Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies and is a constituent state of the United States of America. It is bounded to the northeast by Maryland; to the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean; to the south by North Carolina and Tennessee; to the west by Kentucky; and the northwest by West Virginia. Richmond is the state capital.
The University of Virginia is one of the top schools for international students. It is a research-intensive university that is ranked 126 in the QS World University Rankings 2011/12. UNESCO has designated the University of Virginia in Charlottesville as a World Heritage Site. Virginia also has several other prestigious universities. Nearly 19,000 international students study in Virginia. Virginia is home to several nationally ranked small liberal arts colleges, as well as mid-size and large research universities. Virginia has something for everyone, from Virginia Beach to Roanoke. International students in Virginia will find a college that fits their desired lifestyle in a setting infused with coastal charm and majestic mountains.