Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are here because they want to pursue knowledge and make teaching their No. 1 priority.
The JMU International Study Center is a place that welcomes, supports, and helps you to gain the skills, knowledge, and perspectives you need to make the most of your university life.
| Starting your degree | The place to study, live, and grow |
| We understand that studying in a foreign country can be challenging, so from your first day at JMU, the International Study Center is here for you. Studying at the International Study Center means that you will get the best of both worlds: the full JMU ‘all- American’ campus experience, plus the care of a supportive community that will help you adapt and thrive as an international student. And when you’re ready, you’ll continue your chosen mainstream degree program, confident and fully prepared for the challenges of a JMU education. | Welcome to Harrisonburg. Here you’ll find an authentic American college town with a vibrant international community. JMU has a long history of welcoming students from every continent to the beautiful city of Harrisonburg, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where more than 44 different languages are spoken. Just two hours southwest of Washington, D.C., Harrisonburg is a lively town with attractions including museums, shopping, skiing, golfing, caverns, farmers’ markets, concerts, movie theaters, and restaurants. |
Rankings & Recognitions
#2 most innovative regional university by U.S. News & World Report
80% of JMU students do undergraduate research, an internship, a practicum or student teach
#1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges.
#25 best public college value in the U.S. by MONEY magazine
95% of 2017 JMU graduates were employed, in graduate school or involved in other career endeavors within six months of graduation
#5 in the nation for “students who made the right choice” by The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education
90% freshman retention rate (national average is 72%)
