HoNORS Experience
AIFS Abroad Honors Experience
A new Semester program track launching at the London and Rome Global Education Centers (GECs) in Fall 2025.
The AIFS Abroad Honors Experience offers an interdisciplinary, discussion-based curriculum with embedded research, community engagement, and self-reflection activities to elevate Honors student 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. London and Rome GEC faculty and staff give Honors students unparalleled expertise and connections to local archives, libraries, and centers of cultural learning.
The 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 310 British Life and Culture (3 credits, Required)
HONR 210 Honors Inquiry Seminar (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 (1 credit, Required)
Rome GEC Semester Electives (9 –12 credits)
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 and Rome 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.
