Last Updated on March 10, 2020 by
We are delighted to announce that January Term 2017 includes the best of perennial favorites as well as three new study abroad programs! As our January Term 2016 students have returned from points around the globe, we’ve been thrilled to hear their feedback. These adventurous scholars have already begun asking where they can go next, and what we’ll have available for intersession study abroad classes next year. This enthusiasm motivates us year after year to put a robust offering of classes and locations together, for students who want to spend winter break on an academic and travel adventure.
It may seem a bit early to start thinking about next January, but applications for most programs are due by October 1, 2016, and these programs tend to fill up quickly. You’ll want to plan ahead to make sure your passport is ready, your funds are gathered and you’ve coordinated credit transfer details with your home university. Check our website over the next couple of weeks for more details as they become available, but in the meantime, here’s a sneak peak at what we have in store!
Turkey
Istanbul: New in 2017! Historically known as Constantinople and Byzantium, Istanbul has evolved into an energized and modern city, bustling at the crossroads of two continents. January term in Istanbul, Turkey is a unique opportunity to visit one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and fastest growing metropolitan economies; Istanbul includes a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to several international organizations.
This course provides an unparalleled option to interact with the dynamic people and culture of modern Istanbul to gain a firsthand appreciation of the burgeoning future and enormous historical legacy of this city. You’ll take in the sites on excursions to museums and religious monuments. Enjoy optional excursions to the underground city and hidden rock churches of the first Christians in Cappadocia and visit the center of Sufism in Konya, where you’ll witness the whirling dervishes at the house of Mevlana. Students may choose a course in history, politics or religion and spend three weeks learning and exploring in a landscape where the past and the future collide with vibrant relevancy.
Italy
Rome: Three weeks surrounded by historic landmarks and museums while living and learning in the Eternal City becomes a highlight of any college experience. Rome continues to be a popular destination for students interested in art history, Italian language and culture, religion and sociology. Excursions in and around Rome include: Perugia, Assisi, Vatican City and the Colosseum.
The Dolomites: New in 2017! When you combine an 8-day ski pass and a course on Italian Food and Culture in the heart of the Italian Alps, a delicious adventure awaits! You’ll have access to 12 ski areas in the Dolomite mountain range while exploring regional gastronomic traditions. Your itinerary includes time for skiing, snowboarding and exploring, in addition to coursework. Enjoy visits to local producers and explore the beautiful piazzas and museums sampling the food and culture of this gorgeous region of Italy. This course includes an optional excursion to Venice.
Dolomites, Italian Alps, Italy
Costa Rica
San José: Students interested in health care and medicine won’t want to miss this three week opportunity to study health and human sciences in Costa Rica’s capital city. The U.N. has ranked this country’s public health system in the top 20 worldwide and classroom studies are augmented by visits to hospitals, clinics and specialist medical units operating under the nation’s universal health care system.
Cuba
Havana: New in 2017! We are excited to offer an unprecedented opportunity to visit Cuba and study intensive Spanish language and culture for January Term 2017! Students have the chance to explore the beautiful landscape, rich culture and unique architecture of this tropical island that has been largely off limits in recent history. The evolving relationship between Cuba and the U.S. makes this an exciting time for anyone interested in world affairs and a fantastic time to be a student.
On this program, you’ll interact with Cuban students for cultural exchange and language practice. In addition to coursework, you’ll visit sites from Colonial, Republican and Revolutionary times. Explore Old Havana, the Museum of the Revolution and Revolution Square in addition to modern sustainability efforts on an excursion to Las Terrazas. An optional excursion to Playa Giron, Bay of Pigs and Trinidad is also available.
Greece
Athens: Three weeks in the capital of Greece is a great way to get a dose of history along with an affordable slice of modern European life. Students in this program enjoy three weeks living and learning in the birthplace of democracy. Classes include courses in: language and culture, archaeology, business and history.
France
Paris: This is a remarkable chance to study art history or fashion enveloped by the marvels of Paris, France. Explore the world-famous City of Light, visit Versailles and take an optional day trip to the Champagne region to get a feel and taste for modern French life and the rich history of its capital city.
England
London: History and literature buffs will jump at the chance to study for three weeks next January in London, England. London has been a world center for politics, sports, culture and finance for centuries. You’ll enjoy sightseeing and exploring numerous historical landmarks right on through to modern attractions such as a Harry Potter tour, the London Eye and sites from the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands: This immersion in the legendary Galápagos Islands is a must for students looking for a firsthand chance to experience the diverse ecology and important conservation work in this region. You’ll spend two weeks studying environmental science with field excursions on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands and a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Germany
Berlin: Germany was rated the #1 country in the world by U.S. News & World Report in 2016. It’s no surprise that the history, culture and modernity of this capital city continue to entice student travelers in droves. Students select from a broad array of classes: culture, German language, history, law, music, politics, religion and social science.
Ireland
Dublin: The architecture, people, history and culture of Ireland’s capital city provide an unforgettable backdrop for the opportunity to study Irish literature. Travel excursions help you take in the dramatic beauty of the Irish landscape in addition to exploring the unique vistas of Dublin. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse is also included as part of this extremely popular three week term at Trinity College Dublin. Please note: the application deadline for this course is September 15, 2016.
Spain
Barcelona: Spend your intersession studying Spanish art and culture or international business surrounded by the beauty of Barcelona. The city boasts a rich cultural and artistic heritage along with a Mediterranean climate perfect for three weeks in January. Witness the incredible legacy of Antoni Gaudí and enjoy excursions to Montserrat and the beach resort of Sitges.
Salamanca: Students interested in learning Spanish language and culture will adore this three week term in a beautiful university city with gorgeous Cathedrals, museums and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Students study Spanish at one of 4 levels at the highly regarded University of Salamanca and enjoy a two day excursion to the capital city of Madrid.
AIFS Students in Salamanca, Spain
