External study abroad programs are opportunities outside of JMU’s offerings while still using your financial aid. These programs are run by other institutions or providers, but with the right paperwork, you can stay on track academically and financially. This section outlines what you need to do to make it happen.

In order for funds to disburse, the following items must be completed and received by JMU: 

Consortium Agreement Form

• A consortium agreement is an official contract between James Madison University and another institution.
• Assuming a student meets all other general eligibility requirements to receive financial aid, the agreement allows JMU to provide financial aid while the student studies at an institution other than JMU.
• The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) will provide this form to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships once all signatures are received. The host institution will also provide the Cost of Attendance for the program. You may be contacted for clarification regarding your charges/expenses.

Transfer Credit Approval form

• Must contain all necessary signatures.
• The form can be found on the Office of Registrar’s website here.
  
  

• This form is sent to the student by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships approximately a month before the semester abroad begins.
• This form must be completed with a program representative at the student’s host institution AFTER the student begins the courses.
• Completed forms must be sent to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (contact information on the bottom of the form) by the host institution.
• The courses listed on the Enrollment Verification form must match the Transfer Credit Approval form and contain at least 12 approved credits for the fall/spring semesters or 6 approved credits for the summer semester.