ISSS is committed to providing helpful resources for the international student community at JMU! We are located on the second floor of Holland Yates Hall across the Skybridge from the Student Success Center and open 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday – please stop by! The front desk phone for the Center for Global Engagement is 540-568-5209 or you can email isss@jmu.edu.
Please visit the ISSS Calendar for details on informational sessions and community events. Additionally, our site will provide up to date information regarding:
To assist in your adjustment to JMU, we curated a short list of campus resources.
We know that there are challenges when adjusting to new cultural, academic, and social environments. ISSS aims to support your transition through our orientation and ongoing advising, guidance on campus resources, and programming that fosters connection and success.
Student Life Resources
Student Life refers to the activities and resources available to JMU Dukes! You can learn about living on-campus, clubs and organizations, and JMU traditions. Explore information about Harrisonburg, too, to learn more about where we are and what surrounds the JMU campus. Both JMU and ISSS host a variety of opportunities for community building.
Harrisonburg has a lot of diversity, and many cultures and traditions are represented in both the on-and-off-campus communities. ISSS has compiled a list of some resources for Faith and Spirituality.
The Office of Student Life provides community and involvement resources for all students. Through their office and events, you will discover on-campus social groups, resources for off-campus housing, and information on student leadership opportunities.
The Student Support Hub provides information about campus and community resources for food, financial, housing, etc., assistance for all students.
Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is a bridge between rural and city – with public buses that connect JMU and the local community. JMU has on-campus bus routes that provide access around campus and to many off-campus locations. In addition to the local bus system, there is bus travel to major Virginia cities available through the Megabus' Virginia Breeze routes!
In addition to the bus system, students are able to apply for a Virginia State Driver's License and purchase a car.
JMU has a wide variety of academic resources available to support our students! As university academic expectations are often very different from the secondary school experience, it's normal to need support as you adjust. The services listed are resources to build your confidence, strengthen your skills, and achieve your academic goals. We also encourage you to contact your academic advisor and professors.
Navigating your finances can be a novel experience, but the University Business Office is committed to supporting students while they pay tuition and bills. Payments can be made through Madison Money Manager (M3) and frequently asked questions are answered here: UBO FAQ.
Information regarding funding can be found through Financial Aid and Scholarships. Although federal financial aid is not available to international students, we encourage you to explore what scholarships may be available to you! ISSS has created a financial resources page exploring some options.
Please note: all international students are required by federal law to file taxes, regardless of employment status.
There are various steps that are required to work in the U.S. - from obtaining a Social Security Number to appropriate work authorization - and ISSS has resources for navigating these!
Career Development
JMU offers many career development resources including specific resources for international students with the University Career Center. There is a lot to consider when applying for work as an international student, such as navigating the job search and work authorization (i.e. CPT, OPT). ISSS hosts iCareer sessions throughout the semester to support your career development goals and provide insights on navigating those in the U.S.
Specific dates and times for iCareer sessions can be found on our Events calendar.
The University Health Center provides medical care to all enrolled JMU students at a reduced cost. You can make appointments through MyJMUChart or by calling 540-568-6178.
Medical expenses in the U.S. are very expensive, so all JMU students are required to have health insurance. ISSS enrolls international students on F and J visas in health insurance coverage through CISI and bills students through their JMU account.
Learn more about physically healthy on-campus and in the U.S.!
Mental Health Resources at JMU
ISSS knows that you will have many unique experiences in the U.S. - both exciting and challenging! Therefore, we want to highlight campus resources designed to help students who may be facing difficulties.
Successfully managing the challenges that come with a new school environment, living in a new country, and being away from home does not happen alone. JMU staff and counselors can help students navigate their own journey and discover how to be a successful JMU Duke with various resources, both in-person and virtual for your comfort. We are committed to your well-being; the Counseling Center provides a wide range of resources to you and has compiled an FAQ addressing concerns when seeking care.
JMU has its own Police Department committed to providing safety to all JMU community members both on and off campus.
Campus Safety has a wide variety of resources designed to keep you and your belongings safe. The JMU Shield App is the direct line of communication from the university in a campus-wide emergency situation, and we encourage you to utilize it.
