Joseph International Center
Building an International Experience
F&M鈥檚 Joseph International Center 鈥� known to everyone on campus as the JIC 鈥� offers an inclusive space for F&M鈥檚 globally minded community. In addition to supporting F&M鈥檚 large and diverse international student population, the JIC offers resources for all students interested in off-campus study.
The JIC has an open, airy communal space that invites students, faculty and staff to participate in gatherings. Popular events include:
- Weekly international coffee hours, a popular Friday afternoon opportunity to share coffee, tea and snacks. Students regularly provide brief presentations on special holidays, world events, or cultural traditions.
- Global Lunches, which offer the opportunity for the F&M community to gather and learn about a globally themed topic
- Language coffee hours, which provide space for students learning languages on campus to relax while furthering foreign language skills
The center also offers a kitchen, a small Japanese garden donated by the Honaman family, and a patio featuring a sculpture dedicated to the memory of Diane Curcio Homiak, mother of F&M alumni Erin and Jill Homiak 鈥�07.
JIC was built in 2006, an endeavor made possible by a generous donation from F&M alumnus Andrew Schindler 鈥�72, who requested the center be named in honor of his favorite professor, John Joseph 鈥�50, a Lewis Audenreid Professor Emeritus of History.
Student Spotlight
鈥淛IC staff made me feel like I belonged here.鈥�
Olha Shapovalenko '24, a double major in studio art and mathematics from Ukraine,
said the international community was one of the most enjoyable aspects of her time
at F&M. 鈥淛oseph International Center (JIC) staff made me feel like I belonged here
and were immensely supportive, especially during challenging times for my country,鈥�
she said. "I鈥檒l also eternally treasure the friendships I made along the way."
Read More 禄
Offices at JIC
The JIC houses F&M鈥檚 internationally focused offices, including off-campus study, international student services, academic support services for international and multilingual students, and the international studies academic program.
Off-Campus Study
Off-campus study is an integral component of an F&M liberal arts education. In fact, more than 50% of F&M students engage in an off-campus experience, whether it be a semester-long program or summer internship or research project. These experiences aren鈥檛 simply time away from campus; they鈥檙e seamlessly connected with your entire academic journey. Off-campus study advisers work with students individually to craft meaningful and challenging international experiences.
Academic Support Services for International and Multilingual Students
As an international or multilingual student, you will find unrivaled academic support at F&M. No matter your academic goals, we offer support tailored to your specific needs.
International Student Services
International students at F&M find an invaluable partner in our International Student Services (ISS). ISS works with F&M鈥檚 community of F-1 student visa holders 鈥� the visa that allows international students to study in the U.S. 鈥� offering professional immigration support and advocating for international student academic success.
International Studies
International studies is an innovative academic program that combines off-campus study in a non-English-speaking location with on- and off-campus coursework. As a student of international studies at F&M, you will develop a global perspective and immerse yourself in the languages and cultures of non-English-speaking countries and regions.