HoNORS Experience
AIFS Abroad Honors Programming
Semester and Summer sessions offered at the London, Rome and Salzburg Global Education Centers (GECs)
The AIFS Abroad Honors Programming offers an interdisciplinary, discussion-based curriculum with embedded research, community engagement, and self-reflection activities to elevate Honors students’ academic- and career-readiness. The program delivers place-based, experiential learning opportunities while providing a supportive framework so Honors students can thrive in their new home. Students interested in the Semester Honors Experience can travel to London or Rome. We also offer Summer Honors programming in Salzburg. Our GEC faculty and staff give Honors students unparalleled expertise and connections to local archives, libraries, and centers of cultural learning.
Semester Honors Experience Curriculum
Honors Experience participants pursue a curated academic journey along with chosen electives during their semester. The standard AIFS Abroad Honors Experience includes:
- “Place as Text” course [Required] (3 credits)—considered the foundation course, this class results in a completed Honors research paper.
- Honors Inquiry seminar [Required] (1 credit)—utilizes the Place as Text model to encourage place based interdisciplinary research, discussion as a research community, and career skill building.
- 15 hours, across the semester.
- Tutorials, one-on-one meetings, class trips, and guest speakers.
- Students present their research findings.
- Community Engagement Experience [Required]
- At least 10 hours across the semester.
- Students are expected to engage with the local host community through an activity of their choosing. This may involve engaging in a local community service project, joining a student club or society, becoming a member of a local gym or sports team, or regularly attending interest or identity based meet-ups.
- Three to four electives chosen from the standard semester program (9-12 credits).
- Honors specific co-curricular programming such as visits to primary research locations and dialogues with local experts.
- Embedded Global Career Readiness programming.
- Certificate of Completion.
Honors Experience in London
LONDON Courses (13-16 credits)
HIST/SOCI 335 British Life and Culture (3 credits, Required)
HONR 210 Honors Inquiry Seminar: London (1 credit, Required)
London GEC Semester Electives (9 –12 credits)
Honors Experience in Rome
ROME Courses (13-16 credits)
SOC 311 Contemporary Rome (3 credits, Required)
HONR 210 Honors Inquiry Seminar: Rome (1 credit, Required)
Rome GEC Semester Electives (9 –12 credits)
Summer Honors Curriculum
Summer Honors participants pursue a curated academic journey along with one chosen elective. The Summer Honors program includes:
- “Place as Text” course [Required] (3 credits)—considered the foundation course, this class results in a completed Honors research paper.
- Honors Inquiry seminar [Required] (1 credit)—utilizes the Place as Text model to encourage place based interdisciplinary research, discussion as a research community, and career skill building.
- 15 hours, across the summer.
- Tutorials, one-on-one meetings, site visits, and guest speakers.
- Students present their research topics.
- One elective chosen from the available summer courses (3 credits).
- Embedded Global Career Readiness programming.
- Certificate of Completion.
Summer Honors in Salzburg
SALZBURG Courses (4-7 credits)
SOCI/HIST 312 Contemporary Austrian Culture (3 credits, Required)
HONR 210 Honors Inquiry Seminar: Salzburg (1 credit, Required)
Salzburg GEC Summer Electives (3 credits)
Inside the Honors Inquiry Seminar
Hear from AIFS Abroad’s own London Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Bianca Leggett, alongside Dr. Zeb Baker of Miami University – one of the first institutions to partner with AIFS Abroad to offer the Honors Inquiry Seminar to their students.
AIFS Abroad Global Education Centers
AIFS Abroad Global Education Centers (GECs) offer personalized student support services, cultural immersion, and academic rigor. As purpose-built educational hubs, the London, Rome and Salzburg GECs are the ideal choice for Honors students seeking a supportive environment for a first study abroad experience, as well as for those wanting to be challenged through close integration with the local host community.
