Location

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

Program Description

Students will explore the history, culture and support of migration in east Germany, Poland and surrounding regions. Not only will students travel and build relationships with other new Dukes, but they'll experience a slice of college life at the European University Viadrina, where current Viadriana students act as guides both in and out of the classroom. Plus, students will earn three credits before officially starting at JMU in the fall!

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, Słubice, 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 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. Poznań is a city on the Warta River in western Poland and a 2 hour train ride from Frankfurt an der Oder.  Poznań is known for universities as well as its old town, with Renaissance-style buildings in Old Market Square.

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

Directors

Barbara Carlton | carltobh@jmu.edu | Student Life Facilities & Events

Kim Davidson | davi25km@jmu.edu | Community Engagement & Volunteer Center

Accommodations

Students will stay in dormitory style housing in Słubice, Poland while studying in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany; double occupancy rooms while overnight in Poznán, Poland; and double occupancy rooms in Berlin, Germany.

Some group meals will be included in the program. Non-group meals are the student's responsibility.

Applicant Criteria

This program is designed for incoming first-year & transfer students enrolling in Fall 2026.

Location

Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlan San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala

Program Description

This 12 full-day summer program in Guatemala provides students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about themselves and the tools to navigate their first year of college at JMU. This will be accomplished in a unique venue where they will get to know a cohort of their incoming classmates, earn three college credits towards their degree, and learn about Guatemalan culture, history, and language while enjoying much of what this beautiful land has to offer. 

Directors

Rebeca Barge | bargers@jmu.edu | Center for Multicultural Student Services

Misty Newman | newmanmj@jmu.edu | Community Engagement & Volunteer Center

Matthew Hunsberger | hunsbemw@jmu.edu | Dean of Students

Applicant Criteria

This program is designed for incoming first-year & transfer students enrolling in Fall 2026.