Meet Richmond Students

Alex Hamel - Greek/American

BA Psychology with a Minor in Theatre Arts

Alex’s defines his experience of Richmond by three things: knowing that tomorrow will bring something new, someone new and unknown challenges.

He chose Richmond as his university of choice because of its people, the student body and its professors. He encourages prospective students to visit the campus and meet the students and faculty. He said that, the best way to tell if you like a place is the crowd you will be around, everyday. So, beyond London, the beauty of Richmond and your studies, make sure you get to know the people, because that is the true worth of any Richmond experience.

Richmond is assisting him to developing a greater awareness of people, their cultures and beliefs. He encourages students to become involved on campus such as Residence Life, of which he is an active member.

Marine Strauss - French

BA International Relations with a Minor in Journalism

Marine chose Richmond for four reasons: firstly, Richmond offers an American education and degree in Europe, with its degrees dually validated in the United Kingdom. Secondly, the small class sizes and the close relationship with faculty. Thirdly, the cultural diversity on campus was an essential component of what she was looking for in a university. Richmond has exceeded her expectations with it internationally diverse campus. Finally, Richmond is in a great location. London has many opportunities to offer whether it is music, arts, sports, or travelling.

Renata A. Ximenes Rocha - Brazilian

Communications with a minor in Marketing

Renata graduated from Richmond in May 2011. She was accepted in to the Masters program at the London School of Economics (LSE), where she will be a candidate for Msc Media and Communications.

Richmond, has taught Renata about herself as a student, professionally and individually. She has learnt that challenging ones fears can lead you to unexpected results. The learning environment at Richmond, with its right mix of professors and environment, has enabled her to explore new subjects. She has also acquired strong presentation skills, by participating in dynamic class discussions and frequent group and individual presentations. She knows that this skill will be with her throughout her career, wherever it will take her.

Her strongest memory of Richmond is the international diversity on campus. The cosmopolitan environment that it naturally fosters brings a new perspective of the world around you.

Mia Bella Josimovic

Finance

Mia participated in the China Internship Program in Shanghai, during summer 2011. She worked for ACN Worldwide, a property investment company, and has been offered employment after graduation with the London branch.

During the internship experience she learnt about property management and investment. The highlight of her time was creating and presenting an investment package for a property that once bought she will be responsible for managing. The opportunity has given Mia greater insight in to the world of property management and she has begun to develop her own personal business plans for the future.

Yordanka Ivanova Blagoeva - Bulgaria

BA International Relations (minor: Economics)

"The first thing which made me want to attend Richmond University is the fact that it provides students with the opportunity to obtain an American liberal arts education in a British setting. However, when a student attends Richmond University there is another invaluable experience which becomes an inseparable part of the three or four years of life here in Richmond - the amazing people which one meets from all over the world. My major is International Relations with a minor in Economics and a vital part of this study is to be able to understand the mindset of people from different cultures, this is why this University has not only become a home to me but also an integral part of my education. Before coming to Richmond University I lived in a small town in Bulgaria called Dimitrovgrad, where diversity is not common. This is why living with people from different nationalities has been one of the most positive challenges I have faced during my two years of attending Richmond. During those two years I have been helped to get on the right track by my professors and I hope that after my graduation from Richmond University in May 2009 and hopefully, having done a MA in European Studies, I will pursue a career working for the European Union."

Jennifer Gates- United States

Double Major: Communications and Art, Design, and Media

"Having just finished my second year at Richmond, I can't imagine studying anywhere else. My hometown, Somerset, NJ (USA) is very diverse and I wanted to go somewhere that maintained that diversity. International students who are attracted to Richmond aren't biased by any underlying sense of American patriotism, like so many international students in US universities, and this mix of often contradictory world views is what makes Richmond such a dynamic and inspiring place. As a double major in Communications and Art, Design and Media, the faculty is an invaluable part of my education. The art department is excellent, and with such small classes I can get feedback on projects and ideas almost instantaneously. The professors in my fields of study are extremely knowledgeable, and always willing to talk or email if you have questions or simply want to know where their career has taken them. They really take a personal interest in seeing their students do well. The great thing about the Richmond liberal arts curriculum is that I came here knowing what I wanted to do, but with the diversity of courses exposing me to new fields, I've changed my mind and that's ok. If I was locked into an art school, a change from a film focus to a design and advertising focus would've been devastating, but here it's all good. Also the internship program is sure to find a placement in a company in London once you're accepted into it, which is great for anyone who wants to continue working here once the student visa expires. When I'm talking to my friends back home, I realize how happy I am that I chose to come to Richmond, for its proximity to central London, its dual accreditation, its extensive alumni network and more.

Valia Nikolaeva Koleva - United States

BA Marketing (minor: Communications)

"Growing up in Bulgaria, then California (USA), two very different places, encouraged me to attend Richmond University because I knew the diversity it offered and its location in vibrant London make it a refreshingly unique experience. During my three years at Richmond, I’ve been able to partake in many different activities and meet great people from all over the world. I think Richmond’s charm is that it offers its students this chance.
As a student at the university, you experience diversity on an unparallel level. You really get a sense of the world by making friends from places you’ve only previously heard of, and get to encounter different cultures and perspectives on a daily basis. As with any small university, students can really get to know their professors; however, at Richmond a huge advantage is that every professor comes from a different place, with a different story and can point you in directions you’ve never considered before. The faculty of the business department have shown me that our career possibilities are endless and with the school’s great internship program and dual accreditation, I’m certain I made the right decision and hope to make the most out of my last year at Richmond."

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/s/173.aspx