Francis Marion University – Florence, South Carolina, USA

Open to the following subject areas:

Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Computer Science/IT, Creative Writing, Drama and Performance Arts, Economics, Education Studies, English Literature and Language, Health and Wellbeing in Society, History, Human Resource Management, International Relations and Politics, Journalism, Marketing, Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, Medical Science, Music, Photography and Video, Product Design (Ind. Eng), Psychology, Visual Arts (Fine Art)

Francis Marion University (FMU) is a public liberal arts university located six miles east of Florence, South Carolina. The campus includes 100 acres of mixed pine-hardwood and bottomland forests accessed by a series of trails, and is located just an hour’s drive from Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. Approximately 4,000 students are enrolled at FMU, and they welcome exchange students from 18 partner universities in 13 countries.

Programmes of study

FMU offer a variety of academic programmes including Business, Education, Fine Arts and Humanities, all of which consist of specialised academic departments. Full details of the majors on offer can be found on the FMU website.

Exchange students will be required to follow a full programme of study for the academic year based at FMU.

Learn more about campus activities and events

FMU competes inter-collegiately in the Peach Belt Athletic Conference in 12 varsity sports, including basketball, cross-country, volleyball and tennis, and the brand new Griffin Athletic Facility is home to baseball, softball and soccer teams. The campus also features a number of recreational facilities – including two swimming pools, a gym, volleyball and racquetball courts and spacious athletic fields – that are available for use by students.

In addition, the Department of Recreation and Athletics offers a variety of programs, facilities and sports teams to suit every level of fitness. As a Carleton student, you can take full advantage of first-class athletic facilities, conveniently located in one area of campus. You can sign up for a fitness class, swim laps in the pool, lift weights or run on a treadmill in the brand new 11,000 sq. ft Fitness Centre, or just get together with friends to play one of your favourite sports during open recreation time.

Francis Marion’s 468-acre main campus is known for its beauty and serenity. The campus includes acres of mixed pine-hardwood and bottomland forests accessed by a series of trails.

In the past several decades Florence has become a major medical, financial and industrial centre. Situated at the intersection of two major interstates, Florence is near a number of exciting tourist destinations. Ninety minutes to the east is the Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach, one of the most popular vacation areas in the United States. About two hours south is Charleston, established in 1670 as a major colonial “port towne” and the site of the cannon shots that began the American Civil War. Directly west is Columbia, the capital of South Carolina and the largest city in the state.

Travel & accommodation

Travel – upon arrival at Florence (South Carolina) Regional Airport, a member of the International Programmes team will meet you and take you to your accommodation.
Accommodation – you will need to apply to live in the FMU halls of residence. For more information check out the FMU Housing Office webpage.

Visas & insurance

Visas – To take part in this exchange you are responsible for ensuring that meet US immigration requirements .
Insurance – DMU insurance is not sufficient for studying on exchange in the US, and students are required to purchase medical insurance while attending Francis Marion University. FMU requires that all international students have health insurance up to at least $100,000 in medical coverage and coverage for medical evacuation.