James Madison University prides itself in providing a unique intensive international experience for students for a full semester abroad. These programs also offer the opportunity for faculty development through the role of the Faculty Member in Residence (FMIR). The ability for faculty to serve as an FMIR adds international dimensions to the JMU curriculum, and allows for extra support for students' academic and personal growth while abroad.

Announcements for open positions of FMIR are made in September each fall semester, with placement up to two years in advance. 

Refer here for a list of past FMIRs.

FMIRs lead, advise, and support the students living and studying in the host city and, in some cases, handle administrative planning and financial record-keeping. FMIRs normally teach one course in their academic field, but some FMIRs conduct an appropriate program project instead of teaching a course. Faculty benefits include transportation to/from the site and housing during the semester. Most programs involve academic excursions that expose faculty and students to the country's culture. Specific policies, responsibilities, and benefits for FMIRs differ by program and should be discussed with the Program Directors (listed below).

The fall and spring term start and end dates align closely with the JMU academic calendar, while the length of the summer semester programs vary by location and run 7 to 11 weeks.

All full-time faculty and administrative personnel with a teaching designation may express interest in positions in Antwerp, Florence, London, and Salamanca. Faculty must receive approval from their Academic Unit Heads and/or supervisors prior to submitting materials. Non-tenured faculty should consult their department heads regarding the advisability of participating before or during the tenure process. Since faculty development is a goal of this program, new applicants are especially welcome.

Faculty who have already served as an FMIR are eligible to serve again on the same or another semester abroad program after five full years have passed (i.e. an FMIR who served in fall 2022 to would be eligible to serve again in fall 2027). Faculty who have already served have a lower priority than new candidates. Returning faculty may be appointed when a faculty member withdraws or under special circumstances. 

If a faculty member served as an FMIR support person, they may be eligble to serve as an FMIR after three full years have passed (i.e. a faculty member who served as an FMIR support person in spring 2023 would be eligible to serve as FMIR in spring 2026). Similarly, a former FMIR may serve as an FMIR support person three years after their term. 

Faculty should have a strong interest in, enthusiasm for, and commitment to taking students to the country for which they apply. Consideration is given to the faculty member's experience in the country and culture but extensive prior knowledge is not required as long as there is a plan for acquiring a solid foundation prior to departure. Although an instructor may apply to more than one program, candidates should have first preferences based upon interest or experience. Candidates may note in the application if there is any flexibility for the semesters and/or programs.

IMPORTANT: Prior to submitting the application, candidates must meet with the program director who has responsibility for the curriculum and program management. Because there are some distinct differences in the responsibilities in each location, candidates must contact each program director (see list towards the end of this page), respective to their interest. The program director will review preliminary course proposals for appropriate fit with the overall curricular offerings and ensure that they take full advantage of the unique learning opportunities offered by the host country. After the program director approves the course, faculty members should obtain approval from both the director and their department for the course or project they propose to conduct abroad, as well as for release from teaching on campus for all term(s) listed. Courses that are cross-listed with other departments or fulfill GenEd credits should be approved by each area.  

Academic Unit Heads (or Deans for Department Heads) are asked to approve the course proposal and the teaching release of the candidate. Although instructors can repeat a semester abroad, an effort is made to include faculty who have never served in a semester abroad program. Consideration is given to the international growth and vitality this experience will give to the departments and colleges. 

For appointment during the regular academic year (fall and spring semesters), the FMIR's "home" department will be reimbursed at a standard $9,000 to help replace the faculty member's teaching and/or administrative responsibilities. Summer FMIRs in Antwerp, Florence, London, and Salamanca are compensated with a salary for one summer school course, based on college and rank. Administrative faculty on 12-month contracts may receive a reduced salary with approval of unit head/department chair, the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Executive Director, and the appropriate Vice President.

There is no compensation for accompanying spouses, partners, or family members. Certain travel expenses will be paid for spouses, partners and children under 18 if they participate in the majority of the program.

Candidates are considered on the basis of the following criteria:

• • Experience with advising and work with student groups
  • Commitment to both in-class and out-of-class learning
  • Organizational skills sufficient to fulfill the administrative and financial management responsibilities of the position
  • Interest in the country and familiarity with its culture
  • Intended benefits to JMU and the individual's professional development | Please note: the applicant's professional development goals should not be the primary reason for wanting to serve as FMIR
  • Sufficient language skills to enable the faculty member to function effectively on behalf of the students

Interested faculty should complete the FMIR required materials on Terra Dotta and attach a current résumé or curriculum vitae. The FMIR Selection Committee, consisting of program directors, the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) staff, and representatives from University Finance, will review all completed materials received by the deadline.

The Committee conducts brief personal interviews with the candidates. A personal interview with the Committee allows the applicant to expand on their interest in serving as an FMIR and in turn allows the members of the Committee the opportunity to ask questions of the applicant.

The Committee only interviews the top-ranked candidates. Candidates who are not interviewed and/or are not selected may reapply for a later search. Candidates are encouraged to seek feedback from the respective Program Director for strengthening components of an application.

Successful candidates will be notified via email, and will be asked to participate in an interview on either 11/4, 11/6, or 11/7. Please plan accordingly to schedule an interview on one of those days.

Antwerp: Sam Collier, 540-568-7415, colliesb@jmu.edu
Florence: Chris Blake, 540-568-6344, blakech@jmu.edu
London: Amy Paugh, 540-568-7932, paughal@jmu.edu 
Salamanca: Tomás Regalado-Lopez, 540-568-6946, regalatx@jmu.edu

Student evaluations of the orientation, administration and courses are done at the end of each semester. The directors base their evaluations of the FMIR on student evaluations, input from international faculty and the Center for Global Engagement staff, their own observations of the group and their working relationship with the FMIRs. The categories for evaluation include: 

• Academic rigor
• Accessibility to students and faculty
• Communication skills
• Leadership
• Enthusiasm
• Knowledge of the city and country
• Concern for cultural experiences
• Concern for students' health and safety
• Program organization and financial management, if applicable

Applications for more than one program are welcome but, as mentioned above, require advance consultation with the respective program directors. Canidates applying to more than one program need to complete an application for each program. As part of the materials, you will be asked to rank your preferences. If you previously applied for an FMIR position but were not selected, you will need to resubmit your materials. 

Terms available for the current application cycle: 

Semester in Antwerp | Spring 2026, Fall 2026

Semester in Spain | Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Spring 2027

Semester in Florence | Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Spring 2027

Semester in London | Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Spring 2027

APPLY NOW

Applications are open and are due on October 21, 2024.