Summer Semester in Scotland



JMU announces a new summer semester program... more information to follow.

About Edinburgh and St. Andrews: Students will spend four weeks in Edinburgh and four weeks in St Andrews. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of Europe’s most beautiful and vibrant cities, offering both medieval charm and the cultural amenities of a modern city. Visits around the city include the Castle, the Scotch Whiskey Experience, visits to the National Galleries, St Giles Cathedral and for those who dare, a ghost tour to Greyfriars Cemetery, haunted by the infamous McKenzie Poltergeist. Airports in Edinburgh and Glasgow are major gateways for international travel (with plenty of low-cost airlines operating across Europe).

The town of St. Andrews is dominated by golf, ancient buildings and the prestigious University of St Andrews, which is currently celebrating its 600th anniversary. Founded in 1413, it is Scotland’s first and the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. Students will be taught by local faculty and use university facilities. From St Andrews, we will be visiting some of Britain’s most beautiful castles, go hiking in the Highlands, have a cèilidh in the castle grounds and enjoy Scotland’s great outdoors, which includes kayaking in the North Sea, wild water rafting and competing in our very own Highland Games.

Program Overview:  The program is open to all majors and 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.

Courses:  Participating students will take 12 credits in General Education courses as well as one 1 credit preparatory course taken during the second block of spring semester. Courses will be taught by JMU faculty as well as by faculty from the University of Edinburgh and University of St Andrews. Course offerings will vary each summer, but will always cover Clusters 2,3,4 and 5. Planned courses for 2013:

  • Cluster Two (GENG 221, Scottish Literature)
  • Cluster Three (GGEOL 102, Environment: Earth)
  • Cluster Four  (GPOSC 200, Global Politics)
  • Cluster Five (GKIN 100, Lifetime Fitness and Wellness)

Excursions:  Visits, tours and excursions are planned across Scotland and will complement the courses. Excursions will include visits to Stirling (Castle, Wallace Monument, Bannockburn), Glamis Castle, Falkland Palace and Lomond Hills, Hiking in the Angus Glens, Loch Ness and the Highlands.

Housing:  In Edinburgh, students will staying in self-catered accommodation close to the Castle and the Royal Mile, the main artery of Old Town. In St Andrews student will live in McIntosh Hall (full board), which is in the heart of this ancient university town and just stone throw away from the St Andrews Links, the home of golf and one of the world’s oldest courses.

Dates:  (tentative)

  • Summer:  early June to early August

Costs:  Tuition and fees for the Scotland Program include 12 credits of summer session tuition based on residency, room, board, and a supplemental program fee.  This combination of fees will cover:

  • Full-time enrollment in classes
  • Housing
  • Board (most or all meals)
  • Excursion lodging and transportation
  • Admissions and entry fees
  • Books
  • Other program activities

To Apply:  The Semester Abroad application form can be found on the OIP web site below:

In addition to the application form, applicants should submit the following:

  • an essay -- in no more than 300 words, please answer the following questions:

                What aspect of the Scotland study abroad program most appeals to you, and why?

                What talents, skills or special interests might you bring to the Scotland program? 

                How might studying in Scotland advance your education or career goals?

  • a letter of recommendation from a JMU faculty member, JMU advisor, high school teacher, or high school counselor.