Global Education
Global Education
We educate students to be participants in a global and diverse society by engaging students through coursework, speaker series and cultural programs, and a vibrant and extensive study abroad program.
Study Abroad
Most students participate in an experience abroad during their W&L experience. This may be for a term or full-year, Spring Term, summer program, internship, research, or service. Advisers work with you to find programs tailored to your interests.
Spring Term
Students get an up-close, intensive and personal experience abroad, studying a single subject on-site during W&L’s four-week Spring Term. While there are opportunities for students to travel abroad throughout the year, Spring Term is an additional option for students whose schedules can’t accommodate a full semester or year abroad.
International Students and Scholars
W&L is home to international students and scholars from more than fifty countries of citizenship and hosts dozens of globally themed events annually. International students and scholars are dynamic members of the community and enrich W&L’s mission to prepare graduates to thrive in a global and diverse society.
Stories
Ferrate chose W&L for its accredited Williams School and the ability to embrace the liberal arts experience.
Ashton Evans ’26 reflects on a W&L experience full of mentorship, global learning and skills she will carry with her for life.
Brandon Bishop ’26’s journey shows how W&L’s global opportunities, language instruction and fellowships can transform a student’s path.
“I want to use my education to uplift others,” she said. “It’s about making my corner of the world better, no matter which direction my career path takes me.”
W&L students spent their summer immersed in history, literature and the time-honored British tutorial system through the Virginia Program at Oxford.
Studying abroad was the best and most impactful educational experience I had. The person I am today was forged in the experiences I had abroad.
Studying abroad in Paris allowed Agbeyegbe to learn more about the intersection of fashion and business.
Elka Prechel ’26 was inspired by a Spring Term Abroad to explore her passion for teaching in France and Italy this summer.
Eliza Spaht ’26 took a course on the economics of winemaking with the Council on International Educational Exchange’s Business and Culture program in Barcelona, Spain.
Students in the Spring Term Abroad course Statistics in Korean Music explore mathematics in the traditional and contemporary music of Korea.
Members of Ƶ’s Class of 2024 who began their W&L experience at the University of St. Andrews in 2020 reflect on their unique experience.
McKnight is proud to be graduating 101 years after her great-grandfather, who started their family’s legacy at W&L.
International Education
We encourage you to contact us with questions about an international education at W&L.
Mark Rush
Director of International Education and Professor of Politics
- P: 540-458-8904
- E: rushm@wlu.edu
Rush writes on U.S. politics, constitutional law, elections and democracy around the world, global affairs, and higher education. His current scholarly work includes presidential power, international politics, judicial activism, elections and democratic reform, civic education, higher education, and law and technology.
Cindy Irby
Associate Director and Study Abroad Advisor
- P: 540-458-8193
- E: cirby@wlu.edu
Cindy Irby joined the Center for International Education in 2016 and helps students studying abroad for full terms to identify programs that match their personal, academic, and cultural goals. Cindy assists students from all majors with all phases of the study abroad process, from applying, pre-departure preparation, to returning to W&L and incorporating their experience into their future goals.
Jillian Murphy
Assistant Director of International Education and Study Abroad Coordinator
- P: 540-458-8194
- E: jmurphy@wlu.edu
Jillian Murphy assists students in the process of study abroad, including academic study, as well as internship and volunteer opportunities.
Hunter Swanson
Associate Director, International Student Advisor
- P: 540-458-8144
- E: hswanson@wlu.edu
Hunter is W&L’s Designated School Official (DSO) and International Student Advisor and is the primary contact for questions from international students who plan to attend W&L.