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.
The opportunity to take a wide variety of classes has expanded Kramer's horizons.
Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
Joshua Justus '24L discusses studying law abroad at Trinity College in Dublin, his first time living outside the U.S.
Accounting major Darya Philips ’24 counts her semester abroad as one of the greatest experiences of her life.
Washington and Lee students explored the world this summer thanks to grant funding opportunities through the Center for International Education.
W&L students in this Spring Term’s “Swedish Theater” course were immersed in culture during their three weeks in Stockholm, Sweden.
Washington and Lee’s Class of 2023 includes nine recipients of the Certificate of International Immersion awarded by W&L’s Center for International Education.
Bishop ’26 and Gibbons ’26 Awarded CIE Arabic Summer Scholarship
Washington and Lee's Center for International Education awarded two students funding to study Arabic at the University of Jordan this summer.
Summer Opportunities: Internships Abroad
Despite challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, many students were able to travel this summer for valuable professional experience in other countries.
Brooklyne Oliveira ’21 Awarded Marquand Scholarship to Yale
The award covers full tuition and includes a $10,000 stipend toward living expenses.
W&L’s Alexxis Hatfield ’22 Awarded a Gilman Scholarship
Hatfield will travel to Denmark for the fall semester and take multiple psychology classes.
Cindy Irby, assistant director of international education and study abroad advisor at W&L, says her experience as a member of Up with People — which included participation in a Super Bowl halftime show — helps to inspire her as she makes study abroad opportunities possible for W&L students.
International Students Bond Over Unusual Term
At the start of the academic year, 17 first-year international students began their W&L experience in Scotland. Today, they are taking courses in Lexington as a unique group of friends.
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
Assistant Director, 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
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.