Meet Richmond Students

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."

Rami Sulieman- United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

BA Marketing

Rami, chose Richmond because of its diverse culture, and he always wanted to live and study in London. He chose his current Major Marketing because of his interest in the creativity involved in the development of ideas.

The thing that he enjoys most about Richmond life is the friendly atmosphere around campus and the advantage students have from the one-to-one relationships that they develop with their professors.

He recommends that you should first join and then come and enjoy. Remember university life is the best years so treasure every minute of it.