Exchange Students

Interested Students

The exchange program at JMU is available ONLY to students from the following partner universities:

  • Flinders University
  • La Trobe University
  • American University in Cairo
  • Misr International University
  • Nanzan University
  • Hiroshima University
  • Ritsumeikan University
  • Universidad de Salamanca
  • Yonsei University
  • Malmo University
  • American University of Sharjah
  • University of Leicester

All application materials are to be submitted to your home university's International Programs office. Please apply through your home university and direct all questions to them. Click here to access materials.

Please note that the exchange program students have limited course options within the College of Business (including economics, finance, accounting, administration, hospitality/tourism management, management, marketing, etc.).

Preferred areas of study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Political Science, Liberal Arts. All students should plan to take at least one class outside of their major, as an elective. Classes can be searched for through MyMadison.

Accepted Students

  • Arrival & reservation preparation:- On Sunday August 18, in order to ensure that you can move-in early on campus (for students who will be living on-campus) and that we can assist students to provide transportation assistance from the Dulles International Airport (IAD) to JMU, please complete the Arrival/ Reservation Form.
  • Apply for your visa: Materials needed for the visa application will be provided in your acceptance packet. If you do not receive your acceptance packet within two weeks of receiving the acceptance email, please contact Donna Sharpes.
  • Housing: Considering your housing options by going to the following On-Campus Life website or the Office of Residence Life website to obtain more information. Your advisor will provide you with further assistance if you should decide to live on-campus (only).
  • Search for classes: You will have applied for classes in the application process, but you may need to give additional options as necessary. Donna Sharpes will pre-register you for a full load (12-15 credits) of classes based on your preferences, major, class availability and your transfer of credits. You will obtain your class schedule and meet with Donna Sharpes during Transitions. At that time, you will have the chance to ask questions and make changes to your schedule. Please note that classes are never guaranteed and you will need to be flexible with the process. Classes can be searched for through MyMadison.
  • Immunization Form: The office of International Programs will be collecting your JMU immunization form during Transitions. Should you require some vaccinations, note that you can get vaccinations at the Student Health Center by making an appointment and paying a small fee… however, you need to make sure that all of your vaccination requirements, check-up and your doctor or health practitioner’s signature is taken care before you arrive to JMU, since it is crucial that the Health center receives your health record.
  • Health Insurance: All international students will be enrolled in mandatory health insurance with Cultural Insurance Services International, CISI. Your insurance card, policy information and claim form can be obtained from the International Student & Scholar Services Office (ISSS). If you currently have an insurance policy that will cover you for your duration of your academic career and meets certain requirements, you may be exempt from the insurance fee placed on your account. If you wish to apply for a waiver for this coverage with CISI, you must complete an Insurance Waiver Form and return it in person to ISSS along with a copy of your policy in English. Please note that you must submit your waiver request no later than the first Friday of the semester, and that the waiver must be approved by ISSS.
  • Pay Your Bill: To view your bill, you need to login to QuickBill by accessing it on MyMadison (for students). QuikBill provides you and your family with instant access to your student account charges. QuikBill is currently configured so that the student is the only who can view and pay his or her bill online through this system. If a family member or sponsor of that student needs access to QuikBill, the student will need to enable this individual to view and/or pay the bill by creating an account for this individual. Also through QuickBill, installment payment plancan be set-up. To make payments towards your tuition and bills, you can:
    • wire funds to JMU:  Contact Electronic Funds Coordinator: Tammy L Kiser- (540) 568-7909
    • pay online: by credit card. [Please note that JMU handles MasterCard, American Express or Discovery card only].
    • Set-up a bank account in the U.S. This will facilitate the transfer of funds from your home country to the U.S. You will then be able to write checks and/or transfer money directly from your bank account to your JMU student account online. A trip to the downtown Bank of America will be scheduled during the first or second week of classes.
  • Pack your Bags and Get Ready!
    • Don't forget your Health Record Form. Without it you will be unable to attend classes.
    • In the winter we have snow and ice. You will want a warm coat to wear as you walk between classes on campus. The normal winter temperature is in the range of 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit (around 0 degrees Celsius) although, it can get as cold as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit (around -15 degrees Celsius).
    • Bring a few items that remind you of home (pictures, crafts, clothing, sports equipment, etc.) and to share with other students, including traditional clothes. You will have several opportunities throughout the year to showcase your culture and country.
    • The residence halls do NOT provide bed linens, pillows, blankets, or towels. You may purchase these items in advance on the Office of Residence Life's website or in Harrisonburg at one of our many discount or department stores. Please note that there will be many opportunities during Transitions and afterwards to go shopping.
    • At home, allow plenty of time to say good-bye and plan how to keep in touch. You will be extremely busy during your first weeks and months, so it is important you explain to your family and friends that long periods between communications should not alarm them. It will all be part of this new adventure.
    • Organize your passport, all of your visa documents and supporting documents in one place on your person, not in your checked luggage so that they are easy to find and manage. Make sure that you have your: (a) valid passport with proper, currently valid stamp; (b) form DS-2019; (c) evidence of funding as appropriate to the visa classification and your intended activities in the U.S.; (d) contact information for the Office of International Programs (e) your SEVIS receipt.
  • Contact Information
      If you are still unclear as to what you need to do please feel free to contact: Donna Sharpes Tel: 1 (540) 568-3740