External Programs

With external study abroad programs, JMU students are open to the entire world. There are literally thousand of study abroad options and we can help you find the best one for you. Even though external programs are technically "non-JMU" programs, you will still apply to JMU's oIP, remain a JMU student, and keep all of your JMU services. All external program participation must be approved by the oIP.

Why choose an external program when JMU has so many of its own?  

Many of JMU's own programs fill up quickly, so there may be long waiting lists. There are also more selections to choose from when you attend an external program. With so many different non-JMU programs available, study abroad can work for all majors and minors in just about any region. FYI: about 200 JMU students each year go abroad on non-JMU programs.

There are three kinds of external programs

• Another U.S. university's program
• A national study abroad organization/program provider
• Direct enrollment at an overseas university

Which option is best for you?

Well, it depends.  With so many options available, there are several factors to consider with each type of program: Where, and with whom, will you be living? What kind of credit is granted? How much does it cost? Will you be taking classes with just Americans, or with locals of that country? Are classes taught in English? Are excursions included in the fee? By looking for the answers to each of these questions and others, you can find the program option that will be best for you.

This sounds interesting. Where can I get more information?

The JMU International Programs Resource Center is the place to start.  Located at JMAC 6, Suite 22, the Resource Center has bookcases full of information on all kinds of External study abroad options, including work, volunteer, and intern abroad possibilities.  Stop by during your free time and pick up a few brochures. Make an appointment to attend an Advising Session by calling 540-568-6419. The Study Abroad Advisors can help you decide on the right program for you. You can also browse through some great internet sites on your own to find out about programs; some of the best sites are www.studyabroad.com, www.goabroad.com, and www.petersons.com. Scroll down to find a list of affiliate programs, or other programs past JMU students have attended.

I am planning to go abroad on external program. What do I do now?

After attending an Advising Session, call 540-568-6419 to make an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor in the International Programs office for the application process. The study abroad advisor can help you with the forms required by JMU (which let your financial aid and credits transfer). After you meet with the study abroad advisor and submit your application, make sure you meet with your academic advisor to ensure that your program choice is the best one for you. The oIP will hold a pre-departure orientation the semester before you depart.

For more detailed instructions and to download the available forms, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for External Programs.

What program providers do most JMU students use?

JMU is officially affiliated with many study abroad program providers, and works closely with many others. Some affiliate programs may offer scholarships to JMU students.

JMU Affiliate Programs:
Academic Programs International (Ireland, Italy, multiple countries)
American Institute for Foreign Studies (Italy, England, multiple countries)
AustraLearn (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji)
CIEE (Russia, multiple countries)
Cultural Experiences Abroad (Ireland, Spain, multiple countries)
IFSA-Butler (England, Ireland, Australia, multiple countries)
International Studies Abroad (multiple countries, mainly Spanish-speaking)
Study-Australia (Australia, New Zealand)
Yangtze International/UA (China)

Other recommended programs:
AHA International (Spain, Chile, Greece, multiple countries)
American College in Dublin (Ireland)
American Intercontinental University (London)
Arcadia (Australia, England, Greece, multiple countries)
Center for Cross-Cultural Study (Spain, Argentina)
College Consortium for International Studies (Argentina, Mexico, multiple countries)
International Education of Students (Germany, Austria, Spain, multiple countries)
Lexia International (multiple countries, research component)
Middlebury College (multiple countries, language programs)
ProWorld Service Corp (Peru, Mexico, Belize; service component)
School for Field Studies (Kenya, Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos, others)

French majors are encouraged to look at:
Sweet Briar in Paris
Middlebury in Paris
IES in Paris
New York University in Paris
William & Mary in Montpellier
Knox College in Besançon
Swarthmore College in Grenoble
Wake Forest in Dijon

Do I have to pay JMU tuition?

No! You will only pay an administrative fee of $500 per term for Fall & Spring and $250 for Summer term (beginning Summer 2010, currently $400 for all terms). This fee allows JMU to cover ongoing administrative costs to assist students who go abroad on non-JMU programs. All other tuition or fees will be paid directly to the institution or program provider that you are studying through. Those prices will vary by program.