May Term
May Term at Mary Baldwin is a mini-term during the summer where students can take unique, accelerated courses, both in Staunton and abroad, to foster their academic, personal, and professional development.
Courses last between two and three weeks and feature highly engaging discussion-based and hands-on learning.
Go Outside the Classroom
Whether you’re exploring Staunton’s natural and cultural offerings or studying abroad in a foreign country, May Term at MBU offers real-world experience and unforgettable memories.
Past May Term courses have included:
Spanish-Speaking in Mexico
Students traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico to immerse themselves in Spanish-speaking communities and cultures.
Artist Activism at Hunt Gallery
Students learned how to create street murals as forms of artistic activism from visiting artist Claudia Bernardi.
Learning to Teach in Europe
Students studied, first-hand, Mediterranean models of schooling and educational practices in Cyprus and Turkey.
Tropical Field Biology in Asia
Students engaged with Malaysian locals and studied amphibians and reptiles in the rainforests of Borneo Island.
I am a Special Education major, so the opportunity to travel abroad to study international education [in Turkey and Cyprus] was an incredible experience. I gained more insight into different cultures to better serve my future students.
Emma Wadovick ’27Mediterranean Study Abroad Program
May Term 2026 Offerings
Come to the beautiful tropics of Costa Rica for a May Term class you will never forget! Experience the tropical wildlife while hiking through the jungle with an expert guide to spot and study over 700 local birds.
Price: Estimate with a full class is $4,000 (includes lodging, meals, entrance fees, in-country transportation). Airfare not included.
Dates: May 11th-May 28th
Credits: 4
Course: BIOL 250: Neotropical Ornithology
Professor: Dr. Paul A. Callo