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As universities seek to attract top scholars, provide tailored experiences, and increase retention, undergraduate Honors programs in the U.S. have grown in number and importance. Pursuers of experiential learning even on-campus, Honors students may especially benefit from studying or interning abroad, as they seek to immerse themselves in new cultures, gain global perspectives, and enhance their academic pursuits.
The AIFS Abroad Honors Experience, launching in Fall 2025 in London and Rome, provides an ideal landscape for these scholars, offering interdisciplinary, discussion-based curricula designed specifically for highly motivated learners.
A Tailored Curriculum
Our Honors Experience semester is structured to augment academic and career readiness through a combination of required courses, community engagement, and experiential learning. The curriculum includes:
- City as Text™ Course (3 credits): This course encourages students to explore their host city as a scholastic resource, culminating in an Honors research paper connecting local experiences with academic inquiry.
- Honors Inquiry Seminar (1 credit): Complementing the City as Text™ course, the Honors seminar facilitates interdisciplinary research, group discussions, and career skill development via mentor tutorials and expert lecturers, leading to a final research presentation.
- Community Engagement: Students are required to engage local networks for 10+ hours per semester through activities like community service, local clubs, or cultural events.
- Elective Courses (9–12 credits): Additional electives are selected from the local AIFS Abroad Global Education Center to fulfill home campus requirements and personal interests.
- Honors-Specific Co-Curricular Learning: To complement the classroom with real-world learning opportunities, our Honors students visit research locations, dialogue with local experts, and participate in global career readiness programming.
While initially a semester program model, AIFS Abroad will soon expand to shorter-term options as well as opportunities for university partners to use our framework to build their own Honors program abroad.
Extraordinary Locations for Learning
Historic, ever-evolving cities like London and Rome provide dense learning environments where Honors students thrive.
Honors Experience in London, England
London tells a complex story of global history, colonialism, and the evolution of modern nations—around each corner are landmarks of Britain’s enduring influence on the world. From its dominance in global finance to its iconic music scene, London continues to shape both economic and cultural life worldwide, providing exceptional learning opportunities across various fields and with experts from the city’s many prestigious institutions.
Honors Experience in Rome, Italy
As the cradle of Western civilization, Rome blends ancient and modern life in a way few cities can. Sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Vatican provide a stunning backdrop to a modern city with outsized global influence. Italy’s geopolitical prominence, strong economy, and organizations like the UN World Food Programme make Rome a highly influential place to live and study. And its reputation as an “open-air museum,” shaped by centuries of history, art, and culinary traditions, makes it an ideal landscape for students to explore myriad personal and academic pursuits.
Learn More about Our Honors Experience
The AIFS Abroad Honors Experience offers students a unique opportunity to pursue rigorous academic study while exploring the rich landscapes of London and Rome. Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, community engagement, and personalized support, students enhance their on-campus Honors degree with a crucial global component that contributes to their future objectives.
For more information and to learn about creating your own Honors program, visit the AIFS Abroad Honors Experience webpage or contact our Academic team at [email protected].