CDCA Ecuador

Cardinal Destination Courses Abroad (CDCA) May Term

A Cardinal Destination Course Abroad (CDCA) is a short-term faculty-led course that takes place shortly after the spring semester ends during the month of May (May Term). Students travel internationally as a group with a North Central College faculty and staff member. Each CDCA opportunity includes a linked prerequisite course completed in the spring semester before departure. 

Interested? Here are your next steps...

Step 1: Speak with the course-specific faculty leader(s) to learn more about the course, logistics, and itinerary, and to request a green slip to enroll for the appropriate courses on Merlin.

Step 2: Enroll on Merlin for the 2-credit the May Term travel component (under spring semester). The enrollment deadline is November 1, 2025.

Step 3: Register with the Center for Global Education (CGE).  After the November 1st deadline, the CGE team will send you a link with instructions to register and next steps to complete by December 12, 2025.

Step 4: Pay your first $500 program fee deposit by December 12, 2025.

Step 5: Pay your second $500 deposit (airfare deposit) by January 30, 2026.

Learn more about the CDCA 2026 opportunities below!

All CDCA opportunities are worth 2-credits, which students register for in the spring 2026 semester. This 2-credit course (CARD*260) encompasses the prerequisite work and the travel component in May. All participants must be enrolled in the respective 2-credit CARD*260 in spring semester to be eligible to travel during May Term.

Click "Learn More" under each course for itinerary information, course highlights, cost breakdown, and more!

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China

From Dumplings to Bullet Trains: A Journey Through China's Past and Present

Led by: Professor Yingling Liu

May 4-20, 2026 (dates are subject to change based on availability)

 

Course to Enroll in on Merlin: CARD*260*BL6

Estimated Total Program Fee: $3,635-$4,135

Costa Rica

Ecotourism in Costa Rica

Led by: Professor Jeff Anstine

May 5-19, 2026

 

Course to Enroll in on Merlin: CARD*260*BL5

Estimated Total Program Fee: $2,230-$2,730

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Dublin (Ireland) & London (England)

Beer and Sports

Led by: Professor Miranda Mendiola & Professor Hannah Plummer

May 6-19, 2026

 

Course to Enroll in on Merlin: CARD*260*BL7

Estimated Total Program Fee: $3,760-$4,260

Greece and Italy Flags

Greece & Italy 

The History of Globalization and Democracy in Europe

Led by: Professor Robert Moussetis & Professor Bill Muck

May 6-19, 2026

 

Course to Enroll in on Merlin: CARD*260*BL1

Estimated Total Program Fee: $4,110-$4,610

Please note: Due to the travel agent policies, an earlier deposit (by November 1) is required in order to participate in this course. 

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Ireland & Northern Ireland 

An Exploration of Identity Here and Abroad

Led by: Professor Shereen Ilahi and Professor Nicole Rivera

May 6-20, 2026

 

Course to Enroll in on Merlin: CARD*260*BL2

Estimated Total Program Fee: $2,895-$3,395

Japan

The Intersection of Sport and Culture in Japan:

Home Runs, Fast Food, and Contemporary Culture

Led by: Professor Jason Rice

May 4-13, 2026

 

Course to Enroll in on Merlin: CARD*260*BL4

Estimated Total Program Fee: $4,420-$4,920

Scotland

Scottish Enlightenment

Led by: Professor Susie Lafferty & Professor Krystina Sarff

May 6-20, 2026

 

Course to Enroll in on Merlin: CARD*260*BL8 

Note: Course can be substituted for HONR*290 (for students in Honors Program)

Estimated Total Program Fee: $4,110 - $4,610

Spain

Green Spain: A Treasured Past, A Sustainable Future

Led by: Professor Jelena Sánchez
 

May 4-21, 2026

Course to Enroll in on Merlin: CARD*260*BL3 

Note: Course can be substituted for HPST*364

Estimated Total Program Fee: $3,485 - $3,985

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • All CDCA enrolled students will be required to attend a pre-departure information session on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Failure to attend may jeopardize ability to participate.
  • North Central College provides all students enrolled in a CDCA a primary emergency medical insurance policy for the course dates abroad.
  • Every student participant is required to abide by the College policies as outlined in the North Central College Student Handbook and by the expectations outlined in the course syllabus. If, in the judgement of a faculty/staff leader, a student has violated the course expectations or College policy as stated in the Student Handbook, the student may be sent home at his/her own expense. In such circumstances, a student's parents/guardians may also be notified and additional disciplinary action may be taken by the College upon the student's return to the United States.
  • All participating students will receive a PR grade for the CARD*260 course in the spring semester. Per College policy, all students who receive a PR grade for the semester are ineligible to be named on the Dean’s List until that grade is finalized upon return home from international travel. Once the final grade is received, if a student is eligible for the Dean’s List, this will be awarded at that time.

 

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

  • Refund schedules for airfare depend on individual airlines; faculty leaders will inform all participants of the relevant deadlines and policies.
  • All enrolled students will be charged a $40 non-refundable registration fee on their NC Student Account.
  • If an enrolled student withdraws from the CDCA before March 1, 2026, then 50% of the remaining balance of the program fee will be billed to the student account if costs have been incurred by the College.
  • If an enrolled student withdraws from the CDCA after March 1, 2026, then 100% of the program fee is forfeited. Withdrawing from a CDCA does not withdraw you from the linked spring semester course.
  • If a student withdraws from the respective CARD*260 spring semester course, the student will not be eligible to travel abroad and will be responsible for any associated fees (airline or program fees) as outlined in the Cancellation and Refund Policy above.
  • Successful completion of the spring semester preparatory coursework is REQUIRED for participation in the May Term international travel section