Embedded Files
J-Term Travel COURSE
*The information sessions below reflect J-Term 2026.
The new courses and travel informational sessions will be updated when course catalogs for 2027 are released.*
Baja Marine Science Adventure
Baja Marine Science Adventure
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: Student Application
Cost per Student:
Early Bird Pricing (before June 15th) = $4,095.00 not including travel insurance, spending money, and round trip transportation to and from Charlotte airport ($50)
Regular Pricing (After June 15th) = $4,245.00 not including travel insurance, spending money, and round trip transportation to and from Charlotte airport ($50)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Time: Two-week course (January 20 - 28, 2026)
Informational Sessions
In-Person
May 12th, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Morganton Campus - AC2114
Virtual
Thursday, May 15th, 7-8 pm
Zoom Link = https://ncssm.zoom.us/j/95387023626?pwd=u7gJA3TYXflNhKnkF6uU7unGweMtQP.1&jst=2
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION (FACT SHEET)
Ready to Apply? Complete the following form by May 20th @11:59pm (applicants will be notified for their selection by May 23rd) and will be encouraged to enroll in the course and pay their $350 deposit by June 15th to lock in their earlybird discount.
Sponsors: Lindsay Smith, Chris Collins
Spirited Away: Japanese culture through film and travel
Spirited Away: Japanese culture through film and travel
In case you missed the interest meeting on Monday, May 12 at 7:00 PM, there is a recording up on the Course Google website.
Application: Priority given to applications received by May 16
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: Application Required
Cost per Student: Students will need approx. $5,400 paid to All Japan Tours; approx. $180 paid to NCSSM SCSSI for airport transfers and other expenses; and approx. $200 for required trip insurance (Total up-front costs: about $5,780). In addition, students will need to budget approx. $75/day of travel for lunches and spending money. $300 deposit due May June 1 to All Japan Tours.
Maximum Enrollment: 24
Time: Four-week course (January 7 - 29, 2026)
Contact your sponsors if you have any questions!
Dr. Michael Bruno, Meredith Murphy, and Fayez Kurdi
WRITING IN FEMME
WRITING IN FEMME
Link to application: https://forms.gle/u5ZnhUeBK79dzEvq6
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: Application
Cost per Student: $700
Maximum Enrollment: 10
Time: Four-week course (January 7 - 29, 2026)
Sponsors:
Tatiana McInnis, Layla Aldousany
Morocco: Culture in the Imperial Cities
Morocco: Culture in the Imperial Cities
Info Session:
Monday, May 12th
3:40 - 4:30 PM
Room: Hill 10 (Durham) or Zoom
Zoom Link: ttps://rusticpathways.zoom.us/j/82448200342?pwd=btWNbGqBuj47HQgscukb4sqbjBdDHW.1
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: Application
Cost per Student: $3,995, plus approx. $1,700-$2,000 for flights. A $200 discount for those who apply by June 1.
Maximum Enrollment: 30
Time: Four-week course (January 7 - 29, 2026)
Sponsors:
Tonya Smith, Gabriela Stefan, Janet Webster
The Tuscany of Dante and the Medicis: Literature, History, Culture
The Tuscany of Dante and the Medicis: Literature, History, Culture
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: Student Application
Cost per Student: estimated cost $6800
Maximum Enrollment: 18
Time: 4-week course (travel January 17-28, 2026, subject to slight change based on flight options at booking).
Informational Sessions
In-Person
May 12th, 5:00-6:00 pm
Morganton Campus - AC2214
Virtual
Tuesday, May 13th, 7-8 pm
Zoom Link: https://ncssm.zoom.us/j/92042004852?pwd=2jbkozSkOGi74geBsA9Ql2b0IEEqmD.1&jst=2
Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfy9MRb47Ws_PNDEV-A_QKBYLfdEsdn5-1gF2YZ9HBodlcTfQ/viewform?usp=header
Fact sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XPQg2892xnJUsxaoQNzzdi22ydxDLGNpu9YuLkg_q-I/edit?tab=t.0
Course website:
https://sites.google.com/ncssm.edu/tuscany/home
Priority consideration given to students who apply by June 15, 2025.
Have immediate questions? Contact your sponsors:
John Zimmerman, Maggie McDowell, and Jane Cantwell
Reef Ecology & Conservation: New Zealand and Australia
Reef Ecology & Conservation: New Zealand and Australia
Session Two Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, May 21 7:00-7:30
We will offer interest meetings in the Fall when we return, but once we've reached our group size limit we won't take anymore applications. Please see the link below for the application form.
If you're interested in applying, here's the application. We will NOT be traveling there in 2027, so don't let this opportunity pass you by.
If you have any questions, please email Dr. Wheeler (wheeler@ncssm.edu)
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: Application
Cost per Student: +/- $6950
$200 off on those who enroll in our trip before May 31st
Maximum Enrollment:
Time: Four-week course (January 7 - 29, 2026)
Sponsors:
Mrs. Laura Baker Campbell, Mr. Chad Cygan, and Dr. Sam Wheeler
Ecosystems of ecuador
Ecosystems of ecuador
If your student is interested in the Ecosystems of Ecuador trip in Jterm 2026 and you are looking for more information, please join Dr. Moore for a zoom info session on Monday, May 26th at 7pm! You'll get to hear more about the trip itself, the tour company, and your trip chaperones Dr. Moore and Dr. Loftis. There will also be time to ask your own questions.
Zoom Link: https://ncssm.zoom.us/j/91097995573
Zoom Date: May 26th, 7-7:30pm
Below is a recap of the course description from the JTerm travel catalog:
What do the Amazon rainforest, whitewater rafting, lava tunnels, snorkeling, cloud forests, and the Charles Darwin research station all have in common? You can experience all of them in Ecuador during JTerm 2026!
Come with us as we explore the amazing environments of Ecuador. We'll hike in the Amazon as well as a cloud forest (a forest shrouded in fog or clouds), see wild tortoises and visit a pink flamingo sanctuary, go whitewater rafting and snorkeling, and see important sites such as Cotopaxi National Park and visit the Charles Darwin research station. If you love the outdoors, this is the perfect JTerm for you!
For more details about the trip, see EF's description of this trip: https://www.eftours.com/educational-tour/exploring-ecuadorCost per Student: $5,159 paid to EF Tours + $275 paid to NCSSM
To apply for the trip, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/khRvs34XKV8ksDmP9 Please note that spots tend to fill up quick for these trips!
Expedition to South Africa: An Unforgettable Journey Through History, Culture, and Wildlife
Expedition to South Africa: An Unforgettable Journey Through History, Culture, and Wildlife
Trip Summary: Embark on an extraordinary 11-day expedition to South Africa, where you'll encounter a land of striking contrasts, profound historical significance, and abundant wildlife. From bustling cities to breathtaking landscapes and wildlife immersion, join us on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Delve into the heart of South Africa's story as you explore Johannesburg and Soweto, gaining insights into the struggle for democracy and reconciliation. Stand in Nelson Mandela's former home and visit the Apartheid Museum, a powerful testament to the nation's journey. Travel along the scenic Panorama Route, where you'll experience the thrill of a toboggan ride at Long Tom Misty Mountain and descend into the depths of Graskop Gorge by elevator.
Venture into the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park, home to an incredible array of wildlife. Embark on a thrilling full-day game drive and a bush walk, seeking out the famed "Big Five" – lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo – as well as countless other species in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, wild dogs, and a dazzling array of birdlife. Finally, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning scenery of Cape Town. Ascend Table Mountain for panoramic views, explore the historic Robben Island, and discover the unique flora and fauna of the Cape Point Nature Reserve, including the charming African penguin colony. A more detailed trip summary can be found here.
Application: In order to maintain a correct student-to-faculty ratio, we will utilize an application process. Please apply here once you are ready to commit to the trip!
Optional Info Session: Students and parents are free to join us on Tuesday 5/27 at 7:00pm via this Zoom link. In this session, we will go over the trip summary, details about EF Tours and the chaperones, and have time for questions from students and parents!
Sponsors: Dr. Beth Bumgardner and Dr. Bryan Stutzman
Italian History and Culture
Italian History and Culture
Applications will be accepted until the deadline of Wednesday, May 28th, at 10:00pm.
Here is the Application as well as the Canvas Page for more information.
Sponsors: Lamia Younes, Mark Dubois, & Carissa Trotta
From Moors to Monarchs: Exploring Religion, Empire, and Identity in Spain and Portugal
From Moors to Monarchs: Exploring Religion, Empire, and Identity in Spain and Portugal
This is a reminder to submit your application for the travel J-Term course, “From Moors to Monarchs: Exploring Religion, Empire, and Identity in Spain and Portugal,” by May 28th. Applications received by the deadline will be given priority!
If you have any questions about this travel course, please refer to this fact sheet, and feel free to reach out to either Marcelo Aranda (marcelo.aranda@ncssm.edu), Erudiel Bernal (erudiel.bernal@ncssm.edu), or Meltem Safak (meltem.safak@ncssm.edu).
New York: Culture and History
New York: Culture and History
Start spreading the news, you're leaving today… (Okay, leaving January 22, 2026)
I want to be a part of it, New York, New York (J-Term 2026!)
Your vagabond shoes, they are longing to stray (for 7 days and 6 nights!)
And step around the heart of it, New York, New York (Staying right in Times Square!)
I wanna wake up in that city, that doesn't sleep (and get a great NYC breakfast!)
And find your king of the hill, top of the heap (or the top of the Rock)
Your small town blues, they're melting away (get away from Durham or Morganton)
I'm gonna make a brand-new start of it, in old New York (see all the sites you have seen on TV)
You always make it there, you make it anywhere (Join us!)
It's up to you, New York, New York (J-Term 2026!)
Lyrics from (Theme From) New York, New York, Frank Sinatra
For more information regarding the New York City J-term course, please watch the attached video from our interest meeting. If you would like to be added to the list, please email andrews@ncssm.edu and gaddy@ncssm.edu. The first 12 students to pay their deposit automatically get a spot!
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