A total of 173 Augustana University students chose to make the world their classroom for January Interim (J-Term) 2026 — a 4-week session between semesters designed to be a time of curricular exploration and enrichment for students.
The majority — 162 students — are taking part in Augustana faculty-led courses. These unique learning experiences are taking place in 13 different countries, including Austria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechia, Egypt, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, as well as the United Kingdom and United States. Among these students is Gilman Scholarship recipient Vanessa Romero ‘26 who is studying away with the Augustana Nursing Program in Costa Rica.
The remaining 11 students are traveling as part of outside programs, which are taking place in seven countries, including China, Ecuador, France, Italy, Taiwan, as well as the United Kingdom and United States.
“Each year, Augustana faculty offer an amazing portfolio of study away options for our students across a wide variety of locations and topics. They have the opportunity to explore new places, enhance their learning and practical skills, and make new connections with their Augie peers and new local friends. We are so proud of the experiences we are able to offer our students,” said Erin Kane, director of study away and senior study away advisor.
During Spring Semester 2026, an additional 19 students will study away in nine different countries through AU and partner-led programs, including Gilman Scholarship awardees, Lilly Roberts ‘26 in Czechia and Jess Wienk ‘27 in Jordan. This also includes Prince Adhikari ‘26, who was selected to participate in the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS) Program in Washington, D.C. — an “immersive and transformative” study-away program designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to learn and intern in the nation's capital.
This is the fourth-straight year that Augustana has made its J-Term study-away travel carbon neutral. Through the support of generous donors and a decades-long relationship with a forest reserve in Guatemala, Augustana is providing support to Bio-Itzá to offset the cost of travel for J-Term in 2026.
Spotlight on 2026 Courses
Con
temporary Issues in Borders & Migration: Texas & New Mexico | Drs. Cari Skogberg Eastman and Stephen Minister
Immigration, migration and border concerns rank among the most widely debated and contested issues of our time. In the United States, numerous voices compete to influence public understanding of immigration policies and border realities — often conveying contradictory images and frameworks of the geopolitical line and policies surrounding it. This course examines the accuracy and depth of common border narratives through the lens of mass media, politics, religion and ethics. Through readings, guest lectures, discussions and a border immersion trip to El Paso, Texas/Las Cruces, Mexico, students are challenged to engage, analyze and reflect on how borders shape individuals and nations.
Leadership in Nursing (Norway) | Dr. Ranae Aukerman & Leadership in Nursing (Costa Rica) | Dr. Michelle Gierach (pictured right)
This senior-level course focuses on professional role development, nursing leadership and contemporary issues in nursing. This travel away opportunity allows students to use the perspective of health care from a global setting — considering societal expectations of health care and human rights. Students gain increased understanding and experience of the nurse's role in leadership, with opportunities for practical experience. The clinical component includes placement and exposure to the host institutions with opportunities to be immersed in the culture and excursions!
Sports & Society: A Comparison of Italian Football Structures, Systems & Management | Dr. Scott Schmidt and Emma Nelson
This course examines the intricate relationship between sports and society through a focused comparison of Italian futbol structures, systems and management of sport. As part of this course, students explore the historical, cultural and social significance of futbol in Italy — analyzing how it shapes and is shaped by broader societal trends. Key topics include the organizational frameworks of Italian football clubs, role of government and private entities in sport management, economic impact of football and social dynamics within fan communities as it is compared to the U.S. structures. Through case studies, guest lectures, attending Italie Serie A Matches and multimedia resources, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of Italian futbol and its influence on both local and global scales.
The Curtain Rises: Performance in Central & Eastern Europe | Dr. Jayna Gearhart Fitzsimmons and Daniel Workman
This course provides a fast-paced, engaging performing arts-based introduction to the history and culture of Central Europe: the Czech Republic, Austria and Croatia. Through readings, lectures, theatre performances, tours and discussions, students gain an understanding of the history, culture and political development of this region through a performing arts lens. Students uncover the ways in which performing arts became a mirror to reflect human struggles and successes, political upheaval, times of transition and new beginnings. Additionally, students will challenge themselves as artists by interacting with the performance communities and rich history of the countries, as well as tapping into the inspirational and often transformative power of travel and intercultural experience.