Welcome Message
It is with great joy and heartfelt excitement that I welcome you to Jacksonville State University (Jax State) and to the International House & Programs. Our students are part of a vibrant, supportive, and truly global community that is here to uplift them every step of the way.
At International House & Programs, we are more than just a resource for Immigration Services, Study Abroad, Global Partnerships, the International House, and International Recruitment—we are a student’s home away from home. Our dedicated team is here to provide expert guidance, meaningful programs, and unwavering support throughout a student’s time at Jax State and beyond.
In addition to providing essential services, we are deeply committed to making international education a campus-wide and national priority. International Programs collaborates with the Jax State community to create impactful resources such as the International Endowment Foundation, the International House, and the International Student Organization, which are designed to foster leadership, advocacy, and a strong sense of belonging. Our signature events, Taster’s Fair and UN Day Tea,
invite the community to share our global culture.
More than anything, my greatest desire is to cultivate a community where cultures are not only welcomed but celebrated—a space where every individual, regardless of background, feels valued, respected, and empowered to share their story. We encourage open and respectful dialogue, cross-cultural friendships, and a deeper understanding of one another. These initiatives are built on the belief that true belonging is created when we listen, learn, and grow together.
At Jax State, we are a family, and our students are an essential part of it. My door is always open, and I encourage you to share your ideas, experiences, and aspirations with us. Together, we will make our students’ time at Jax State an unforgettable and enriching journey.
Ingrid Galinat Director, International House & Programs
International House & Programs through its various areas; international admissions & recruitment, international student and scholar services, international house, study abroad, partnership coordination, and international travel process management carry out the mission of bringing in diverse students and scholars on campus and providing global engagement opportunities to our student population and faculty members. The department’s mission serves the university’s mission of seeking to produce broadly educated graduates prepared for global engagement.
I’m from Australia. Getting into a D1 college for golf is probably my main accomplishment so far and playing in national tournaments. I’m a sports management major and I am a freshman. I was born in Thailand and moved to Australia when I was 9. I like to go on drives and sing very loudly with absolutely no tune. My favourite quote is if you have nothing nice to say you’re not thinking hard enough. Future goals is to turn professional and make golf my living. My experience at Jax State has been amazing and that’s all thanks to my teammates and coaches.
Rebekka Stutley
JAX STATE Gamecocks
Why Jax State?
International students are an important part of campus life at Jacksonville State University. Over 250 international students from Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and the Middle East, are enrolled at Jax State. Students are represented in university affairs through the International Student Organization, and through a seat in Student Government Council. International students and their cultures are formally recognized each year through International Week activities on campus. Our international students are involved in sports (especially soccer, tennis, and golf teams), student professional organizations, and clubs.
Jax State strives to provide an environment in which international students can easily learn more about American society, and in which students from Alabama can learn about other societies. Jax State has shown a long commitment to an international environment on campus with the establishment in 1946 of one of the first International House Programs in the country. Today it continues in this tradition.
Here
are additional
facts that we hope will help you choose Jax State as the destination of your higher education.
Quality: Jax State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and its various programs are all recognized by their respective accrediting bodies.
Small Class Size: The average student-to-faculty ratio is 19 students to 1 faculty member, ensuring a great deal of personal interaction and an engaging learning experience.
Location: The university campus is very beautiful and large, spread over 459 acres in the picturesque city of Jacksonville. This quiet and safe city allows students to focus on their studies as well as enjoy the wholesome student life that the university campus offers.
Affordability: Jax State offers an opportunity to students from around the world, who are price conscious, the opportunity to study at a very affordable cost.
Scholarship Opportunity: Jax State offers many scholarships from which international students qualify.
Experiental Learning Opportunities: Internships are available and highly encouraged.
Jax State International Program by the Numbers:
Total Number of students registered:
Total Number of countries represented: 255 62
Top 10 Countries of Origin for International Students:
Nepal /73
India /18
Nigeria /11
Spain /10
United Kingdom /10
Kenya /10
Germany /8
France /8
Turkey /8
Tunisia/6
STUDENT CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS:
International Student Organization
Nepali Student Organization
Spanish Club
El Latido
Social Work Club
Psychology Club
Kinesiology Club
Muslim Student Association
Marching Southerners
STUDENT PROGRAMS:
JSU Ambassador
Honor’s Program
Freshman Forum
1st Gen National Leadership Society
Lambda Sigma
SGA
Phi Eta Sigma Honors
Gamecock Orientation
Acapella Choir
Academic Programs:
Undergraduate Top 3 Majors:
Computer Science /56
Nursing /31
Business Management /29
Graduate Top 3 Majors:
Systems and Software /8
Sport Management /4
Geographic Info Science /4
Hi, I’m from Nepal. I’m currently a sophomore at Jacksonville State University, majoring in nursing.
Nepal is a country rich in cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. Growing up in such a vibrant and inclusive environment has taught me the value of respect, understanding, and unity. That’s one of the reasons I feel so connected to Jax State, its welcoming and diverse community reminds me of home. It’s a place where people from different backgrounds come together to learn and grow.
My time at Jax State has been filled with learning, friendship, and self-discovery. I’m excited for what the future holds and grateful to be part of such a supportive and inclusive university.
Aarzoo Basnet
The Jones International House Program
“Know One Another and You Will Love One Another.”
Are you a student interested in broadening your cultural horizons and meeting friends from all over the globe?
Would you like to network, build leadership skills, get mentored and contribute to the globalization of our community?
The Jones International House Program provides a window into the world for students at Jacksonville State University and the surrounding community.
The program began in 1946 with four students from France and originally focused on language. While the emphasis is still placed on languages, greater importance is now placed on promoting global understanding and peace between all nations and cultures.
There are 40 members of the program— 20 American students and 20 international. Each international student is from a different country and is roomed with an American student.
Read on to find out how you can be part of this special community!
Eda Theresa Camay
I’m a sophomore nursing student from Southern Leyte, Philippines. My journey to Jax State began with the incredible opportunity to join the International House program, and it has truly been life-changing. The International House gave me a supportive, welcoming community that helped me transition smoothly into a new life abroad. It’s where I found lifelong friends and the confidence to pursue my dreams.
The International House isn’t just where I live, it’s my home away from home. It’s where I’ve grown, found purpose, and made college life abroad truly worth living. I’ve learned that college is what you make it, and mine has been unforgettable.
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE QUICK FACTS:
Tuition, fee and housing scholarships.
Opportunity to network with high profile community leaders.
Opportunity to build leadership skills.
Get mentored by and build networks with International House alumni.
Opportunity to directly contribute to the globalization of campus.
Housing Scholarships Are Awarded Tuition and Fee Scholarships Are Awarded
International House Represents Students From 18+ Different Countries
High School completion with GPA of 2.5/4.0 or College GPA of 2.5/4.0 if student has attended college.
Must demonstrate maturity, high respect and appreciation for cultural diversity and different perspectives.
Agree to participate in the events and activities of the International House for the duration of your membership.
Respect the international house and everyone in it all times.
Duration of Program: 1 semester to 2 years. (Fall and Spring)
International and American Students are invited to speak to groups, attend events, and share their culture. 7
Why Study Abroad?
The Jax State Study Abroad unit within the Office of International House & Programs, seeks to provide information and assist all our students in making the decision to study abroad in another country. We are committed to giving you the best educational experience and preparing you to be a global citizen. Studying abroad is an important decision that will broaden your global understanding, your leadership and collaboration skills, and your personal and professional development. We seek to collaborate with our faculty on campus and university partners across the globe in this endeavor and provide the best study abroad options to our students.
LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD
The world is so much bigger than Jacksonville!
BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT
Learn how to plan and prepare for the trip from start to finish.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
You can get to know people from around the world, or people from Jax State you’ve never met.
HAVE FUN TRAVELING THE WORLD
LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
Jax State offers a 50% tuition discount for study abroad courses! 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Study abroad isn’t just about learning, it’s about travel and adventure.
Depending on where you go, you’ll have opportunities to learn a new language you never would have otherwise.
IMPROVE YOUR RESUME
Having study abroad experience makes you more appealing to employers.
IMPROVE GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATIONS
Graduate schools view study abroad experience as an asset.
TUITION DISCOUNT
Study Abroad Options
Long Term (One Semester)
Exchange
Jax State students can spend one or two semesters at one of our partner schools overseas and earn credit to transfer back to Jax State. Some of these schools offer homestay programs, in which you live with a family near the school.
Short Term (1-4 Weeks)
Programs Are Accessible Through Different Ways:
Faculty-Led
These programs are usually short-term during the summer or winter breaks and led by a Jax State faculty member. These are usually for a specific course, and while some target a specific major, they are usually open to anybody who is interested in joining. Past programs have included Costa Rica, Colombia, Italy, England, and more!
CCSA
CCSA is a consortium of universities from all over the United States (including Jax State). Through CCSA, Jax State students can join a wide variety of short-term study abroad programs with other universities and receive credit through Western Kentucky University. All of the programs are in English-speaking countries, ranging from Ireland and England to Jamaica and Belize.
Exchange
Jamal Henderson
My time studying abroad this summer in Spain was genuinely the best summer of my life. The opportunity to study abroad by a myriad of reasons. For me, it was interacting with people in a language foreign to me, being challenged with a new way of living, and the people I met from across the world. I deeply thank Jax State for this life-changing opportunity for the faculty-led trip giving me the guidance I needed to begin my endeavor, so when I ventured to my ISEP program by myself, I had the tools to succeed.
Jax State students can spend short term summer programs at one of our partner schools overseas and earn credit to transfer back to Jax State. Some of these schools may offer homestay programs, in which you live with a family near the school.
Maximo Nivel
Maximo Nivel is the leading organization in study abroad and educational travel in Latin America. They are an internationallyaccredited organization with 4 local institutes in 3 of the world’s most beautiful countries — Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. You can choose from a variety of programs—Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, TEFL Certification, Spanish Immersion, Study Abroad, and much more!
ISEP
ISEP Study Abroad is a student-centric academic organization dedicated to making education abroad accessible to all students. They bring together a global community of higher education institutions committed to promoting shared understanding and cultural awareness through life-changing global experiences.
International Student and Scholar Services
A cultural awareness week hosted by the International Student Organization. There are a lot of fun activities, such as the soccer game, movie night, water balloon fight, silent auction, and the Taster’s Fair. International Student Organization
A student-run organization sponsored by the International House and Programs, encourages American and International students to come together through cultural events, educational resources, and personal interactions.
International House & Programs Signature Events
United Nations Day Tea
The biggest annual multi-cultural event on campus hosted by the International House students. Our House students display the value of International House Program through performances.
Taster’s Fair
A cultural food festival where international students cook and serve traditional food from their countries.
Focus
2025 International Recruitments
March 2025:
Central America
September 2025: France/Sweden
Costa Rica
Bahamas
Mexico
October 2025: Japan
Areas of International Recruitment & Strategy
4Diversifying international enrollment.
4New social media International Recruiting page for Instagram and Facebook.
4Target Focus on Asia, Central America & Turkey.
4Look at new markets, data driven by Open doors data, IIE and state department visa approvals.
4Work closely with career services for a robust CPT and OPT options for international students, especially STEM OPT fields.
4Market International House denials.
4Graduate admissions increase targeting specific Masters degrees as Computer Science Math and Biology.
4Retention of current students.
4Work with international counselors through International ACAC & Education USA specific schools.
4Partner with domestic boarding and private schools that have F-1 students.
4Partner with ESL Schools and community colleges for transfer F-1 students.
4Partner with degree seeking universities for a 2 plus 2 program.
Jax State works with agents from around the world , majority are vetted through the top agent certifications of ICEF and AIRC. Agents from around the world with a priority of expanding the pool of agents.
Jax State Partnerships
Jacksonville State University (Jax State) has a long-standing commitment to the internationalization of our campus community and beyond. Jax State has international partnerships with many universities around the world.
Our collaborations with universities around the world enhance the opportunity for the exchange of students, and faculty members as well as the development of dual degree programs and joint research programs.
We welcome the opportunity to explore possible partnerships with new international institutions.
Current Institutional Partnerships:
Ajman University
Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Caucasus University
Georgia -New Partnership in 2025
Kansai-Gaidai University
Hirakata City, Osaka, Japan
Kookmin University
Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, Korea
Kristianstad University
Kristianstad, Sweden
Myongji University
Gyeonggi-do/Seoul, Korea
Soongsil University
Seoul, Korea
University of Lorraine
France -New Partnership in 2024
Jax State Graduate Student Testimonial
I was encouraged by the welcoming atmosphere at Jax State and the great friends I made here, which motivated me to return. Jax State is very open to international students, offering not only emotional support but also a wide range of opportunities for growth. I truly believe that as long as you put effort toward your goals, you can achieve them in Jax State.
During my time as a member of the International House, I was able to broaden my global perspective by living with friends from all over the world and participating in the many programs it provides. I would strongly recommend that anyone starting their study abroad journey join the International House, as it is an invaluable experience.
Although there have been many challenges to figure out while living in the U.S., I have always found people who were willing to help me, and I am deeply grateful for their kindness. From Korea to the U.S., many people have asked me why I chose Alabama. Some might think it’s better to study abroad in a big city, but for me, I didn’t need to look anywhere else once I found a place that truly fits me.
When I left Jacksonville after my exchange program, I strongly felt that my journey here was not over—that there was more for me to do, and that I had the ability to accomplish it.
Now, being back in Jacksonville, I carry even more ambition and eagerness to achieve bigger dreams in the United States.
- Soyeon Hwang, International House Alumna Korea
International Endowment Foundation
The board members of the International Endowment Foundation, a nonprofit organization, work relentlessly to support the mission of the Jones International House Program at Jacksonville State University. The program’s mission to promote global understanding and peace among nations seems like a big idea, but as Mrs. Myra H. Jones mentioned in her letter to President Houston Cole in 1964:
“Our faith in these students depends not so much upon what they are, but upon what they can become and what we would like to believe they will become. The creation of peace among nations is a large idea carried out by small acts of human kindness.”
Jacksonville, Alabama USA
Jacksonville State University founded in 1883
250+ international students
Voted #3 in list of 10 Best Small College Towns -USA Today
60+ countries represented
