Honors Study Abroad

The Honors Program partners with the Office of International Studies and Programs to offer short-term, faculty-led, study abroad experiences using the interdisciplinary City as Text model. Through the application of the Honors Learning Framework, students from a variety of majors investigate the destination from multiple perspectives as they prepare to explore the city firsthand.

Students experience the culture of the destination through an immersive exploration of major attractions and off the beaten path places. Participants make sense of their experiences through interactions with local guides and instructors, as well as through planned and spontaneous conversations with faculty and peers.

This transformational experience offers students a deeper understanding of the global community, while also strengthening the community of Honors students and staff who participate.

Info Meeting

Dr. Clemmons will host an info meeting for both 2026 trips on Tuesday, April 22, 5 - 6 pm, in the Honors Program Building.

2026 Spring Break: Environment and Culture in Costa Rica 

Program components:

• Mandatory Pre-Trip meetings in Spring 2026. Thursdays, 6 - 8 pm in the Honors Program Building
  • January 29, February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26, March 5
• Travel over Spring Break: Saturday, March 7 - Sunday, March 15, 2026 (*travel dates could potentially be one day earlier or one day later)
• Class options:
  Students will choose one of the following classes associated with this trip. Both classes require attendance at the pre-trip meetings as well as assignments before, during, and after travel. Students are encouraged to consult with their Honors Advisor regarding which option would be most beneficial.
  
  • Spring 2026 Honors Section: IDS 121a14
    • Class will meet in person prior to Spring Break and then will be online, asynchronous after Spring Break
    • General Education - Language in the Humanities
    • AMALI
  • HON 299
    • Class will meet in person prior to Spring Break and then will be online, asynchronous after Spring Break
    • 1 - 3 credit hours
      • 1 hour = 1 assignment post trip
      • 2 hours = 2 assignments post trip
      • 3 hours = 3 assignments post trip

Highlights:

• Visit San José, the Arenal Volcano, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, La Fortuna Waterfall, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, and a coffee plantation. Take a dip in the Arenal Hot Springs, ride an aerial tram, and zipline through the clouds.

Application:
The application will be available on April 22, and should be submitted by the following deadlines:

• Priority: October 13, 2025
• Final: November 1, 2025

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2026 Summer: Intercultural Studies in Italy and Greece

Program components:

• Mandatory Pre-Trip meetings in Spring 2026. Thursdays, 6 - 8 pm in the Honors Program Building
  • March 19, March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23
• Travel: Sunday, May 17 - Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (*travel dates could potentially be one day earlier or one day later)  
• Class options:
  Students will choose one of the following classes associated with this trip. Both classes require attendance at the pre-trip meetings as well as assignments before, during, and after travel. Students are encouraged to consult with their Honors Advisor regarding which option would be most beneficial.
  • Summer 2026 Honors Section: IDS 121a12
    • Online, asynchronous
    • General Education - Language in the Humanities
  • HON 299
    • Online, asynchronous
    • 1 - 3 credit hours
      • 1 hour = 1 assignment post trip
      • 2 hours = 2 assignments post trip
      • 3 hours = 3 assignments post trip

Highlights:

• Visit Rome, Pompeii, and Naples, Italy, and Athens and Delphi, Greece.  While in these countries, you will see the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Square, the ruins of Pompeii, the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the ruins of Delphi. You also will explore many museums and take a food tour of Naples.  There will be time for independent exploration.

Application:
The application will be available on April 22, and should be submitted by the following deadlines:

• Priority: November 1, 2025
• Final: January 15, 2026

Past Locations

• • • 2025: Ecuador and Galapagos Islands; South Africa

    • 2024: Ireland, England, Scotland

    • 2023: Ireland

• 2020: Barcelona

• 2019: Cuba

• 2018: Panama

• 2017: Merida, Mexico

• 2015: Peru

• 2015: Germany

• 2014: Florence