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Intensive Learning (May Term)

Study and Travel With Your Professor and Classmates

The Intensive Learning Term, commonly called May Term, is a chance to immerse yourself in a unique learning experience. May Term students tackle interactive projects, explore new frontiers and, in some cases, travel the world with a Roanoke professor. Each course takes a deep dive into a subject in ways not possible during the normal academic year. Students enroll in one course only during their Intensive Learning Term in order to fully engage with the material through in-depth projects and real-world experiences. Courses are often three-week programs offered during the month of May. But an array of Intensive Learning Term opportunities, both on-campus and off-campus, are available. Students must complete one Intensive Learning course before graduation. 

students in Hawaii

A Classroom Without Walls

During May Term, our students have opportunities to travel the globe — from Europe to Africa to Micronesia — to engage in unforgettable, immersive learning and research programs. Check out these snapshots from just a few trips:

Students in Palau
Students in Korea
Hawaii
Student on mayterm
Student on mayterm
Student on mayterm In Athens
Student on mayterm
Student on mayterm
Student on mayterm in Italy
Student on mayterm in Africa
Student on mayterm

Each year, we offer 30+ May Term courses, both on-campus and off-campus, on subjects as wide-ranging as "Urbanism in Argentina," "Forensic Chemistry," "Law and Film" and "The Science of Cooking."

See what Roanoke's students do for May Term

The mountains are calling

Chaplain Bowen and students pictured during a hike in the Cascade Mountains of Washington stateIn her May Term course, "Spirituality in the Pacific Northwest," Rose Sande '23 (right) was part of a team that traveled into the Cascade Mountains of Washington state with Environmental Studies Associate Professor Laura Hartman and Chaplain Chris Bowen. 

May Term travel courses

Students jumping in a desert

A sampling of travel courses:

  • Walking the Camino de Santiago (Spain)
  • Sustainability and Spirituality (Pacific Northwest)
  • The Legacy of the Incas in Contemporary Peru (Peru)
  • Learning Team Dynamics through International Service (Belize)
  • Desperately Seeking Dragons (UK)
  • Nature and Culture in Japan (Japan)
  • Pausanias' Grand Tour of Greece (Greece)

May Term in the News

  • May Term Moments

    May Term Momentsevent image

    Join us in a behind-the-scenes look at some of Roanoke College's in-depth May Term courses.

  • Roanoke students travel world during May Term

    Roanoke students travel world during May Termevent image

    "Immersive: providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something...such as an activity or...environment." -Merriam Webster Dictionary