-standard teaching, and fantastic graduate outcomes with a QS World University Ranking of 147 in 2026.

The University of Liverpool is located in Liverpool, England, a port city in the northwest of England famous for being where The Beatles formed and Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs. Similar in size to Richmond by population, Liverpool is about a 2.5  hour direct train away from London.

SRISA Santa Reparata International School of Art

SRISA

SRISA is one of VCU GEO Education Abroad's partner universities. 

For more than 50 years, the Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) has become one of the top art and design schools in Italy. SRISA’s highly personalized instruction and experiential learning meet the expectations and requirements of an American university curriculum.



[SRISA] offer[s] accredited programs of study, including academic year, semester, summer study abroad, and internships for credit. Prospective students can choose courses in Studio Art, Design, and Liberal Arts & Sciences in Florence—all taught in English. SRISA also hosts many faculty-led and customized programs, offering unique opportunities for academic and cultural enrichment. You can read more about SRISA's mission & vison here.

CEA CAPA Cultural Experiences Abroad

Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA CAPA)

CEA CAPA is one of VCU GEO Education Abroad's affiliate/third-party providers. 



CEA CAPA offers programs around the world that aim to develop students academically, professionally, and culturally to become our next generation of thoughtful, thriving leaders. CEA CAPA places a strong emphasis on cultural immersion, experiential learning, and personalized student support services. [The] programs strengthen the global competency of students and equip them with the skills they need to be our next generation of thoughtful and thriving leaders. 

Learning abroad can make a positive difference in every student's life. CEA CAPA is committed to providing access to study abroad opportunities that respect the individual student and their families as well as their host country.

Inclusivity is more than just a word to us, it’s a core value for CEA CAPA. [They] believe inclusive practices cultivate curiosity, innovation, and the ability to provide unparalleled global experiences. [They] are an organization [that wants] all individuals to feel valued, recognized and supported...[and] are committed to taking continuous action, holding ourselves accountable, actively seeking feedback, and being transparent in our work. Read more about CEA CAPA's mission & values here.

API Academic Programs Internationl

API

API is one of VCU GEO Education Abroad's affiliate/third-party providers. 



Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 by [their] founding mamas, who were dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable study abroad programs for U.S. students. Their diverse experiences abroad, first as students and later as professionals, shaped their philosophy on the value of international education as a means of promoting intellectual curiosity, cultural sensitivity and holistic personal development.



Through responsive student advising, thorough program preparation, and strong, local support services on-site, students arrive feeling confident and ready to experience, learn, and explore. [API] strive[s] to make international educational experiences accessible to as many participants as possible through scholarships and by providing multiple program components at a low program cost. You can read more about API's mission & values here.

Worldstrides

Worldstrides

Worldstrides is one of VCU GEO Education Abroad's affiliate/third-party providers. 



WorldStrides began with a middle school teacher who wanted to show his students the living history of Washington D.C. Since then, [they've] become a global organization that helps K-12 and higher education students take learning beyond the classroom with life-changing educational experiences.



[Worldstrides] create[s] unforgettable immersive learning adventures and life-changing moments for students of all ages. [Their] programs offer students the chance to discover something new about a subject they’re interested in, about the world around them, and about themselves...Students can spend weeks, semesters, and even full academic years immersed in a new culture, taking classes at one of our partner universities or completing an internship. You can read more about their mission & values here.

USAC University Studies Abroad Consortium

USAC

USAC is one of VCU GEO Education Abroad's affiliate/third-party providers. 



Since 1982, USAC has provided affordable, valuable study abroad programs that enable you to enhance your academics while providing opportunities and lessons that build interpersonal, time-management, problem-solving, and adaptability skills that will aid in your career development.



USAC is committed to providing access to affordable, academically rigorous, and enriching cross-cultural learning abroad for all students to succeed in today’s global society. [They] celebrate diversity and value its impact on the study abroad experience of our students...[and] strive to increase access, inclusion, equity, and support for underrepresented student populations. Read more about their mission & values here.

SSA Spanish Studies Abroad

SSA

SSA is one of VCU GEO Education Abroad's affiliate/third-party providers. 



SSA has been providing unique learning experiences to North American university-level students since 1969, in Spanish-speaking countries across the world. Since [their] first programs launched in Sevilla (Spain), [they] have expanded to provide programs in Alicante and Barcelona; Cordoba and Buenos Aires, Argentia; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Panama City, Panama...And don't worry--[they] offer programs in English too so you don't need to speak Spanish to apply. 



The mission of SSA is to promote our students' in-depth understanding of Spanish-speaking countries through specifically designed and academically rigorous univeristy-level and cultural travel programs. All of [SSA] students cross cultural boundaries to live as members of another culture and thus to learn about others as they learn about themselves. Read more about SSA's mission & values here.