J-Term at Carthage

J-Term in Nicaragua

One of the most popular J-Term study tours at Carthage is the annual J-Term trip to Nicaragua (BIOL 675 Tropical Medicine, History and Ecology of Nicaragua). Every January, between 20 and 40 students travel to the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua, where they spend two weeks studying tropical ecology, visiting historical sites around the island and country, and volunteering in rural medical clinics.

The trip is described as life-changing by students who have taken it.

"This experience was one of the greatest in my life and career at Carthage," said Jen Pasciak, '10, a biology major from Oak Forest, Ill. "I got to travel to a place that I may not have seen otherwise; work in medical clinics, which confirmed my desire to work in the medical field; and learn about the people and culture of Nicaragua. Also, the trip turned a group of 30 classmates into a family that worked together and shared the greatest experience of our lives. I will never forget the experience and the people I got to share it with."

About the video:

“Explore Nicaragua”
Directed and Edited by Heather Croix

Nicaragua 2008 Documentary
Produced and Directed by Carthage Professor Paul Chilsen

Student producers:
Matt Brosseau, Heather Croix, Nate Dallesasse

High definition location cinematography:
Matt Brosseau, Paul Chilsen, Heather Croix, Nate Dallesasse

More stories about J-Term:

Be Adventurous.

Do something wonderful. Do something outside of your realm. Whatever it takes, do it.

And be a little bit afraid of what you're going to take and where you're going to go. ... You should be a little afraid, because that's the excitement."

— Prof. Laura Rodman Huaracha on J-Term


J-Term at Carthage

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