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Exchange Program Fact Sheet

About UNF

Our University

UNF was founded in 1972, and is 1 of 12 state universities in Florida, with a population of about 16,000 students. It is a medium-sized institution that prides itself on individualized attention, small classroom sizes, and transformational learning experiences. UNF is a high-caliber education destination and a great place to study, live, and thrive. UNF was ranked 'Best in the Southeast by the Princeton Review for the 8th consecutive year and 'Best Regional University" by US News & World Report for the 6th consecutive year.

Our Campus

Nestled within 1,400 acres of lush natural surroundings, UNF campus is a quiet retreat with over 500 acres of nature preserves, and is located just 7 miles from Jacksonville Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the on-campus home to about 4,000 of the 16,000 students who attend class here. UNF is a nationally ranked, public university where students enjoy a multitude of oncampus activities including over 200 student clubs, a Student Wellness Complex (gym), nature trails, canoeing, zip-lining, concerts, comedy shows, and more.

Our City

Jacksonville is located in the northeast corner of Florida, situated on the St. John's River and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest continental city in the United States by area. It has an estimated population of 1.3 million people. With a subtropical climate, there are many nice days to enjoy all that the area offers. Winter temperatures average 47-64 F (8.1-18 C) and summer temperatures average 74-90 F (23.6-32.2 C).

Getting here

Jacksonville is served by several major airlines through the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). Most international travelers, however, first arrive to the U.S. through Atlanta, Miami, or New York City and have connecting flights to Jacksonville. There are multiple cities in the U.S. named Jacksonville, so be sure to check for the airport code JAX.

Getting around

Jacksonville offers a city bus service for a small fee, however, most of our students use services like Uber or Lyft to move around the city. Additionally, UNF has the 'Osprey Connector", the university's shuttle system, which provides convenient (free) transportation around campus and to the St. Johns Town Center.

Jacksonville is a 40-minute drive from St. Augustine, Florida, a city rich in history as the oldest European-settled city in North America dating from the 1500's, and close to cities like Orlando, Miami, New Orleans, Atlanta, Asheville,and Savannah. Jacksonville's location makes it ideal for visiting other cities in Florida, Georgia, and the United States.

Contact Information

University of North Florida

International Center
1 UNF Drive
Building 58/Room 2300
Jacksonville, Florida 32224
USA

Telephone:
+1-904 620-2657

Fax:
+1-904 620-3926

Link to the International Center Web-page

Contact Person:
International Center
Adianez Garcia Campos - Director International Center

Admission

Exchange Student Application Form Deadlines

  • Fall - April 15
  • Spring - October 1

English Language Proficiency Requirements

  • Official letter (provided by International Office staff, faculty member) stating English proficiency to be successful in classes at UNF
  • TOEFL score of 500 paper-based (61 internet based), or 550 paper-based (79 internet based) for graduate students in the Coggin College of Business.
  • 6.5 IELTS OR 3 AP-IEL
  • SAT verbal 440; rSAT Writing 500; ACT Verbal 17, Reading 18

Application

Submit with UNF Application

  • Academic transcript
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Letter from partner university attesting the student is in
  • good academic standing

Additional Documents

Duration of Stay

  • One semester or one academic year (2 semesters)

Important Dates

Check the UNF Academic Calendar for important dates such as start and end date of the semester, deadlines for payments, course catalog availability, etc.

Major and Course Registration

Level of Study

  • Undergraduate (UG)
  • Graduate (GR)

Available Areas

 Semester Course Load

  • 12 Credits (UG)
  • 9 Credits (GR)

*minimum requirement

Academic Advising

Via International Center (Jessica Cunningham), academic department, and home university

Please note that all courses requested must be accepted and approved by a UNF Academic Advisor. Course approvals will be given to students who show that they have met all the course prerequisites. For example, if a student wishes to take 'Intermediate Macroeconomics" and the prerequisite is 'Business Statistics," if they cannot show that they have completed and passed Business Statistics, they will not be approved to register for the class; so please pay close attention to the prerequisites for each course. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee a course will be offered or that a student can be registered for a course. Essentially, academic advisors have to evaluate course approvals on an individual basis.

Course Description & Schedule

Link to Course Catalog

Accommodations

On-campus Housing

In order to sign up for UNF on-campus housing, students will need to have a UNF Student I.D. Number. This number will be given to the student by the International Center. The sooner a student submits their online housing contract, the better, because rooms fill up fast.

More information on how to submit your online housing application, please go to:

Information on housing prices can be found at:

About room layouts please go to:

*Please note Housing payment deadlines are typically before a student's arrival to UNF

Housing Webpage

Holiday Stays

By special arrangement with the Housing department.

Home Stays

Not available

Visa Procedures

Immigration Requirements

Visa Requirements

  • J-1 Visa for Exchange Students

Visa Procedure

International Center will issue a DS-2019 document after receipt of required documents, and then the student will use the DS-2019 to apply for the J-1 Visa at the US Embassy or Consulate.

Work Eligibility

Yes, up to 20 hours per week on campus.

Internship Opportunities

Students are eligible to engage in an internship, following the completion of exchange program, for a length of time that does not exceed 18 months or the period of full course of study in the United States, whichever is less.

Insurance Requirements

Required by US Dept. of State

Students may either (1) purchase UNF Health Insurance or (2) submit documentation proving alternative health insurance that meets designated standards. ALL students should download and complete the International Student Insurance Agreement Form found at the following link. For detailed questions regarding insurance requirements, refer to the UNF Medical Compliance Office.

Certification of Immunization

Vaccinations required. Please refer to the Medical Compliance Immunization Form.

UNF Campus Life

Eco Adventure

Eco Adventure offers free gear check-out for kayaks, surfboards, canoes, paddle-boarding, camping equipment, and more. Students can paddle around Lake Oneida on campus, or take them on an off-campus adventure.

Eco Adventure partners with the International Center to arrange a special trip for international students each semester. Previous trips have included rock climbing in the mountains and paddle boarding in the ocean.

Ospreys Challenge Course

One of the most adventurous activities on campus, the Challenge Course offers three levels of zip lines and ropes to try with a group of friends. Take the challenge and fly over Lake Oneida!

Ospreys Cliff (Rock Climbing)

The Osprey Cliff is a 34 ft. indoor rock climbing wall located in the Student Wellness Complex. It allows students the chance to get a total body workout while having fun and challenging themselves mentally and physically in a safe environment.

Sporting Events

UNF has 19 NCAA Division 1 teams. All games and matches are free for students. Cheering on the UNF Ospreys Basketball team is one of the best experiences at UNF!

Market Days

Each Wednesday the Osprey Plaza is transformed into a bustling marketplace where the UNF community enjoys a wide variety of products and services from a diverse group of vendors, from fine handmade products of jewelry to artworks and delicious food from local restaurants.

Other Activities

Every semester the UNF Campus Life and Recreation Department strives to offer a variety of activities on campus like concerts, picnics, pool parties, movies, and more!