Spring Term
Spring Term is one of many benefits unique to an Alma College degree. Alma is set up on a “4-4-1” academic calendar. With this calendar, Alma’s winter term ends WAY earlier than most of your college friends (which will make them wish THEY had come to Alma.)
The calendar leaves the entire month of May for the Alma College Spring Term where students focus upon a single course, creating an opportunity for in-depth study on a particular topic or for an exciting academic experience in another culture.
Alma students teach in an Ecuadorian classroom.
“For me, the greatest educational benefit of Spring Term is the amount of time professors and students have to devote to an academic topic,” says Marc Setterlund, Associate Provost and Professor of Psychology.
“It’s an opportunity for students to get to know and interact with their professors, and for professors to get to know their students,” he says.
Focusing on a single topic for that period of time results in a greater depth of understanding about the subject and awakens new areas of interest.
Although students are only required to complete two spring terms at Alma, because the experiences are so rewarding, many students choose to take one every year.
A chance to travel
Scotland
Ever wanted to travel across the globe, but wondered how to fit it into your school and work life? Sure, it would be great to incorporate travel into your college experience – to explore a new culture and get college credit for it.
“But I just don’t have the time to take an entire semester abroad,” you think. “And even if I did, I want to see a lot of different places.” Alma’s Spring Term may be the answer.
While many courses are offered on-campus each year, at least one of your Spring Term courses will be an “S” course that will cross either geographical, cultural or disciplinary boundaries.
Many of these courses involve domestic or foreign travel. That means you can experience the culture and excitement of several different places – all while earning college credit at Alma.
Each trip is lead by an Alma professor, so not only do you have a chance to bond with fellow students, but you also benefit from the expertise of the faculty member traveling with you.
The travel courses change every year. The courses available for the current academic year are listed in the link on the left. There are also links to “a quick look” at travel courses offered in past years. Bon Voyage!
