In the closing days of 2010, UVA Today looks back at some of the University's top stories of the past 12 months.

December 28, 2010 — The University of Virginia's international programs grew in 2010. The Office of the Vice Provost for International Programs brought to Grounds ambassadors to the United States from Panama, Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to name a few.

The Center for International Studies continued its provocative Interdisciplinary Seminar Series, touching on such topics as participatory democracy in Venezuela, human rights in Europe and arms control, human rights and the question of the state in West Africa. The center also brought leaders in their field to the University to examine questions of philanthropy and HIV/AIDS and public health access.

Education abroad programs continued to flourish.  In 2002, U.Va. programs took students to 15 different countries. In 2010, students traveled to 40 countries. The International Studies Office partnered with the Curry School of Education to bring together experts to discuss ways to realize the Global University.

Also in 2010, the University took a big step in its globalization efforts, joining forces with two of China's preeminent universities, Peking University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, to create a joint institute for research and teaching.

2011 promises to continue to provide students and the community with rich educational opportunities that will sustain the University's mission to bring the world to U.Va. and to bring U.Va. to the world.

Some of the year's stories about international education in Charlottesville.
 
U.N. Special Reporter on Violence Against Women in Residence at University of Virginia (Jan. 4)
 
Respected Bangladeshi Leader is Distinguished Visiting Scholar at U.Va. (Feb. 24)
 
Sandra Day O'Connor, Julian Bond to Tackle Critical Issues Aboard Semester at Sea's Forum on Global Engagement (June 2)
 
U.Va.'s Summer Language Institute Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Total Immersion (Aug. 9)
 
U.Va. Inaugurates Joint Institute With Two Top Chinese Universities (Aug. 18)
 
Expert Asks: Is Philanthropy Entering a Second Golden Era? (Sept. 17)

U.Va. Celebrates International Education Week, Reflects on Gains Made in Education Abroad (Nov. 12)

Brazilian Minister-Counselor: WikiLeaks Poses No Threat to U.S.-Brazil Relations (Dec. 2)