External programs open a world of additional study abroad opportunities to JMU students. There are literally thousands 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 CGE, remain a JMU student, and keep all of your JMU services. 

All external program participation must be approved by the CGE.

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 on your personal preference. 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?

• Scroll through our list of affiliate programs and other recommended programs.

• Do a search of external programs using one of these excellent search engines:
  StudyAbroad.com OR  GoAbroad.com 
  (Then use our affiliate/recommended programs lists to confirm our endorsement of your choices!) 

• Email studyabroad@jmu.edu or set up a Zoom appointment with Donna Sharpes .

Eligibility
To be considered for study abroad, you must be in good academic standing, holding a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00. Approval is based on verification of your records in the university's information system, which includes checking your status with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs University Finance and the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices. Your participation may be denied if university records or conduct prior to departure raise doubts that you should be allowed to participate in an international experience.

Application Deadlines:

• Provider Program Application - Set by Program Provider.
• JMU External Program Application - Must be completed in conjuction with the Provider Application.

A JMU External Program Application is required at the same time as your Provider Application in order for us to assist you with the JMU process. Our applications are open year round for submission. It is recommended that you complete your provider application well before the assigned deadline in order to have a better chance of space availability. 

Application Materials
The application for admission requires paperwork with both JMU and your External program. A completed External Program application consists of the following components:

• JMU External online application.
• Permission to Take Courses for Transfer Credit Form:
  • Available from the Registrar's Office or downloadable in Adobe Acrobat format.
  • Required of all students studying abroad on an External program. 
• Independent provider's application form:
  • Most independent providers' applications require an approval signature from home institution's study abroad office.

Acceptance
The decision for admission into a program comes in two steps:

1. JMU approval, which is based on your general suitability for study abroad and will be considered based on:
   • Your most recent cumulative GPA (must be 2.0 or higher).
   • Disciplinary records.
   • Complete application.
2. Official acceptance offer from the external study abroad program.

External Program Fee
An External Program Fee of $500 per term for Fall or Spring and $250 for Summer term will be charged to each student’s JMU account and be due just prior to the start of their program. This fee allows JMU to cover ongoing administrative costs to assist students who go abroad on non-JMU programs.

Financial Aid
JMU allows financial aid to be applied on External programs subject to the standard restrictions. For more information, please contact JMU's Financial Aid Office. You MUST complete a "Request to Enter into a Consortium Agreement" if you wish to apply your financial aid to an External Study Abroad Program. Donna Sharpes in the Center for Global Engagement will help you through this process once you are approved to study abroad.

• Be sure you have completed all transfer credit forms needed.
• Complete all "Post decision" items in your JMU application.
• Follow up with your provider by following all their preparation requirements.

Things To Remember:

• Plan in advance the classes you will need to register for your return semester.
• Contact the Office of Residence Life before you leave to go abroad if you plan to live in a dorm when you return to JMU.
• Know who your JMU advisor is and how to contact him/her before you leave.
• Make sure you have no holds on your account.
• Be aware of the safety, health, legal, environmental, political, cultural and religious conditions in your host country.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate insurance policies and abide by any conditions imposed by your carrier.
• Make sure you have provided your program with accurate physical and mental health information that is necessary for a safe and healthy study abroad experience.
• Understand and comply with the terms of participation and codes of conduct of your program and obey host-country laws
• Let your parents know how to contact you abroad and give them the Center for Global Engagement's (CGE) contact information.
• Be aware of local conditions when making daily choices and decisions.
• Behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well-being of others.
• Just as at JMU, you are responsible for your own decisions and actions.
• Make your study abroad experience a great one!

• For any questions or concerns:
  Donna Sharpes
  Center for Global Engagement  
  Tel: 540-568-6419  
  Email: sharpedv@jmu.edu

• For transcript or credit transfer issues:  
  Office of the Registrar  
  Tel: 540-568-6281  
  Email: Transfer_Credit@jmu.edu
  
  For account holds:  
  University Business Office 
  Tel: 540-568-6505  
  Email: ubo@jmu.edu
  
  
• For financial aid or scholarship questions:  
  Lisa Newman 
  Financial Aid & Scholarships  
  Tel: 540-568-7918   
  Email: colapild@jmu.edu

 Once You Are Abroad
Send the Center for Global Engagement changes or additions to your contact information (email address, mailing address and phone number). Also, please let us know if you are having any problems. We are here to help!