Final papers are submitted, exams finished and the DU community has completed another great quarter…. now what?! While many welcome the break after an active ten weeks, the six-week winter break doesn’t have to be spent away from the DU community. DU offers excellent interterm courses. These courses provide experiential learning and further students’ academic careers.
To help explain the benefits of the interterm courses, four current students have shared their interterm experiences below.
Rachel Cook

1. Which class did you take?
“Stress Management” through the Daniels College of Business
2. Why did you decide to take the interterm course?
At first, it was because I needed the credit and a course in Aspen sounded awesome, but after talking to people who had taken it in the past and hearing it was the best class offered at DU... I started to get the idea I was in for something great.
3. Favorite part of the course?
Besides the location? The instructors. I have never felt a connection like I did with both Diana (the professor in Aspen) and Alexa (the chef and yoga instructor). I still talk to them to this day. They have changed my view on life for the better, they have made me a better person. I couldn't thank them enough.
4. What did you take away from the class? What are the benefits?
I learned who I am; the good, the bad, and the horrendous. I taught myself how to wake up every single day, stoked on life and ready to take onethe world. I know that sounds so cheesy but it's true. It's the little things I learned that week that have altered my life in the best of ways. I now know how to conquer school on a minimal stress level and how to balance everything I want to happen in my daily life. But most of all, I found my purpose. If you don't believe me, take the course... and if you do, tell Diana that Rachel says hi!
Ariel Bravo

1. Which class did you take?
“Getting Results Inside the Beltway for Public Policy” through the Institute for Public Policy
2. Why did you decide to take the interterm course?
I decided to take the class because I heard great things about this class from my peers who had taken the course before. I also liked that we were meeting with so many professionals - I saw it as a good networking opportunity.
3. Favorite part of the course?
My favorite part of the course was hearing about the industry that I want to work in from the people who are already involved. Meeting with these individuals really aided in understanding the financial crisis, and how it is perceived differently for groups.
4. What did you take away from the class? What are the benefits?
I took away a much stronger understanding of the political world. It benefited my professional network immensely, and I would definitely suggest this course for anyone interested in politics or policy.
Gretchen Cook

1. Which class did you take?
“Derivatives in Chicago” and “A Walk Down Wall Street in New York” through the Daniels College of Business
2. Why did you decide to take the interterm course?
The classes offered a unique learning experience and fit well with my schedule.
3. Favorite part of the course?
I LOVED the “Chicago Derivatives” course. I learned a great deal and enjoyed how the class enabled students to understand the fundamentals by implementing them in the real world through Think or Swim. Additionally, the “Walk Down Wall Street” course offered a true perspective of the financial realm of business today.
4. What did you take away from the class? What are the benefits?
The Chicago course allows students to network while learning the concepts of derivative investments and how to create strategies. The New York class allows students to network while getting a first-hand look into a financial career.
Joey Leon

1. Which class did you take?
“Leadership and Sustainability in Belize” through the Pioneer Leadership Program
2. Why did you decide to take the interterm course?
I decided to take the class because, due to other obligations, I was unable to do the traditional study abroad experience so many students at DU take advantage of. This seemed like a great way to go abroad and learn without taking a whole quarter off.
3. Favorite part of the course?
My favorite partwas the ability to really see all of Belize and meet the people who are living and working there. It gave me a unique opportunity to see problems and solutions from all sides.
4. What did you take away from the class? What are the benefits?
I took away from the class that there are numerous ways to solve the world’s problems and that the US can't do it all. The benefits of an interterm course are the ability to get credits and experience abroad without having to leave for an entire quarter.
For a full listing of interterm courses, visit the Special Programs Website!
Parker Calbert – Media Fellow-Undergraduate Admission and Undergraduate Student Government Vice-President