Experiential Learning through HIP 

Students may pursue a Study Abroad or International Student Exchange option as part of their Honors Program curriculum.  There is no length requirement for a study abroad option.  Allowable options may range from one-week faculty led courses (often offered in summer or winter interim session) to a full year abroad and anything in-between. 

An Honors student planning to take part in a formal international or national student exchange may seek approval from the Honors Program to apply the exchange experience to meet a portion of the Academic Foundations requirements. The experiential learning options “Pre-Approval” form should be submitted to the Honors office to begin the approval process during the semester prior to the placement.

Students pursuing the Study Abroad or International Student Exchange Option will:

• Keep a journal or blog detailing experiences, cultural differences, and other observations. (the journal is not turned in, but rather used to inform the reflection piece)

• Create a reflection piece at the conclusion of the option.  This may be one of the following:

• • 6-10 page paper reflecting on experience
  • 10-20 slide PowerPoint presentation
  • 3-5 minute video compiling aspects of the experience
  • Update their resume to include appropriate reference to the placement

Students completing the Study Abroad or International Student Exchange Option will complete and submit a Post-Experience Form along with their reflection and updated resume to the Honors Program following completion of their exchange experience.

 Reflection Options:

• The reflection paper (6-10 pages) – the student should plan to explore a variety of themes including: the relationship between the placement/experience and academic coursework the student has taken; cross-cultural observations or experiences that were a significant part of the exchange placement; challenges that were faced and personal development that occurred as an outcome of managing such challenges; and what the exchange experience revealed about the student’s understanding or sense of his/her place in the world.
• PowerPoint presentation  (10-20 slides)– the student should plan to use the notes section of the PowerPoint to explain in depth the same themes noted above for the paper option.  The slides themselves can provide images and captions to lead the viewer through the experience. Students should feel free to use creativity to create the presentation!  
• Video presentation (3-5 minutes)– The student can use video to explore the same themes as mentioned in the reflection paper.

Please see our Forms and Documents page for the Experiential Learning Options Forms.