Location

Frankfurt an der Oder & Berlin, Germany; Pozań, Poland

Dates

July 19 - July 30, 2025

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until April 30th.

Program Description

This program is uniquely designed for students in the Adult Degree/Bachelor of Individualized Study program and focuses on the societal challenges related to migration in Germany and Poland.

Students embark on an in-depth exploration of the history, culture, and support of refugees in the surrounding areas. Students engage in guest lectures, site visits and excursions, and interact with local and international students.

Through these activities, students learn about the positive and negative implications of migration for Frankfurt an der Oder, the history and politics in eastern Germany, and how Frankfurt (Oder) supports refugees.

Students also take day trips to Nuezelle, Germany, Poznán, Poland, and will spend 2-3 nights in Berlin where they tour the city and compare perspectives and inhabitant growth to Frankfurt an der Oder.

Course

IS 490: The Exploration of Migration and Culture in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany (3 credits)

Location Description

The majority of this program will take place in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany at the European University Viadrina. Viadrina is a university in the heart of Europe with a unique international and interdisciplinary character. Their students and lecturers come from 80 different countries. The international aspects of law, economics and social and cultural sciences play a particularly important role in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the three colleges.

The so-called “German gateway to the East”, Frankfurt an der Oder is relatively small, with a population of approximately 74,000. Neighboring Slubice, Poland -- with its 17,000 inhabitants -- is just a short walk across a nearby bridge. There is a wealth of scenic and historic attractions around Frankfurt an der Oder. The surroundings are of great scenic beauty with its green forested areas and clear lakes. 

The capital of Germany, Berlin, with all its theaters, bars and historic sites is only 60 km away. It is known as a world city of culture, politics, media and science but also a stroll in the famous quarters Neukölln and Kreuzberg is worth its while. 

The geographic position of Viadrina right on the border of Germany and Poland means that students cross borders on a daily basis in their academic and private lives, creating an international atmosphere. At the same time, the German capital Berlin is only one hour by train. Prague is about 5 hours away.

Directors

Daniel Robinson | robinsdl@jmu.edu | School of Professional and Continuing Education

Cost

The program is fully funded, thanks to a grant provided through Madison Trust.

Accommodations

Students will stay in single-occupancy hotel rooms.

Some group meals will be included in the program. A stipend will be provided to offset some of the cost of meals.

Additional Items to Consider

Must have a valid passport. No visas are needed to travel to Germany.

Participants will travel independently to Germany where they will meet the Program Directors. More details will be shared upon acceptance.

This program will run in conjunction with the New Dukes Abroad program. Some coursework and activities will include both Adult Degree Program students and traditional on-campus students. 

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must be current students in JMU Adult Degree Program (ADP).

Application Process

This list serves as an application preview. To apply, students will need to complete the following:

• Study Abroad Online Application ($40 fee)
• Short Essay
• An interview with the Program Director may be required

Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in.