Director: Katie Sensabaugh
Email: sensabkb@jmu.edu
Associate Director: Angeline McMullin
Email: mcmullja@jmu.edu
Study Abroad Website
Recognizing its responsibility to provide international experiences to JMU students, the university sponsors semesters abroad in Antwerp, Florence, London, Spain and Scotland, as well as numerous short-term programs that take place during JMU breaks (winter, spring break, summer). JMU students experience life in a different culture and gain direct access to the historical, artistic and sociopolitical traditions of the environment while pursuing an approved course of study toward their bachelor's degree.
The programs are open to all students in good academic standing. Applicants should have a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
Semester in Scotland
Students spend four weeks in Edinburgh and four weeks in St. Andrews as part of the Semester in Scotland program. This study abroad opportunity is open to all majors and is only offered during the summer. Classes are taught by JMU professors and faculty members from the University of Edinburgh and University of St. Andrews, two of the best and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Participating students take 13 credits in General Education courses. Course offerings vary each summer but will always cover courses in the Arts and Humanities, The Natural World, American and Global Perspectives and Sociocultural and Wellness Area of JMU's General Education curriculum.
Short-Term Programs
Short-term programs are faculty-led and designed to blend coursework with guest lectures, excursions, and unique cultural experiences. Smaller group sizes foster lasting relationships between students and allow for authentic interactions with locals and fellow travelers. Short-term programs vary in length, location, and area of study to allow for seamless integration into even the most structured academic schedules. With programs in over 50 countries, a short-term program is an excellent way for students to practice a foreign language, make progress toward degree completion, or enroll in general education courses and electives in an immersive format.
Program Cost
The programs' costs differ, but all programs include tuition, housing, course-related travel, instructional events, such as theater, concerts, historical tours and guest lectures, and some social activities. Most programs include a basic food allowance as specified on the website.
All programs exclude the costs of students' travel to and from the program site. Loans and scholarships may be applied, and semester abroad scholarships and assistantships are available. Students enrolled in JMU-sponsored study abroad programs will be covered by a medical insurance policy for the period of time that they are participating in the JMU program.
Interested students can get information about study abroad programs from the Center for Global Engagement.
International Exchange Programs
The university is committed to increasing the opportunities for students' global awareness. Numerous exchange programs with schools and universities abroad are available. JMU's exchange programs are based at prestigious universities around the world, such as Flinders University in Australia; University of Leicester in England; Hiroshima University, Nanzan University and Ritsumeikan University in Japan; Yonsei University in South Korea; the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain; University of Versailles in France; and Malmo University in Sweden. Language requirements and curricula vary.
Exchanges are available to all majors and minors. Students should consult the Center for Global Engagement for application deadlines and further information.
Study at Oxford, Cambridge or St. Andrews
The university also offers the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or a full academic year at three of Great Britain's oldest and most respected universities: the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in England and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Participants will take part in tutorials across a wide range of topics and live with and share all of the benefits of regular university students. Study at Oxford, Cambridge or St. Andrews is open to all JMU students possessing a 3.3 grade-point average; students do not need to be honors students to participate in this program.
External Abroad Programs
Students may apply to participate in other approved study abroad programs. The university will accept credits earned abroad at approved institutions in accordance with its policy of accepting transfer credits. Approval of proposed study programs must be obtained from the Center for Global Engagement and the head of the academic unit in which the transfer credit will be awarded.
Semester in Antwerp
The Semester in Antwerp Program is an experience-based program, blending classroom theory with field trips to actual European businesses and sites of historic and cultural interest. The totality of the experience will result in a deep understanding of European business practices.
While in Belgium, students attend classes onsite at the University of Antwerp with business faculty who specialize in European Integration and the effects of economic and monetary union. This program is open only to business majors who have been accepted into COB 300 and is offered in fall, spring, and summer. COB 300 is an integrated learning experience consisting of four courses, taken concurrently, which introduces the fundamental conceptual tools of management, finance, operations and marketing in such a way as to establish their mutual relevance and interdependence. No foreign language is needed to participate in this program.
The following courses are offered during the Study Abroad – Antwerp semester, but not all courses may be offered each semester. Students should consult with the Study Abroad advisor for exact courses offered each semester.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| COB 300A | Integrative Business: Management | 3 |
| COB 300B | Integrative Business: Finance | 3 |
| COB 300C | Integrative Business: Operations | 3 |
| COB 300D | Integrative Business: Marketing | 3 |
| COB 301 | European Integration, Culture and History | 3 |
Semester in Florence
The Semester in Florence program is open to all majors and offers students the opportunity to discover Florence, Tuscany, Italy, and broader Europe. The curriculum promotes engaged, hands-on learning in the city that travelers routinely designate "the best city in the world." Courses focus on Italian gastronomy and oenology, the Renaissance tradition, and contemporary European education, business and politics.
In addition to courses on Italian culture, hospitality management and art history, among others, this program gives students the opportunity to complete six credits toward the General Education requirement for arts and humanities and is offered during the fall, spring, and summer. Interested students can also earn substantial credit toward a minor in Modern European Studies.
The following courses are offered during the Study Abroad – Florence semester, but not all courses may be offered each semester. Students should consult with the Study Abroad advisor for exact courses offered each semester.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| ARTH 313 | Masterpieces of Italian Renaissance Art [C2VPA] | 3 |
| ENG 302 | Special Topics in Literature and Language | 3 |
| HUM 200 | Great Works [C2L] | 3 |
| HM 252 | Culinary Arts and Menu Management | 3 |
| HM 361 | Italian Culture and Wine | 3 |
| HM 362 | Italian Gastronomy | 3 |
| ITAL 490 | Independent Study in Italian | 1-4 |
| MKTG 380 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| POSC 371 | Topics in Comparative Politics (when topic is appropriate) | 3 |
| or SCOM 395 | Study Abroad Seminar |
| UNST 390 | Special Studies in University Studies | 1 |
| WLC 447 | Special Topics: World Cultures in Translation | 3 |
Semester in London
During the Semester in London, students study both classic and modern literature and then examine those great works in context, exploring how history influenced the present in Europe's most cosmopolitan city. Internships are also available as part of the program. With more than 200 possible intern sites in London, positions are widely varied and open to all majors. This unique opportunity allows students to build essential life and career skills while experiencing the British lifestyle first-hand. This program is offered during the fall, spring and summer. Interested students can also earn substantial credit toward a minor in British Communication and Media.
The following courses are offered during the Study Abroad – London semester, but not all courses may be offered each semester. Students should consult with the Study Abroad advisor for exact courses offered each semester.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| ARTH 316 | Experiencing Art in London [C2VPA] | 3 |
| ENG 412 | Special Topic Seminar (The London Theatre) | 3 |
| or HUM 200 | Great Works [C2L] |
| or THEA 449 | London Theatre |
| IDLS 486 | Internship and Field Experience | 3 or 6 |
| SCOM 359 | Communication, Diversity and British Popular Culture | 3 |
| SCOM 360 | British Media and Society | 3 |
| or SMAD 360 | British Media and Society |
| or WRTC 360 | British Media and Society |
| or HUM 251 | Modern Perspectives [C2HQC] |
| SCOM 351 | Visual Rhetoric | 3 |
| or SMAD 321 | The Media Arts: Culture by Design in London |
| or WRTC 351 | Visual Rhetoric |
| or ARTH 389 | Topics in Art History |
| SMAD 466 | British Film Adaptations | 3 |
| or ENG 463 | British Film Adaptations |
| or SCOM 395 | Study Abroad Seminar |
| POSC 472 | Media and Politics | 3 |
| or SCOM 473 | British Media and Politics |
| or SMAD 473 | British Media and Politics |
| WRTC 103 | Rhetorical Reading and Writing [C1W] | 3 |
| UNST 390 | Special Studies in University Studies | 1 |
Semester in Spain
Based in Salamanca, the Semester in Spain program gives students the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of Spain, as their exposure to theaters, concerts, cinemas and other performing arts groups will unveil a new aspect of learning. During spring and summer terms, all courses are taught in Spanish; thus, all applicants must have completed the intermediate level of Spanish (SPAN 232) prior to departure. In addition, during the fall term, students enroll in a 3-credit intensive language class at the level appropriate to their needs during the first two weeks in Salamanca. This requirement permits time for students to adapt to Spanish language and culture before entering regular semester courses.
Spring and summer semesters offer a language immersion opportunity with courses taught in Spanish. For more information on course offerings, see the Academics page. This program also offers an additional 4-week Internship in Valencia, Spain for spring and summer participants. Students will have the opportunity to intern in several industries such as business, education, communication, law, engineering, and non-profit. Fall semester is a special term designed for freshmen and sophomores looking to complete general education requirements. Students will select four of the six general education courses offered, plus an elementary or intermediate Spanish course, and UNST 390. All courses are taught in English.
The following courses are offered during the Study Abroad – Spain semester, but not all courses may be offered each semester. Students should consult with the Study Abroad advisor for exact courses offered each semester.
Spanish Language and Culture Options (Spring, Summer)
Spanish Language and Culture Options (Fall)
General Education Options (Fall)
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| ART 200 | Art Today: Themes in Contemporary Art [C2VPA] | 3 |
| GEOL 102 | Environment: Earth [C3NS] | 3 |
| HUM 200 | Great Works [C2L] | 3 |
| POSC 200 | Global Politics [C4GE] | 3 |
| SCOM 122 | Fundamental Human Communication: Individual Presentations [C1HC] | 3 |
| SOCI 140 | Microsociology: The Individual in Society [C5SD] | 3 |
| UNST 390 | Special Studies in University Studies | 1 |
| WRTC 103 | Rhetorical Reading and Writing [C1W] | 3 |
