VCU news

By Lane Burgess
Global Education Office

As the Virginia Commonwealth University Global Education Office's first senior academic adviser for international students, Amber Bennett Hill, Ph.D., offers something as unique as the students who enter her office -- cookies, candy and a comfortable couch.

As a former VCU professor of archaeology and anthropology, she looks forward to filling a need at the university.

"International students have unique needs and situations," Hill said. "I'm here to make sure their needs are taken into consideration so that they can learn."

Hill said she is excited about developing online resources to make it easier for students and faculty to get the information they need and for students to be prepared for academic success before they arrive on campus.

Her position is rare. VCU has one of very few international programs to offer academic advising specifically for international students, she said.

Students come to her with broad academic concerns, trouble with coursework and questions about how American classrooms work.

“I can guide them to which classes are best suited for them,” Hill said. “I’m an intermediary to faculty for them.”

Since she has been in the job, Hill has developed an academic tutoring program in which graduate students help international students to write papers, prepare for exams and understand lectures. Hill plans to assist international students to achieve their academic goals through one-on-one meetings, Global Education Office programs and strategic referrals to VCU resources. She’ll also educate the campus about the specific needs of international students.

“I’m excited about the number of students I’ve been meeting,” said Hill. “This position was one I couldn’t turn down. I never know what language they are going to speak and what needs they are going to have.”

Hill’s office is located in Room 221P in the Global Education Office at 817 W. Franklin St.

To schedule an appointment for advising or to learn more, email Amber Bennett Hill at abennett@vcu.edu or click here for more information.