Outside of our usual programming, there are numerous opportunities that become available throughout the year to our students, faculty and/or constituents.
Listed below were programs in 2025. Programs for 2026 will be updated soon.
JMU Families Abroad
A Taste of Study Abroad in Spain
Are you a family member of a current JMU Duke? You’re invited to join us on this Family Engagement study abroad program to Spain! This opportunity is designed to give our families a taste of the study abroad experience.
Location: Salamanca and Madrid, Spain
Dates: June 1-8, 2025
Eligibility: Family members aged 18+ of a current JMU Duke are invited to attend. Maximum three participants per family.
Cost: Approximately $2,800 per person, excluding airfare. Price includes accommodations, meals, on-site transportation, guided tours, and cultural activities.
Program director: Tracey Kite, Director of Family Engagement | kitetl@jmu.edu
More information can be found on the program webpage.
College of Education | High Impact Activities
Ghana: Culture, Education, and History Immersion
Location: Accra, Ghana
This program in Ghana offers participants a transformative experience rooted in cultural immersion and educational exchange. Through guided visits to landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Nkyinkyim Museum, Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, and the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, participants explore themes of identity, liberation, and cross-cultural connection.
Participants spend several days in Ghanaian K–12 classrooms, engaging with students and educators while collaborating with teacher education faculty and peers at the University of Ghana, Legon. These immersive experiences offer valuable insight into local teaching practices, classroom dynamics, and educational challenges. Grounded in culturally sustaining pedagogy, global citizenship, and reflective practice, the program equips future educators with essential tools for creating inclusive and responsive learning environments.
Meals are provided. Visas may be necessary.
Dates: June 6-14, 2026 (Summer Break)
Kosovo: International Summer University in Kosovo
Location: Pristina, Kosovo
Participants in this program will attend a two-week seminar as part of the Pristina International Summer University in Kosovo. Students will also have an opportunity to visit local exhibits, non-profit organizations, and schools to learn more about the roles of cultural heritage, place-based learning, and culturally responsive teaching in meeting the needs of student populations. After returning, the participant cohort will continue to meet monthly to support one another in developing new teaching practices that are informed by their global learning.
Students will stay in dorms. Meals are provided.
Dates: Early July 2026 (Summer Break)
Northern Ireland: International Summer School in Belfast, Ireland
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Teacher education candidates are eligible to participate in this program, which involves participation in St. Mary's University College (Belfast) International Summer School program, a conference aimed at university students and the greater Belfast Community that focuses on social justice and how Northern Ireland has negotiated peace in the last 25 years.
Students will stay in a dorms at the university. Meals are provided.
Dates: July 31-August 10, 2026 (Summer Break)
Adult Degree Dukes in Germany
The Adult Degree Dukes: Exploration of Migration and Culture in Germany program is open to Online Virginia Network (OVN) or online Adult Degree Program (ADP) students only. This is a wonderful opportunity for virtual students to study abroad.
More information can be found on the program webpage.
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
