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. 

Location Description

At the start of the trip, students will learn about Guatemala through a few days in the capital, Guatemala City. Guatemala City is the vibrant capital of Guatemala and the cultural, economic, and political center of the country. With a population of more than 3 million in the greater metro area, it’s the largest city in Central America. Located in a highland valley, Guatemala City sits at about 5,000 feet above sea level. That altitude gives it a mild, springlike climate year‑round, with daytime temperatures often in the 70s°F.

After Guatemala City, students will experience a two-night homestay in San Juan La Laguna.. San Juan La Laguna is a small Tz’utujil Maya town located on the southwest shore of Lake Atitlán.  Known for its calm atmosphere, vibrant art scene, and strong cultural identity, San Juan offers students an immersive experience in a community where approximately 95% of residents are Tz’utujil Maya and where Indigenous traditions shape daily life.

The second half of this program will be centered in the city of Antigua, also in the Central Highlands. Antigua, a city of approximately 49,000 inhabitants, was once the capital of the Chaplaincy of Guatemala, before a series of earthquakes forced the capital to move to a safer location in 1776. The city is flanked by several volcanoes, including one active volcano that can be seen erupting throughout the day. The charming colonial city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, as a model of efforts to preserve the city’s baroque architecture. Language institutes and tourism are the primary industries of the area. Many cuisines are represented in Antigua, including Mediterranean, Italian, Asian, American, and traditional Guatemalan eateries. 

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

Accommodations

Guatemala City: Students will stay in a local hotel during the initial portion of the program.

San Juan La Laguna: Students will participate in a two‑night homestay with local families in this Tz’utujil Maya community, offering an immersive cultural experience.

Antigua: Students will stay in a hotel for the remainder of the program while exploring this historic UNESCO World Heritage city.

Applicant Criteria

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