NextTerm 2026 Courses

NextTerm Local

Day trips only; No additional cost to families

---

Baking bread: The history and culture of bread

Essential Question: How does bread shape culture, community, and the ways we connect with one another?

Description: This immersive course delves into the history and culture of bread, revealing how this humble food has profoundly shaped human civilization, social structures, and cultural identity. Students will trace the evolution of bread from its prehistoric origins to the modern artisanal revival, integrating scientific, anthropological, and historical perspectives. Through hands-on baking, sharing meals, and community engagement, students will experience how “breaking bread” fosters connection, collaboration, and understanding across cultures. Visits to local bakeries, meetings with artisans and cultural leaders, and opportunities to document stories of bread in daily life will help students explore how this humble food unites communities and reflects cultural heritage.

This class is perfect for students who:

• are passionate about food, history, culture, and social sciences;
• have a genuine curiosity about the art and science of bread making;
• enjoy experimenting with different recipes, ingredients, and methods;
• are interested in the business of food and nutrition; and
• enjoy hands-on culinary experiences.

Curricular Focus: STEM  •  Business  •  History  •  Culinary Arts

---

LAW & Order: Forensic Science, Technology, and the Law

Essential Question: How do science, technology, and law work together to uncover truth, ensure justice, and navigate ethical challenges?

Description:  This course immerses students in the intersection of forensic science, technology, and law. Students will explore how evidence — including DNA, fingerprints, digital data, and AI-assisted analysis — is collected, analyzed, and used in real legal cases. Through hands-on labs, field investigations, and partnerships with forensic labs and legal professionals, students will examine both the scientific and ethical dimensions of evidence. Students will also gain firsthand experience with the legal system by visiting courtrooms, observing trials, and meeting lawyers, judges, and expert witnesses. They will investigate how evidence is presented and challenged in real cases, and explore the ethical and social implications of forensic technology, including the potential biases of AI-assisted analysis. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of how science, technology, and law intersect to shape justice. 

This class is perfect for students who:

• enjoy investigating true crime cases and using logic to solve complex problems;
• are curious about how science and technology are used to uncover the truth and ensure justice;
• are excited to explore how law, ethics, and court systems intersect in shaping fair and accurate outcomes; and
• are inquisitive, detail-oriented, and thrive on solving complex problems through evidence and investigation.

Curricular Focus: Science  •  Technology and Innovation  •  Law and Ethics 

---

The eye of the tiger: The enduring spirit of the underdog

Essential Question:  How does the “eye of the tiger” mindset — resilience, focus, and determination — shape the journeys of underdogs like Rocky and real-life figures in Philadelphia and beyond?

Description:  Everyone loves a good underdog story. This course explores the spirit of the underdog through the lens of the iconic Rocky films and the city of Philadelphia. Using Rocky’s journey as inspiration, students will examine themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and personal growth, while exploring how the “eye of the tiger” mindset — focus, grit, and determination — drives individuals to overcome adversity. Through film analysis, critical readings in psychology, philosophy, and social theory, as well as class discussions, students will investigate how underdog narratives shape identity, motivation, and cultural values. Beyond Rocky, students will explore real-life Philadelphia stories of resilience — from athletes and artists to community leaders — analyzing how people and communities embody the underdog spirit in sports, arts, activism, and everyday life. Experiential activities, such as boxing workshops, movement challenges, or creative projects, enable students to engage physically and conceptually, fostering perseverance and discipline. Culminating projects will challenge students to connect the underdog mindset to their own lives, producing multimedia stories, reflective essays, or interactive presentations that capture the power of resilience, determination, and the enduring “eye of the tiger” spirit.

This class is perfect for students who:

• are inspired by underdog stories and want to understand what drives people to overcome challenges;
• enjoy exploring films, culture, and real-life examples to see resilience, grit, and personal growth in action;
• like hands-on learning — boxing workshops, movement challenges, or creative projects that connect mind and body; and
• want to showcase lesser-known underdog stories, capturing the “eye of the tiger” mindset through interviews and multimedia projects.

Curricular Focus: Cultural Studies  •  Film  •  History  •  Psychology and Sociology

---

Compassionate Leadership: Service, Reflection, and Action

Essential Question: How do mindfulness and spirituality guide us to lead through service?

Description: Students will explore the connection between mindfulness, spirituality, and compassionate leadership rooted in service. They will develop skills in ethical leadership, effective communication, cultural competency, collaborative problem-solving, and civic literacy, while also practicing civil discourse and moral reasoning. By studying mindfulness practices and the teachings of diverse faith traditions on service, students will strengthen their ability to center themselves, listen deeply, and recognize their shared humanity. They will build their capacity for reflection and critical thinking, clarifying their own values and choices as leaders. Students will design and implement service-learning projects in partnership with local organizations, assuming leadership roles to address authentic community needs.

This class is perfect for students who:

• have an interest in leadership, ethics, and service learning;
• have an interest in serving the community;
• have an interest in spiritual perspectives, mindfulness, and self-reflection;
• want to practice understanding others’ perspectives and the authentic needs of communities they are serving; and
• want to put personal and community values into action. 

Curricular Focus: History and Civics  •  Religion and Spirituality  •  Wellness and Mindfulness  •  Leadership and Ethics 

---

The Discovery Lab: Exploring Passions, Purpose, and Play

Essential Question: How can experimenting with new hands-on practices help us shape our confidence, identity, and well-being?

Description: Students will embark on an interdisciplinary exploration of curiosity, skill-building, and well-being. Grounded in research from psychology, neuroscience, and sociology — and inspired by readings from The Happiness Project — the course challenges students to engage with novel, hands-on practices they may have never tried before, such as woodworking, sewing, gardening, miniature model building, calligraphy, or learning a new instrument, to name a few. Under the guidance of expert craftspersons, each activity is designed to cultivate focus, creativity, and problem-solving while providing opportunities for reflection and analysis. Students will observe their own engagement, track skill development, and connect experiences to evidence-based insights about motivation, flow, and personal growth. After sampling a variety of practices, students will select one to explore in depth, culminating in a capstone project that demonstrates how intentional exploration can foster curiosity, resilience, and fulfillment. By combining experimentation, research, and reflection, this course equips students to discover new skills, deepen self-awareness, and appreciate the science and art of living well.

This class is perfect for students who:

• are looking for meaning and fulfillment outside of traditional measures of achievement;
• are excited to explore novel hobbies and practices that encourage curiosity and personal growth;
• wish to discover joy along the spectrum of independently pursuing rejuvenating practices while simultaneously building community with similarly interested people; and
• simply put, want to try new things and have some fun doing so!

Curricular Focus: Psychology and Neuroscience  •  Wellness and Personal Growth  •  Sociology and Identity  •  Arts and Music

---

Roots & Stories: Oral Storytelling and Family History

Essential Question: How can exploring family stories and oral histories help us understand ourselves and the world around us?

Description: Your family’s story is more than names and dates — it’s a window into history, culture, and identity. In this course, students will explore how personal narratives connect to broader social, historical, and cultural events, uncovering the ways heritage shapes who we are today. Using digital tools for oral history, archiving, and multimedia storytelling, students will collect and preserve interviews, letters, photographs, and other artifacts, learning how to curate meaningful narratives for public or personal audiences. Students will have the opportunity to participate in local library workshops on digital oral history, gaining hands-on guidance in recording, editing, and archiving personal stories. They will also examine how traditions like music, food, and storytelling carry culture across generations. By the end of the course, students will produce a digital project or interactive archive that not only tells their family’s story but also reflects on identity, legacy, and the forces that shape communities over time.

This class is perfect for students who:

• enjoy storytelling, digital media, or have an interest in preserving cultural heritage through archiving;
• want to explore how personal experiences connect to broader historical and social contexts; and
• are interested in history, cultural studies, research, or genealogy, especially as they relate to identity, legacy, and the transmission of culture across generations.

Curricular Focus: Oral History and Storytelling  •  Cultural Heritage, Family History, and Genealogy  •  Digital Research and Multimedia Applications

---

In Case of Emergency ...

Essential Question:  How can we effectively prepare for and respond to medical emergencies, natural disasters, daily safety risks, and unforeseen wildcard scenarios to ensure survival and resilience?

Description: The world is changing faster than we can keep up, so we need to adapt and respond when things go wrong — fast! In this course, students will explore medical emergencies, natural disasters, and severe weather, daily safety and maintenance (home, school, car), and wildcard or unexpected events. They will learn from field experts how to shift from fear to preparedness and why more people with these skills are needed. This will help them develop the mental approach to act as productive helpers, whether facing minor inconveniences or critical emergencies. Students will visit hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and, when possible, emergency centers such as the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), while receiving certification training in first aid, CPR, and infant care. They will examine historical and recent emergencies to understand what was done well and what could have been improved, and explore extreme scenarios — from media depictions to CDC-planned events, including imaginative situations such as zombie apocalypses, alien invasions, or general doomsday events — to develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills needed to respond effectively in any situation.

This class is perfect for students who:

• have a background or interest in emergency services, healthcare, or public safety;
• want to learn from real-world experts and specialists in their fields;
• are interested in disaster response, risk assessment, and crisis planning; and
• would like to develop their skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

Curricular Focus: STEM  •  Public Safety and Risk Assessment  •  Ethics

---

You Live in What?! Your Guide to Alternative Housing

Essential Question: What design, construction, and technological considerations go into alternative housing, and how do they affect communities and the environment?

Description: Students will explore the world of alternative housing, from tiny homes and recreational vehicles to school buses, shipping containers, earthships, and other creative living solutions. They will examine the economics, environmental impact, and livability of these builds through hands-on experience, data analysis, and design thinking. Students will speak with people who embrace alternative living, tour actual homes,  and physically construct components of a home. By the end of the course, students will understand how alternative housing addresses social, economic, and environmental challenges and will have created their own innovative home designs.

This class is perfect for students who:

• enjoy hands-on learning, from building components of a home to analyzing real-world data on livability, cost, and environmental impact;
• like combining creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges;
• are curious about innovative ways people live and want to explore alternative housing solutions like tiny homes, houseboats, micro apartments, school buses, or shipping containers;
• want to imagine and design their own unique living spaces while considering practicality, sustainability, and innovation; and
• are curious about creating visually appealing and functional designs.

Curricular Focus: Architecture and Construction  •  Engineering and Design Thinking  •  Sustainability and Environmental Science  •  Financial Literacy

---

Redesigning Fashion: From Natural Fibers to Next-Gen Style

Essential Question: How have natural fibers like linen, cotton, silk, and wool influenced fashion in the past, and how can they shape a more sustainable and minimalist future?

Description: This course delves into the connection between nature and fashion, exploring how natural fibers serve as an endless source of inspiration for designers and also ensure sustainable and ethical practices in the production process of clothing. Students will learn to distinguish different kinds of natural fabrics, their discovery and history throughout societies around the world, and how their unadulterated beauty is becoming a trend against the mass production of composite and synthetic materials. Through field visits to diverse environments, students will observe natural forms, textures, and systems up close, using these insights to inspire their own creative work. They will experiment with eco-friendly production methods, creating design concepts that honor nature’s wisdom and cultural diversity. By engaging with experts and innovators in sustainable fashion, students will discover how untouched and undyed fabrics offer new possibilities for blending artistry, functionality, and environmental stewardship — designing not just for style, but for a more sustainable planet.

This class is perfect for students who:

• are considering a career in fashion;
• are interested in learning how to create a brand and a marketing strategy;
• are passionate about protecting the environment; and
• appreciate the artistic representations of the natural world.

Curricular Focus: Science  •  History  •  Art  •  Business and Advertising

Local Courses with Short Overnight

Mostly day trips, with one to two nights of travel; Minimal cost to families

Rock Revolution: Music, Culture, and Creativity

Essential Question: How did rock and roll revolutionize culture — and what does that spirit of rebellion and creativity look like today?

Description: From the birth of rock and roll to the rise of counterculture, this course examines how music became the heartbeat of a generation. Rock embodied young people’s push against conformity — much like Gen Z questions norms around identity, gender, and power — and reshaped ideas about youth, freedom, and self-expression. Students will study the evolution of rock from the mid-twentieth century through the late 1970s, analyzing iconic albums, key artists, lyrics, and performances that challenged social norms, influenced politics and race relations, and transformed technology and media. Through listening, discussion, media analysis, and hands-on projects such as creating podcasts, curating playlists, or designing zines, students will engage creatively with the revolutionary spirit of rock. Field trips to local music venues, record stores, and museums will immerse students in the cultural and historical contexts that brought this music — and its enduring influence — to life.

This class is perfect for students who:

• love music of all genres, especially rock and roll;
• enjoy studying history of the twentieth century, especially from the aspect of rock music;
• want to learn more about the social, economical, and political impacts of music on society;
• would like to explore aspects of technology in the world of music; and
• want to rock out — whether playing or listening to rock and roll (no instrumental knowledge required).

Curricular Focus: Performing and Visual Arts  •  History  •  Technology  •  Cultural Studies

Locations: Pittsburgh, PA and Cleveland, OH

---

Birds of a Feather - Migrate into the World of Science and Art

Essential Question: How do birds reveal the connections between art, science, and the natural world?

Description: Students will explore topics such as the evolution of bird form and function, the musicality of birdsong, and how we capture these observations in art. Daily bird observations will be paired with field trips to aviaries, bird sanctuaries, and nature reserves, providing students with the opportunity to observe birds in their natural habitats. Guided soundscaping projects will encourage students to record and analyze birdsong. Art sessions will allow students to capture the beauty of birds through drawing and photography, while scientific investigations and historical research will focus on the diversity of bird form and behavior in the context of our local ecosystems.

This class is perfect for students who:

• enjoy spending time outdoors, making field observations, and visiting bird sanctuaries to study bird behavior and ecology in real-world settings;
• are interested in drawing, photography, and sound recording as ways to capture and analyze the beauty and complexity of birds;
• want to investigate how evolution and environmental change shape the lives of birds and their roles in ecosystems; and
• want to explore how birds connect science, art, and society through observation and creative expression.

Curricular Focus: Ornithology  •  Drawing and Photography  •  Evolutionary Studies

Locations: Cape May, NJ, Hawk Mountain, PA, and New York, NY

---

game changers: The Powerful impact of women's sports

Essential Question: How have women in sports shaped the games they play, the communities around them, and the culture we live in today?

Description: Women’s sports, particularly the WNBA and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, are gaining unprecedented visibility, sparking important conversations about gender and gender equity in society, culture, and the marketplace. Despite recent milestones like the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s equal pay victory and increased viewership of women’s tournaments, significant pay disparities, underinvestment, mistreatment, and objectification persist. In this course, students will explore key moments in the history of gender equity in sports, from Billie Jean King’s “Battle of the Sexes” and Title IX to the rise of women’s professional sports leagues and NIL agreements, to analyze how today’s momentum can shape the future of women’s sports and fair treatment for athletes. Students will attend professional games, tour team facilities, and meet with members of the organization, including training staff, marketing personnel, coaching staff, and/or ownership. Additionally, they will have the chance to speak directly with previous and current players and coaches, entrepreneurs, creatives, and social media influencers who have influenced the rise of women’s professional sports.

This class is perfect for students who:

• want to explore careers in professional sports, sports business, marketing, communications, or media;
• enjoy connecting sports to broader social, cultural, and ethical issues, including gender, history, and social justice;
• are interested in entrepreneurship, business, technology, data analytics, and the arts; and
• want to combine their passion as a sports fan with meaningful engagement in societal and cultural topics.

Curricular Focus: Business and Entrepreneurship  •  Technology  •  History  •  Sociology  •  Art 

Locations: New York, NY, Washington, DC, and Uncasville, CT

---

Animal Kingdom: Zoos, Ethics, and Conservation

Essential Question: What purpose do modern zoos serve in protecting biodiversity, and can their work be justified in today’s world?

Description: As climate change, habitat loss, and human activity threaten wildlife worldwide, modern zoos face a complex challenge: balancing the care and welfare of individual animals with the conservation of species. This interdisciplinary course combines biology, ethics, environmental science, and social studies to examine the moral, ecological, and societal roles of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife parks. Students will engage in hands-on learning through visits to institutions such as the Bronx Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Lakota Wolf Preserve, as well as smaller local zoos and aquariums. Experiences may include an overnight at a working zoo on a school campus, giving students the opportunity to observe animal care, nighttime routines, and behind-the-scenes operations. Throughout the course, students will converse with conservationists, veterinarians, and zoo staff, and conduct applied research analyzing real-world dilemmas in animal welfare and species conservation. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess how zoos and aquariums contribute to global biodiversity efforts while navigating ethical responsibilities.

This class is perfect for students who:

• love animals and are curious about their behavior and care;
• are interested in biology, environmental science, and ecology;
• are passionate about bioethics, animal rights, and the relationship between people and animals; and
• want to understand how zoos operate and contribute to conservation efforts, both historically and today.

Curricular Focus: Science: Veterinary, Environmental, Biology, Conservation Biology  •  Philosophy  •  Ethics  •  History 

Locations: New York, NY, and Baltimore, MD

NextTerm Domestic Travel

Longer travel within the United States; Additional cost to families

Into the Open Spaces: America’s National Park Experience

Essential Question: How and why are National Parks essential to the American experience and what role do we play in their stewardship and legacy? 

Description: Using America’s National Parks as our classroom, students in this NextTerm course will come to understand how history, literature, conservation biology and ecology, climate science and geology, economics, and Native American culture come together as an essential part of the human experience to inspire and sustain us. Because, as naturalist John Muir once observed, “when one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world,” we will immerse ourselves in the outdoor education experience, serve the parks in a meaningful way, and develop a better appreciation for the legacy and our future stewardship of these national treasures. In partnership with the National Park Service, this class will visit Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Arches, Mesa Verde, and Canyonlands National Parks, helping inspire a sense of responsibility for our collective ownership of these protected lands.

This class is perfect for students who:

• love being outside, feel energized rather than drained by physical activity, and are excited by the prospect of hiking and spending extended time in nature rather than in traditional classroom settings;
• are concerned about conservation, climate change, and the future of our natural spaces and want to develop both knowledge and practical skills for protecting these places for future generations;
• who get excited when connections appear between different subjects, see how geology explains history, how ecology informs economics, or how literature captures scientific wonder, and prefer learning that weaves multiple perspectives together; and
• have a moderate level of fitness, enjoy and can physically prepare to take extended hikes, and are comfortable in rustic accommodations.

Curricular Focus: History and English  •  Science: Biology, Environmental, and Physical Sciences  •  Outdoor Education

Locations: Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana

Travel Dates: May 20 - 30, 2026

---

Transcend & Transform: a Way of Life

Essential Question: In what ways did Thoreau and the transcendental movement influence American thought about nature and our place in it, and how can we apply those ideas today?

Description: Step into the wild to explore what it truly means to “live deliberately.” On this journey from the forests and lakes of Maine to historic Concord, Massachusetts, students will experience the same landscapes that inspired one of America’s most influential writers and transcendentalists, Henry David Thoreau. Through kayaking, mountain hikes, forest walks, and quiet moments of reflection, you’ll explore how time in nature can shape the way we think, create, and live. By unplugging from technology and immersing yourself in the natural world, you’ll discover how simplicity, awareness, and curiosity can transform your understanding of yourself and your environment.

This class is perfect for students who:

• enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and exploring the wilderness;
• have an interest in reading Thoreau’s works;
• are open to participating in journaling and self-reflection;
• have an interest in slowing down and disconnecting from technology; and
• have a moderate level of fitness, enjoy and can physically prepare to take extended hikes, and are comfortable in rustic accommodations.

Curricular Focus:  Literature  •  History  •  Outdoor Education

Locations: Greenville, Mount Chase, and Kennebunk, ME; Concord, MA

Travel Dates: May 19 - 29, 2026

---

Legacy in Action: Lessons from Those Who Transformed America  

Essential Question: What can experiencing history teach us about making a difference now?

Description: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is often seen as the face of the Civil Rights Movement, but it was a large coalition including women and youth who drove much of the organizing and change. In this course, we’ll walk in their footsteps, visiting Atlanta’s Civil Rights Museum and King’s birthplace, the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, the 16th Street Baptist Church and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and The Legacy Museum in Montgomery. Along the way, we’ll uncover the stories of leaders who shaped the movement and connect their legacies to today’s fight for justice. Students will then channel these lessons into creating a plan for growth and change in our own community.

This class is perfect for students who:

• are curious about how ordinary people, especially young people, sparked change;
• want to strengthen leadership skills and learn to navigate spaces with diverse viewpoints and perspectives;
• visit the places where history happened, and see how those moments shaped our world; 
• are interested in the connections between history, politics, ethics, sociology, and communication;
• seek to understand how coalition-building across differences can lead to lasting change;
• want to design a personal action plan to drive change in their own community; and
• are creative thinkers willing to  learn through writing, art, media, or advocacy projects.

Curricular Focus: History, Political Science, and Law  •  English and Literature  •  Sociology  •  Art

Locations: Atlanta, GA and Selma and Birmingham, AL

Travel Dates: May 26 - June 1, 2026

---

Space and Society: Innovation, Ethics, and Exploration

Essential Questions: Why do humans explore space, and how does it contribute to human survival, scientific knowledge, and technological advancement? 

Description: Part science lab, part design studio, this course challenges students to imagine how humans could sustainably live off Earth. Through hands-on projects in robotics, rocketry, and sustainable habitat design, students will explore the intersection of science, engineering, and ethics. Before traveling to Houston — famously known as “Space City” — students will study key milestones in the space race, examine the ethics of exploration, and investigate current missions to Mars and beyond. While in Houston, students will study at the Space Center for an immersive, project-based learning that includes constructing sustainable habitats, programming robots for retrieval missions, designing and launching multi-stage rockets, and participating in underwater “astronaut training.”  Visits to NASA Johnson Space Center and the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, the world’s largest underwater training facility, provide firsthand insight into the challenges of human space exploration. Ultimately, students will learn how innovation in space can help solve critical challenges on Earth, blending creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in pursuit of a more sustainable future. 

This class is perfect for students who:

• have an interest in the past, present, and future of space exploration, including design, engineering, business, and how new technologies are shaping the aerospace and adjacent industries;
• want to explore careers related to aerospace: engineers, astronauts, researchers, etc.;
• enjoy collaborative problem-solving and creating physical products; and
• are interested in ethical decision-making and having an impact on the universe.

Curricular Focus: Physical and Environmental Science  •  History  •  Engineering  •  Ethics

Locations: Houston, TX

Travel Dates: May 24 - 30, 2026

NextTerm International Travel

International travel; Additional cost to families. Please note: A visa may be required for students who do not hold a U.S. passport. Students should begin the visa process as soon as placement is finalized.

Reefs, Robotics, and Research: Marine Science in Action 

Essential Question: How do scientists use technology to understand and conserve marine ecosystems?

Description: Students will study at BIOS (Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences) and explore Bermuda’s marine and coastal ecosystems through engagement in real-time observation and data collection within natural ecosystems. Students will investigate biodiversity, coral reef health, and ocean conservation using modern tools, such as eDNA analysis and underwater robotics. They’ll learn how scientists study the impacts of humans on marine environments, practice lab and field techniques, and connect ecological knowledge to global environmental challenges. The historical and cultural context of St. George’s enriches our understanding of how humans and nature interact over time. This program combines authentic research experiences with critical thinking about the future of our oceans.  

This class is perfect for students who:

• love seeing how emergent technologies are used in modern science;
• want to practice engineering skills (building 🤖robots!) in challenging environments;
• enjoys solving hands-on problems to connect data and their findings to global social and environmental issues; and
• are comfortable being in and under water most days to collect samples and data. 

Curricular Focus: Physics and Engineering  •  Marine Ecology  •  Marine Biology  •  Geochemistry

Locations: Bermuda

Travel Dates: May 26 - June 1, 2026

---

Sea to Shore: Industry, Culture, and Identity 

Essential Question: How has Nova Scotia’s seafood industry shaped the economy and culture of the province, and how is it evolving in response to aquaculture and technological change?

Description: In this course, students explore how Nova Scotia’s seafood industry shapes the culture, economy, and identity of the region — and how these dynamics connect to global food systems and sustainability. They will investigate how traditional livelihoods and modern technologies intersect in fishing, aquaculture, and boatbuilding. Through analysis of export trends, sustainability practices, and technological innovation, students will consider how the industry continues to evolve and sustain coastal communities. A field experience in Nova Scotia brings these themes to life as students harvest clams; learn about the lobster industry; visit an oyster farm, a boatbuilding shop, and a fish processing plant; and engage with local residents. By learning about these challenges and solutions, students develop critical thinking skills around sustainable practices that affect oceans and communities everywhere — including in New Jersey. Together, these experiences reveal how the sea remains central to Nova Scotia’s economy, environment, and sense of identity.

This class is perfect for students who:

• are curious about the intersection of marine life, technology, economics, and culture;
• want to explore the balance of tradition and modernity;
• seek opportunities for growth by engaging with locals about their way of life;
• find adventure in outdoor experiences in remote areas, with limited access to modern technology; and
• do NOT have a seafood allergy, an aversion to seafood, or regularly experience motion sickness. 

Curricular Focus: Wildlife and Fisheries  •  Cultural Heritage and Identity  •  Economic Policy  •  Technological Innovation

Locations: Nova Scotia, Canada

Travel Dates: May 20 - 29, 2026

---

Driving Innovation: Engineering in Action 

Essential Question: How has automotive engineering shaped the way societies move, work, and live — and where is it taking us next?

Description:  Step into the world of design, engineering, and automotive innovation — where creativity meets precision and technology drives progress. In Germany, home to some of the world’s most influential automotive brands, students will see innovation come to life — from the sleek lines of a Porsche to the technical mastery behind a Mercedes engine. Through these experiences, students will explore how engineering has transformed cities, work, and social life, and how inclusive, sustainable design can shape the technologies of tomorrow. During this course, students will visit the Frankfurt Stock Exchange to see the economic engines behind innovation, tour the Porsche Museum and Factory and the Mercedes-Benz Museum to experience engineering and production firsthand, and compare the approaches of Mercedes vs. Porsche. They will also examine how German engineering and manufacturing compares with practices in the United States and around the world, exploring how innovations in one sector ripple across society. Along the way, students will consider how diverse teams and inclusive design principles create technologies that serve everyone.

This class is perfect for students who:

• are interested in the past, present, and future of the automotive industry, including design, engineering, business, and innovation trends;
• enjoy exploring other cultures and traditions, particularly German history, language, and society;
• are curious about how emerging technologies — like AI, electrification, and autonomous vehicles — are transforming the automotive industry and related sectors globally;
• want to examine the environmental and economic sustainability of the automotive industry in a country with strong public transit systems and ambitious climate goals; and
• seek to understand how culture, history, and politics shape industries and how countries develop global leadership in specific sectors.

Curricular Focus: STEM  •  History  •  Design  •  Business 

Locations: Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart, Germany 

Travel Dates: May 20 - 28, 2026

---

Roots, Rhythms, and Rights:  History, Resilience, and Life in the Bateyes 

Essential Question: How does the Dominican Republic’s history shape its culture, identity, and connection to the wider world today? 

Description: The Dominican Republic’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and complexity. Sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the DR offers a living case study of how colonial legacies continue to shape society — from agriculture and architecture to migration and music. In this course, students will explore the history and evolution of the bateyes — communities of migrant sugarcane workers — and examine the ongoing struggles around race, citizenship, and social equity. Through conversations with community leaders, cultural visits, shared meals, and maybe a bit of baseball, students will gain insight into how Dominican people preserve their heritage through food, music, storytelling, and sport. They’ll also study the global reach of Dominican culture, from the rhythms of bachata and merengue to the fusion sounds of artists like Aventura and Cardi B, tracing how identity travels, transforms, and thrives across borders.

This class is perfect for students who:

• are passionate about exploring how history, culture, and identity intersect in real-world contexts;
• want to engage directly with local communities and learn through immersive, on-the-ground experiences;
• are curious about the legacies of colonialism and migration and their impact on race, citizenship, and social equity, and want to understand how the past continues to shape daily life in the DR; and
• love discovering how music, food, and storytelling shape cultural resilience and global identity.

Curricular Focus: Sociology and Anthropology  •  Hispanic/Latin American Studies  •  History •  Modern and Classical Languages (Spanish) 

Locations: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Travel Dates: May 20 - 27, 2026

No prior Spanish experience is required, but Spanish speakers/learners are encouraged to apply. We hope everyone will pick up at least a few words!

NEXTTERM FAQs

FAQs