About Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville's reputation is growing as the largest, most dynamic, and most influential higher education institution on the First Coast. The impact of our college extends beyond student success and economic growth — to the arts and culture in our community. Through the Artist Series, honored by the State of Florida as a “Major Cultural Institution,” we bring top-rated Broadway productions, concerts, and cultural performances to Jacksonville each year.

The College has four campuses and three centers throughout the community. All campuses offer all the classes required to complete an Associate in Arts degree, which guarantees transfer to a public university. Each campus also features a library, multiple computer labs, a learning center for extra support when you need it, a career development center, and an assessment and certification center.

The City of Jacksonville

Beaches

Jacksonville is well-known for its beautiful beaches, such as Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach to name a few. Whether you are with family or friends, you will enjoy what Jacksonville’s beautiful nature has to offer. Come and enjoy yourself!

Outdoor Activities and Museums

You will study English in the most populous city in Florida while enjoying Jacksonville’s many natural assets, such as parks, miles of beaches and waterways. Located on the banks of the St. Johns River, Jacksonville boasts its beauty throughout the year. With Florida’s mild year-round weather, you will find many different kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy such as golf, boating, fishing, and shopping. Many restaurants, performing arts, museums—such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and the Museum of Science and History—are easily available within a short distance from Florida State College at Jacksonville's Downtown Campus.

Annual Cultural Events and Festivals

Jacksonville also hosts many special cultural events annually. For instance, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival every April is the second largest jazz festival in the United States. Among many other entertainments the festival offers, it features the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, which has been a tradition for more than 20 years. The Springing the Blues Festival, in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., is one of the largest and oldest Blues festivals on the East Coast. It is a free outdoor festival held on the first weekend in April every year. Other major events include the Jacksonville Film Festival in May; the Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks celebration in July; and the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair in November.

Shopping

You can find plenty of shops downtown and in shopping malls in Jacksonville and its surrounding areas. St. Johns Town Center, Orange Park Mall and the Avenues Mall are popular malls where you will enjoy shopping for every taste and budget. St. Augustine Premium Outlets is located less than one hour away from downtown. You can purchase designer fashions, sportswear, shoes, house wares, home furnishings, accessories, jewelry, and gift items at a discounted price.