Location

Knoxville, Chattanooga, Cherokee, USA

Program Description

Information Session: 

Thursday, September 19, 4:00 – 4:45pm on Zoom

Cherokee NC Study Abroad Info Session

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of the Cherokee people in the scenic Appalachian mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee.

This program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to engage with Cherokee heritage through interactive museums, traditional arts and crafts, cultural displays (including music, dance, food, and storytelling), an introduction to the Cherokee language and syllabary, and insightful talks from members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation.

Experience the Cherokee people (Tsalagi) directly from those who live in this culture today. Listen to their stories, which celebrate a proud and enduring culture, and learn about the profound impacts of European colonization and U.S. government policies on the Cherokee. Explore the realities of contemporary Cherokee life and consider the possibilities for their future. In addition to these immersive experiences, students will have the chance to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Excursions to local attractions and the opportunity to discover cities, rivers, and trails in and around the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be available. Students will also have personal time to further explore these incredible cities and natural surroundings.

This course offers students an in-depth exploration of Cherokee culture, both past and present, through direct engagement with programs and individuals mainly from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The course includes:

1. A pre-departure orientation to prepare students for their cultural immersion.
2. Online classroom work in the week prior to the trip to further prepare students for the education experience.
3. Classroom lectures integrated throughout the trip, providing context and deepening understanding.
4. Cherokee language instruction, introducing the syllabary, some history, and foundational words and phrases.
5. Visits to significant cultural sites and museums, including the Museum of the Cherokee People, a reconstructed 19th-century Cherokee Village, Kuwahi (Clingman’s Dome), a dramatic reenactment of the Trail of Tears, and Kituwah, the "mother town" of the Cherokee.

Students will have opportunities for meaningful interactions with members of the Cherokee community, listening to their stories and gaining firsthand insights into their experiences. Throughout the course, students will reflect on their learning through journal entries and group discussions. They will also conduct individual research on a specific aspect of Cherokee culture, presenting their findings in both a written paper and an oral presentation to the class. Active participation in all course activities is mandatory. Successful completion of the program will fulfill the requirements for a 3-credit course, IDLS 391.

This program is more than just a course—it’s a transformative journey into the living heart of the Cherokee people and their land.

Location Description

Overnight stays in Knoxville, TN; Cherokee, NC; Chattanooga, TN - various locations in the Appalachian Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Includes visits to sites with significant importance to the Cherokee people.

Director

Angeline McMullin | mcmullja@jmu.edu | Center for Global Engagement

Accommodations

Accommodations will include hotel stay and furnished cabins - wifi available. Students will be in shared double rooms.

All meals will be covered as part of the program through a combination of group meals, meal stipends and grocery stipends for a portion of the program when full kitchens are provided.

Additional Items to Consider

As this is a domestic location, no visas or passports are required.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0.

Open to all class levels and majors, including graduate students.