First-Year Experiences

What can you expect from your first J-Term at Carthage? New friends, immersive study, and a month you won’t forget — whether you stay on campus, or get a head start touring the world.

All first-year students are able to take a J-Term course their first year at Carthage. Most first-year students stay on campus for their first J-Term, but freshmen can participate in a J-Term study tour if spots are available.

See On-Campus J-Term courses     See our study tours

---

Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Basil Kiracofe ’27
Destination: Carthage campus 
Instructors: Professor Rick Matthews

How did you spend your first J-Term?
“I spent my first J-Term taking a Jiu-jitsu course on campus! I was already on campus for my athletic season and was excited to try a new martial art.”

What did you learn from the experience?
“The course covered basic jiu-jitsu movements, striking, and self-defense tactics. One thing I learned that stuck out to me was the different positions in jiu-jitsu and how different it was from wrestling. It was a new experience to try, especially since my base in wrestling could be applied here. The self-defense tactics we learned ranged from disarming someone to how to fight against being grabbed and/or choked. I would recommend this course to anyone on campus!”

What do you hope to do in a future J-Term?
“In a future J-Term, I would love to take an art or political science-related class! Not only does it fit with my major, I love learning about these topics and want to broaden my knowledge.”

---

Healthcare in India: Traditional and Non-Traditional Healing

Jadynn Kramer ’27                                        
Destination: India 
Instructors: Professor Margaret Wentzell

How did you spend your first J-Term?
“I spent my first J-Term on a study abroad trip to India. We went to visit important historical sites — including one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal — volunteer in the communities, and interact with the local people we met.”

What did you learn from the experience?:
“I got to experience a new culture, try new food, and learn about different perspectives on religion, spirituality, healthcare, and society as a whole. It was such an eye opening experience to the world around us.”

What do you hope to do in a future J-Term?:
“In a future J-Term, I hope to take a trip to Africa and learn more life-changing perspectives so that I can experience parts of my own history on a deeper, more personal level.”

---

Experimental Film and Video

Jalyn Green ’27
Destination: Carthage campus
Instructors: Professor Jojin Van Winkle

How did you spend your first J-Term?
“I spent my first J-Term learning how to use Premier Pro, which is a video editing software. I loved being able to learn how to make and edit my video with this class.”

What did you learn from the experience?:
“I learned how to edit and make my own videos.”

What do you hope to do in a future J-Term?:
“Travel somewhere out of state with friends.”

 

 

 

---

Biodiversity, Brains, and Behavior in Honduras

Emma Hess ’27                                
Destination: Honduras
Instructors: Professors Dan Miller and Paul Martino

How did you spend your first J-Term?
“For my first J-Term, I was able to go to Honduras. In Honduras, I went scuba diving and got scuba diving certified. Some of the dives that I did included diving with sharks, seeing spotted eagle rays, and so much beautiful coral. It was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

What did you learn from the experience?
“I learned about all the different sea creatures in the Caribbean, how the people lived there, and about the Mayan ruins.” 

What do you hope to do in a future J-Term?
“I hope for one of the future J-Terms I can go to Greece, or if they were to add an Italy one, I would gladly go on that trip.”

---

History of Cleopatra and Hypatia

Samantha Bocock ’27
Destination: Carthage campus
Instructors: Professor Christine Renaud

How did you spend your first J-Term?
“My first J-Term was amazing! I had a lot of fun in the class and I learned so much! Prof. Renaud was a really good professor who made the class really interesting.”

What did you learn from the experience?:
“I learned a lot about Cleopatra and Hypatia, but I also learned that J-Terms are not as stressful as I thought they would be.”

What do you hope to do in a future J-Term?:
“I am hoping that in the future I can travel to a different country and learn things that aren’t necessarily available in the United States.”

 

---

Generation You: Writings of Gen Z

Brett Westbrook ’27
Destination: Carthage campus
Instructors: Prof. Dimitri Shapovalov

How did you spend your first J-Term?:
“I spent my first J-Term working hard in the classroom and spending lots of quality time with my friends on campus.”

What did you learn from the experience?:
“During my first J-Term experience, I learned the importance of giving yourself time to decompress. I also learned how hectic our lives all are, even though we may not realize it during our everyday routines.”

What do you hope to do in a future J-Term?:
“I hope to take a J-Term study abroad trip in the future. I also hope to spend more time trying new things, especially because J-Term is the perfect opportunity to do so.”