Study Abroad in Honors

The Honors College strongly encourages students to study abroad. In addition to the range of study abroad options available through the Center for Global Engagement, students can choose programs that are specifically tailored to the interests of Honors students. 

Our programs combine the hallmarks of Honors education--interdisciplinarity, self-directed study, academic rigor--with a global focus on cultural competencies, mutual understanding, and diversity of thought and experience. With exciting destinations in different parts of the world, you can find the program that fits best for you.

Interested students should consult with the Director of Honors Advising and Global Initiatives to learn more. 

Financing Study Abroad

To make our short-term programs affordable and accessible, the Honors College contributes significant funding to lower the cost for all students.

In addition, Honors offers need-based scholarships to qualified students. Students who are pell-eligible or have documented financial need are strongly encouraged to apply for these funds. The number and amount of these awards vary per year. Please contact the Director of Honors Advising and Global Initiatives to learn more.

Other sources of study abroad funding include:

• The Center for Global Engagement.
• Gilman Scholarships: For pell-eligible students to study abroad. JMU students are competitive for these awards and do receive them. Contact the Director of Student Fellowships Advising to learn more.
• Other study abroad scholarships.
• JMU Financial Aid.

While international travel is still uncertain, we are very hopeful about the coming year. Plans are not final and are liable to change, but we currently anticipate offering the following study abroad opportunities in 2021-22:

• A winter term program in Puerto Rico.
• Our well-established spring term global studies seminar that incorporates a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic.
• The Leadership at Sea program involving travel on a cruise ship in summer 2022.
• A 6-credit seminar abroad program studying 20th- and 21st- century Catalan history and culture in Barcelona, Spain.
• A 6-credit seminar abroad program focused on sustainability in Tanzania.

In addition, we hope to provide opportunities for short-term domestic travel that are educational, enlightening, and fun. Ideas include a spring break trip to California, day trips to the Smithsonian, and half day trips within the Shenandoah Valley.

The Oxford and St. Andrews programs remain open for the 2021-22 academic year.