Carthage College students gain first-hand knowledge through J-Term experiences

Four Carthage College students from the Roscoe, Rockton and South Beloit area were among the students who spent the month of January, 2025, learning how life is lived on a daily basis in another country.

The month long J-Term study programs are available in January, June and July. Students can experience and explore subjects outside their majors or minors and discover new interests.

Similar programs are offered in many private schools around the country. In the J-term months (June, July and January) students have the opportunity to study abroad for two weeks and become immerse in the culture and of a different country.

Andrew Mohring, from Rockton, studied geography and biology in Nicaragua. Andrew and students in the J-term programs around the country spent January 14 - 28, 2025, learning, making new friendships and studying the customs and culture of Nicaragua.

The group spent two weeks in La Isla De Metepa, where they learned how the people lived day to day. They worked among the Nicaraguan people, sampled new foods, made new friends and, learned the customs of the country.

"Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the world. The people are proud and live simple slow-paced lives," Andrew said. "Most of the people are living in farming communities. Andrew and his group stayed in cabanas on the farms and worked with the villagers. We spent a lot of time just hanging out with the locals and learning about their culture. It was amazing, a life-changing experience."

Carthage College student Cameron Gruenberg, from South Beloit, Illinois, also spent the January J-term in Nicaragua. Their group worked on a farm helping with a water project and digging trenches. "When we weren't working, we went sightseeing. My favorite excursion was to an active volcano." Cameron said she learned a lot about the culture and customs of Nicaragua.

Kyra Lewis from Roscoe, and a student at Carthage College, spent the January 2025 J-Term studying the cultural significance of local flora and fauna in Argentina. She learned the role they play in the lives of the people of Argentina, their customs and culture. Kyra appreciated the beauty of the country and the people.

Carthage student Sophia Saldino, from Roscoe, studied nature biodiversity and conservation during her J-term experience in Costa Rica. Through digital photography, she explored plants and animal species and their habits.

Carthage College is a private institution that blends the best of liberal arts tradition with desirable degree programs. Carthage was founded in 1847, and sits on the shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Students can access innovative programs such as the J-Term, Study Abroad program offered January, June and July each year.

Julie Thomas is the coordinator of the J-Term program at Carthage. For more information, contact jthomas@carthage.edu, or call 262-551-6396.