Global Engagement

In our increasingly global world, living, learning, and studying with international students—and studying abroad in a culture different from your own—prepares you to become a global citizen.

Understanding how we are all different unites us in our understanding of the world, of social problems that cross borders, and of opportunities to share insights and solutions. A global education shows us how much more we all have in common, and how when we work together the whole world benefits.

Topics

Key Facts

4

Global Campuses in 5 locations

RIT China, RIT Croatia, RIT Dubai, RIT Kosovo

5,000+

International Students across all RIT campuses

Representing 100+ countries

600+

Global Learning Opportunities

Study abroad, faculty-led excursions, research opportunities, exchanges, and fellowships

90+

International Partnerships

With world class universities and organizations around the world.

RIT’s International Campuses

RIT’s Global Campuses—located in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo—provide unique opportunities for you to extend your RIT education in exciting, dynamic international locations.

RIT Croatia

With campuses located in the stunning coastal city of Dubrovnik and the vibrant capital city of Zagreb, RIT Croatia presents a unique opportunity in a rapidly growing hub of creativity and innovation. The area boasts a rich cultural heritage and a burgeoning tech industry. Surrounded by international businesses and top-tier hotels and resorts, students in global business management, computing, new media design, and hospitality and tourism can immerse themselves in hands-on learning and real-world experience. Students have the option to join for a whole semester or participate in one of our popular education abroad programs, such as Summer Psychology and the Summer Minor in Business in Croatia.

RIT Dubai

Strategically located in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), one of the world’s leading centers of advanced innovation and design, RIT Dubai offers 11 undergraduate and 8 graduate programs in fields such as engineering, new media design, psychology, computing, business, data analytics, and smart cities. Students can immerse themselves in a city of engineering and architectural wonders while experiencing a dynamic and vibrant culture. RIT Dubai boasts a new state-of-the-art campus with world-class labs, industry-standard equipment, and interactive learning spaces. As a cornerstone of DSO, RIT Dubai provides students with access to training and development opportunities offered by DSO and the international companies it hosts, such as Axiom, WMotors, Porsche, and SAP.

RIT Kosovo

Kosovo, located in the heart of the Balkans, is a vibrant young country celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit. Its capital, Pristina, is a dynamic city where historic charm meets modern development, with bustling markets, lively cafés, and a thriving arts and technology scene. RIT Kosovo, conveniently situated within walking distance of Pristina's downtown, offers coursework in management, public policy, international relations, political science, economics, and computing. The campus also houses the Fred C. Cuny Center for Peace & Conflict Studies and hosts the annual Fred Cuny Peace and Conflict Summer Program. This renowned program allows students to learn from faculty practitioners who were either active diplomats or have firsthand experience in the conflict resolution process that brought peace to the country.

RIT China

China offers an unparalleled experience for business students studying abroad, with its rapidly growing economy and position as a global trade leader. Students can gain valuable insights into international business practices, emerging markets, and the dynamics of the world's second-largest economy while also experiencing China's rich cultural heritage and modern innovations. At the RIT China campus, located in the port city of Weihai in the Shandong province, RIT students can take business and liberal arts courses and immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture.

International Experiences for Students

Study Abroad

Study abroad is available in more than 60+ countries through diverse program offerings for all majors, including short-term faculty-led programs, immersive exchange programs, experiences that explore international Deaf culture, and opportunities to do international research.

International Fellowships

International fellowships and scholarships are financial awards granted to students to support study, research, or work abroad. Eligible students are selected through an often competitive application process.

Work Abroad

Working abroad allows you to immerse yourself in a country’s professional environment, where you can make connections and master key skills that will help you achieve your career goals.

Virtual Experiences

Virtual Intercultural Experiences are international classes or experiences that are completed partially or fully online. Through these virtual experiences, you can engage in a meaningful way with another culture, earn RIT credits, and boost your resume without having to pack a bag.

The flags of several nations next to each other.

Academic Programs with Global Reach

While you can participate in study abroad and other international experiences as a part of any degree program, RIT offers several majors specific to broadening your understanding of languages, cultures, global social issues, and international relations. These programs encourage international study, where you can immerse yourself in the culture, language, and social issues of a foreign country.

RIT’s Global Impact … From Across Town to Across Borders

Broadening our understanding of the world around us enables us to gain perspectives that are valuable in understanding who we are, what we stand for, and how we’ll use our knowledge to impact others

Collage of study abroad photos

Experiencing Global Health Practices in Nigeria

Biomedical Sciences Professor Bolaji Thomas and a group of RIT students traveled to Nigeria to understand the impact tropical diseases such as malaria have on the population and the medical protocols used in diagnosis and treatment.

RIT Graduate Volunteers with Peace Corps

Alessandra Santarosa, an RIT alum who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, taught English for two years as a volunteer with the Peace Corps. This experience enabled Santarosa to give back to the country that hosted her for a study abroad experience during her time at RIT.

Hope for Honduras

Students from the interior design, industrial design, and biomedical engineering majors traveled with Professor Mary Golden to Honduras to gather research and data to better understand the health issues facing the country’s neonatal care and infant mortality. Upon their return to RIT, students used design and engineering solutions to develop products and solutions that helped to improve maternal and infant care.

Global Engineering for a Local Impact

Associate Professor Marcos Esterman and senior engineering students use cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems, make a social impact, and empower citizens of Cali, Colombia. A range of collaborative projects that are part of the students’ multidisciplinary senior design course utilize technology including solar-powered 3D printers and aquaponics.

Studying the Impact of Anemia

Brenda Abu, a post-doctoral fellow in the Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, was joined by RIT students to assist with her research in Ghana. The team looked at the different factors that contribute to anemia and developed ways to make these factors less of an influence in order to reduce the likelihood of the disease.

Using Mapping Technology to Help Refugees in Rwanda

RIT students traveled to Rwanda with Professor Brian Tomaszewski to gather data to create maps that can help to improve the lives of Rwanda refugees and refugee camp organizers. Under the leadership of Tomaszewski, students used geographic information systems mapping technology to create maps that are easier for refugees and humanitarian organizations to use, allowing refugees to get the resources they need.

RIT Global Engagement News