January Term

Walking across the plaza at the Vatican in Rome while looking around

Our signature program.

Your personal experience.

What if you could take a whole month off and dive into something you’re deeply passionate about? Would you choose to build on a skill you already have? Pursue something entirely new? Or even travel to a foreign country and experience an altogether different set of cultural values and customs?

At SMC, this is not a hypothetical question. It’s the foundation of January Term, a program that’s unique to Saint Mary’s College and widely adored by students and faculty alike. You’ll choose from courses and experiences on campus and around the world to design a unique academic experience that’s tailored to your interests.

Let curiosity guide you.

Whether you want to try your hand at podcasting, experiment with West African dance, or travel to Scandinavia to discover the secret to happiness, Jan Term is designed to take you further, and encourage you to pursue your interests. We make sure the constraints of a regular semester won't hold you back. Plus, the January Term Scholarship covers 75% of the cost of travel to make the experience even more affordable.

Check out all the courses offered during our January Term and start planning how you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to elevate your college experience.

On-Campus & Remote Courses for Jan Term 2025

Travel Courses for Jan Term 2025

Jan Term Travel Registration & Important Dates

Jan Term Travel Scholarship

Five SMC students stand and watch an adult and baby giraffe in Rwanda

Three students and an instructor in a garden looking at leaves one student is holding.

We offer on-campus, travel & remote courses.

In January Term, students have an incredibly wide variety of courses they can take on campus, as well as travel, and remote courses. SMC instructors create their own classes from their passions, expertise, and curiosity. This gives our students and faculty the opportunity to branch out and try out something new.

Explore past Jan Term experiences

With so many unique opportunities available, the freedom is yours to explore what interests you. Check out some of the January Term courses and the influence they had on students.

Eight Saint Mary's students posing for the photo with trees from the Brazilian rain forest in the background

Disaster Relief Abroad

January Term course DIRT is a program where students are sent to disaster relief areas and challenged to collaborate with host communities to address quality-of-life issues.

A student leans down over smoking grasses in an aboriginal custom of burning native plants to ward off bad spirits.

Endangered Australia

This January Term course’s mission is to survey Australian wildlife conservation efforts and to develop an understanding of the relationship it shares with Aboriginal culture.

Questions? Contact us

Jan Term Email: janterm@niagarafishingservices.com

Jan Term Director: Claire Williams

Email: cmw9@niagarafishingservices.com

Jan Term Office: South Arcade/Korth Tower Breezeway

Email us