How to Study Abroad with the Honors College

Our starter guide tells you all you need to know about studying abroad with the Honors College, from its requirements to what you should expect during actual travel.

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Starter Guide

Luckily, traveling and learning with us is as simple as four steps:

Complete the Honors Study Abroad application process for your program of choice.
Pay over time
Complete any additional requirements
Experience learning across the globe

Eligibility

To be eligible for our Study Abroad programs, you must:

Be currently admitted in the FIU Honors College
Be in good Honors standing
Have a minimum FIU GPA of 3.4
Be on time to graduate, even with participation
Not exceed your credit limit by participating

We recommend participating in Study Abroad after completing your lower division Honors College curriculum.

Study Abroad Courses

Our unique programs are offered in a two-semester format, IDH 4007 in Spring and IDH 4008 in Summer.

Please note that these upper-division courses demand the same level of academic rigor and effort as any other Honors College course. During Study Abroad programs, you are international academic ambassadors for the FIU Honors College!

A group of FIU study abroad students in Rome

IDH 4007
This is our pre-travel course in the Spring semester, where you can become acquainted with your Faculty Director and other Honors students.
- Learn most of the course content through lectures, presentations, and/or projects
- Meet weekly with Faculty Director and fellow travelers
- Coordinate travel plans with classmates
IDH 4008
This course takes place in the Summer A, B or C semesters and consists of actual traveling. Led by your Faculty Director, you will travel for three to six weeks in a group of 12-22 Honors College students.
- Apply content learned in IDH 4007
- Deepen your learning through walks, activities, visits and tours
- Coordinate travel plans with classmates

To-do List for Studying Abroad in 2026

Please note all fees will appear on your MyFIU account three weeks before the listed due date.

To-Do	Date
Research our programs	Spring - Fall 2025	View upcoming information sessions Browse Study Abroad resources
Sudy abroad application opens	September 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.	Apply now
Interview with Study Abroad team	Fall 2025
Pay $500 Deposit	Within one week after interview	Learn more about paying for Study Abroad
Second program fee payment due	December 1, 2025
Study Abroad Application closes	December 22, 2025, or when all spaces are filled	Apply now
Submit remaining items	Check your Study Abroad Application	Check your Study Abroad Application
Remove any MyFIU Holds	Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
IDH 4007 Spring Tuition Due	Spring 2026	Check OneStop for exact dates
Third Program Fee payment due	February 1, 2026
Education Abroad Fee due	March 1, 2026
Pre-Departure Conference	April 10, 2026	Mingle with fellow Study Abroad students and learn the value of being an FIU ambassador
IDH 4008 Summer Tuition due	Summer 2026	Check OneStop for exact dates
Travel and Learn	Summer 2026	Check your program's page for exact dates and requirements
Welcome Back Workshop	Fall 2026

What’s Included?

The Honors College has led Study Abroad programs since the early 2000s, with over 1,500 alumni across ten different programs. That gives us plenty of insight on how to maximize your Study Abroad experience and organize accommodations, visits, planned activities and more.

Accommodations
A mix of hotels, apartments and hostels that offer great location and comfort.
Meals
Some programs include all meals. Some do not include any meals. Check the program page for more information on what “travel fuel” to expect!
Efficient Itineraries
Expertly planned so you can get where you need to go quickly, so you can do and see more during your time abroad.
In-program Transportation
Experience the destinations like the locals do, on buses, trains, boats and planes.
Metro Passes
In some cities, we include a metro pass to give you extra freedom during free time.
Cultural Activities and Excursions
Activities, excursions, and entry fees are included to give you a glimpse of the local flavor. Check the program page for more information.
Faculty Director
Your professor is an educator, guide and expert all in one. They will teach you how to live like a local while complementing your academic studies.
Program Assistant
Programs with more than 15 students will have a Program Assistant during the travel portion to support the Faculty Director and manage any unforeseen circumstances.
Program Manager
The Honors College has an in-house liaison with the Office of Education Abroad to support you and all Honors Study Abroad programs.
Local Guides
Professional guides will help you explore our destinations and give you a firsthand local perspective about them.
Experiential Learning
Don’t just learn about the Mona Lisa, Angkor Wat and the Arenal Volcano. See and experience them.
City Walk
City walks with your Faculty Director will introduce you to each city, from its best local restaurants to how to use the metro.
Travel Medical Insurance
U.S. insurances often do not cover issues abroad. Therefore, all participants in our programs will receive travel medical insurance from a reputable carrier. Coverage includes 24/7 emergency support, medical insurance, and local security expertise in any language.
U.S. and FIU Support Services
FIU’s Office of Education Abroad provides pre-departure assistance, academic advice, financial aid transfer, visa assistance, and much more. They have regular contact with program leaders and oversee the administration of the program from the day you are selected to the end of the summer semester.
Study Abroad T-shirt
If you complete all requirements before your travels, you will receive your very own Study Abroad T-shirt. We highly encourage you to wear the shirt and FIU Honors College gear while traveling.

What’s Not Included?

Roundtrip Transportation
Before the program’s start, we do not include transportation to and from the starting city. Take advantage of purchasing your own flight by using your accrued miles, arriving earlier to experience more of the city or even visiting another country.
Visa Applications
Depending on the country and your citizenship status, you may be required to apply for a visa. It is your responsibility to inquire whether you need a visa to enter any program’s host countries. You must contact the consular offices or visit their websites to learn about each host country’s entry and exit requirements.
If you need a letter of support from the program to apply for a visa, you may request one by visiting the Office of Education Abroad. Please note that the request may take two to three business days.
Passports
To study abroad, you must have a passport that remains valid for at least six months after the last day of the program. If your passport is set to expire before that timeframe, you must renew your passport before traveling.
Any cost that arises from passport application or renewal is at your expense.
Medical Information Forms
To study abroad, you must complete a Medical Information Form prior to the start of the travel portion of program. The form must be completed by a licensed medical professional and then submitted by you through abroad.fiu.edu.
Any cost that arises from the form's completion is at your expense.
Personal Expenses
Expenses may include meals, gifts, leisure activities, and shopping. They vary by student and program, so we recommend speaking to your Faculty Director to estimate how much students typically spend outside of program costs.

Want more information?

If you want to know more about studying abroad with the Honors College, please attend one of our information sessions or reach out to Honors Study Abroad at honorsabroad@fiu.edu. Alternatively, please feel free to read more about the program:

Travel Information
Costs & Aid
Safety & Policies
Frequently Asked Questions

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