Overview of Fee Structure for JMU Semester Abroad Programs
JMU is well-known for the comprehensive presentation of quality and distinction of the academic, cultural, and personal experiences in its semester abroad programs. Most students and their families recognize that a study abroad experience is one of unique value in both short- and long-term benefits. Like anything of extraordinary value, this opportunity is not without additional costs, however, most JMU study abroad alumni will attest to the special rewards offered in a Semester in Antwerp, Florence, London, or Salamanca.
How we make it all happen
JMU’s international programs are funded by the participating students in each location. Tuition and other fees paid by the students are used to stage and maintain a broad international education experience. Students enrolled for the semester abroad programs are billed for tuition, room, board, and supplemental fees that pay for the trip as a whole and cannot be refunded for parts of the program that they miss.
Tuition: Full-time tuition fees are established by the JMU Board of Visitors and students are charged according to in-state or out-of-state residency to attend JMU in Harrisonburg or abroad. The University allocates tuition funding annually to academic and administrative departments according to total campus enrollment.
Room: Room fees are billed at the standard rate for full-time room for “on campus” residents at the study abroad campus residence for the duration of the program. Housing arrangements vary by program:
- Antwerp: students are assigned to rooms with private baths, arranged in studio apartments or single rooms, in a building leased by the University.
- Florence: students are placed with Italian host families in a home-stay environment. Housing assignments are coordinated with respect to gender, dietary, and personal habits with one to four students per home.
- London: students live in Madison House, a JMU-owned hostel, in single or double rooms with common bath facilities on each floor.
- Salamanca: students are placed in home-stay residences with Spanish families with one to four students per home. Room assignments are coordinated with respect to gender, dietary, and personal habits.
Board: Board is charged according to the standard JMU rate for a 14-meal plan. Provisions for meals vary by program.
- Antwerp: Students receive a weekly meal allowance to cover meals throughout the week. Meals can be prepared in kitchenettes or common kitchens. Students are encouraged to use the meal allowance to buy groceries and cook in the residence; it is not expected to cover the cost of eating out in restaurants
- Florence: Meals are prepared by the host family and served in a family-style environment.
- London: Self-service breakfast is provided by the hostel in a central kitchen area. Students receive a weekly meal allowance sufficient to pay for one other substantial meal a day. Students are encouraged to use the meal allowance to buy groceries and cook in the Madison House kitchen; it is not expected to cover the cost of eating out in restaurants.
- Salamanca: Meals are prepared by the host family and served in a family-style environment.
In all locations, the program will often host group meals, either while “on-the-go” during tours and excursions or for special occasions such as holidays, celebrations, or final banquets. Students should bring money for snacks, coffee and other beverages, and recreation during free time.
Supplemental fee: The supplemental fee is used to cover all other expenses related to the program operations not supported by the standard tuition, room, and board fees. The oIP sets the supplemental fees for each program based on the costs of living, the foreign currency exchange rates, the variety and types of course-related and extracurricular activities, and other academic and administrative arrangements, such as:
- Excursions: Each program presents a broad menu of day, overnight, and weekend excursions during which hotels and some meals are arranged by the program. Most study abroad courses include out-of-class components such as tours and visits to museums, government and cultural sites, and performances such as plays, concerts, and films. As attendance to all course-related activities is mandatory, the program pays for all admission costs, tour guide fees, and related materials.
- Transportation: Expenses such as chartered buses, trains, underground, and taxis are provided by the program as needed to complete course requirements.
- Staff support: Costs related to administering the study abroad program include faculty directors, faculty-in-residence, on-site coordinators, student assistants, and oIP staff to build and coordinate each program on its foreign “campus”.
- Services and materials: Each program varies in other provisions such as textbooks; laundry facilities; phone, internet, computer lab, and library fees; classroom and office rentals; office supplies; pre-departure expenses for handbooks, refreshments, and group meetings.
For more information about activities and services included for a specific program, check the oIP website or contact our office.
Personal expenses: Just like traveling between Harrisonburg and home, airfare and related transportation costs to the program site are the responsibility of the student. Travel expenses during free time on weekends and during mid-term break are not included in fees paid to JMU. Other costs which are the responsibility of the student: costs for passport and visa applications prior to departure; trip cancellation/travel insurance; health and life insurance, medical care, and medications while participating in the program; and spending money. Students should have access to funds for emergencies.
Summer semester fees: Costs for the Summer Semesters Abroad in Antwerp, Florence, London, and Salamanca are covered entirely by tuition and supplemental fee. The expenses for housing and meals are included in the supplemental program free.
Fees for JMU Semester Abroad Programs
Available Financial Aid
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