International Study Center
International Study Center
An all-American education
Ready to take the first step to graduating with a degree from James Madison University? The International Study Center is located on campus at JMU in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It sits alongside other university departments where you’ll be surrounded by both domestic and international students, so you'll feel part of the university community from your first day.
As soon as you arrive at the International Study Center, staff are available to support and guide you through university life.
Our academic programs are delivered by Study Group and are designed to help you succeed on your degree program at JMU. If you meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible to enroll directly to the University.
A place on campus for you
The ISC is located opposite Memorial Hall, in the Memorial Area of campus. This area includes a new baseball and softball field complex, 2 student art galleries, a costume shop, the Art Education Center, as well as studios, classrooms and computer labs used by the School of Art and Art History.
The Memorial Area is a 10-minute walk, or a short ride on the free campus bus service, from the central Bluestone area of campus, where you can find the university library, health center, and cinema.
Most of your English preparation classes, academic credit classes, and American culture classes are taught in university classrooms near the International Study Center. You will also have some lectures on other parts of the university campus, for instance, in JMU's Business School.
Modern study facilities
All ISC classrooms are equipped with everything you expect in a 21st century classroom, including screens, projectors, computers, internet connection, and interactive whiteboards.
You will use a computer program called Canvas to submit homework and assignments, participate in discussions, and stay updated about coursework. This program will be shown to you when you join.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire campus, as well as over 25 computer labs with PC and Mac computers accessible to every JMU student. The Computing HelpDesk is available to answer any of your computing questions, whilst Computing Services also offer computing courses, tutorials, and instructional technology.
Dedicated support
When you study at the International Study Center, you will benefit from support from dedicated staff. They will support you with your studies as well as helping you settle into your new life in America. You will also have access to a range of support facilities from the University, including:
The Counseling Center offers programs and speakers on many mental health and wellness topics, including:
- General mental health and wellness
- Disordered eating
- Relationships
- Stress management.
Individual and group counseling, referrals and crisis support services are available. The staff includes counselors, certified health educators and a registered dietitian to ensure you receive the best support.
The University’s Centers for Writing, English Language, Communications, Math, and Science are available to help students improve and develop their skills to be more successful in all classes. These centers are free to use and offer:
- Individualized consultations
- Online resources
- Computer lab and study space
- Tutors.
This center is the newest addition to the University’s many resources that are dedicated to student success. It houses more than 20 support facilities including the University Health Center, the Office of Academic and Career Planning, and Learning Centers focused on helping students overcome challenges they may face.
There is a student Health Center on the university campus, staffed by professional Medical Doctors and Registered Nurses. All students visiting the Health Center are dealt with confidentially and efficiently, so you will receive the best care while studying at James Madison University.
The JMU Libraries include the Carrier Library, the Music Library, and Rose Library. JMU librarians work with academic departments to provide subject-specific library instruction, research consultation, and to develop collections. The award-winning Information Literacy program provides students with skills for lifelong learning.
The CGE offers a wealth of services, courses, and excursions aimed at helping international students adapt and excel at JMU. Programs such as Global X and International Week create enjoyable and inspiring opportunities for you to make friends and network with students from other cultures.
James Madison University is dedicated to the security of all students. The campus is a safe community environment, protected by a professionally trained police force. All residence staff have completed security checks and are well-trained. Staff and students share the responsibility of keeping the campus a safe place to study and live. Some of the services that the Campus Safety Office provides are safety escorts free of charge to any student on campus, and a campus safety mobile app to report incidents and receive alerts and messages.
What our students say
"As soon as I transferred from the ISC to JMU, we started taking classes with American students. The ISC prepared me for that, because otherwise it would have been overwhelming for me. I really appreciate that I didn’t have to compete with native speakers, that one year gave me the opportunity to adjust to the new atmosphere and find myself."
Arash, from Iran. Studied Economics and Mathematics
Nearly 4,000 international students have matriculated at JMU since 2015.
International Student & Scholar Services, Fall 2023 Data
Accommodation
Find your home from home at JMU and discover the accommodation options available to you as an international student here.
Student life
Student life at JMU is about more than what happens in the classroom. With plenty of things to see and do, you’re sure to have a great experience on campus.
About JMU
Once you successfully complete your pathway program with us, you will begin your chosen degree program at JMU. Discover more about the university.