Broadening Global Perspectives

Preparing young men and women for successful service in an increasingly international and interdependent world community by broadening their global perspectives and increasing their cultural awareness is an inherent component of the Virginia Military Institute's mission of educating citizen-soldiers.

Opportunities Include: 

The first major element in achieving our mission is to provide cadets top-quality opportunities for international education and experience through study abroad, military exchanges, educational travel, internships, and international academic and cultural events on Post, throughout the nation and around the world.

The second major element is to provide outstanding international student services to international cadets, both four-year VMI cadets and military exchange cadets, including advising cadets on immigration issues and helping them adjust to the culture of the U.S. and VMI.

International Education  

“I’d like to find new ways to connect young Americans to young people all around the world, by supporting opportunities to learn new languages, and serve and study, welcoming students from other countries to our shores. That’s always been a critical part of how America engages the world. That’s how my father, who was from Kenya, from Africa, came to the United States and eventually met my mother. It’s how Robert College was founded so long ago here in Istanbul. 

Simple exchanges can break down walls between us, for when people come together and speak to one another and share a common experience, then their common humanity is revealed. We are reminded that we’re joined together by our pursuit of a life that’s productive and purposeful, and when that happens mistrust begins to fade and our smaller differences no longer overshadow the things that we share. And that’s where progress begins.”       President Obama, April 2009 

Study Abroad Handbook: VMI's policies and procedures for study abroad 

Students Abroad:  Student travel information from the US Department of State 

The Statement of Ethical Principals in International Education established by NAFSA, the association of international educators, sets ethical standards that we practice and invite others involved in international education to observe equally.