About the Programs
We handle almost everything about your learning experience. We include transportation between cities, Program Director, walking tours, entrance to various museums, and a team of educational travel experts to help you every step of the way. There’s a lot more. Check out the full list of inclusions here!
Food is a very important part in learning about a place.
Every program is different. Some programs include free breakfast with each morning. Some programs include all meals. Others do not include any meals. Check “What’s included” section of each program’s page for specific meals that are included.
When in doubt, check Google Maps or ask your Program Director. They are full of information and recommendations.
We make sure that you get everywhere on your itinerary. Once you arrive in the start city of your program, we handle almost all the logistics for travel by plane, train, boat, metro, or coach bus.
While you’re in each city, your main mode of transportation will be walking and/or public transit. Make sure you bring a good pair of walking shoes!
Typically, no. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the first accommodation listed on your itinerary and back to the airport at the end of the program. Your Program Director will provide you with recommendations on how to get to the meeting location.
Unless otherwise specified by the Program Director, students should plan their transportation from the airport to the meeting location.
Your professor aka Program Director is your educator, guide, and expert all in one. They will teach you along the way to help you live like a local.
You can learn more about our Program Directors by checking out Program Directors.
The travel portion of the program is pretty fast paced. In general, your days will be pretty full of a lot of walking outside. There’s so much to see and do, so make sure to bring your walking shoes!
Some programs are more physically intense, including kayaking, hiking, walking up and down stairs, riding bicycles, and walking on uneven terrain. It is important to review the program’s activity level in the program’s webpage and to speak with the Program Director prior to applying, so you are as informed as possible!
Yes, they do! Due to the nature of the programs, the program’s itinerary is subject to change. It is a “living document,” meaning that scheduled Free Days may be utilized for quizzes, class meetings, or class days. Always check with your Program Director before scheduling activities during free time.
During free time, students must notify their Program Director and/or Program Assistant of their whereabouts and give the names of persons with whom they are traveling with for information purposes.
The groups are amazing! Our programs are for FIU Honors College students who are interested in learning beyond the classroom. Group sizes vary by program, but you will learn and explore the world with up to 22 fellow travelers. You will get to meet your classmates in the pre-travel class on campus.
Whether you sign up solo or register with friends, no one travels alone.
Accommodations & Rooming
We hand pick the best hotels, apartments, and accommodations, always located in safe and convenient areas.
You will stay in a mix of classic hotels, hostels, and comfortable apartment-style hotels.
Rooming and the number of roommates you’ll have depends on the program and the housing accommodation.
In most programs, participants share rooms with other participants of the same sex (typically 4+ per room) with each participant having their own bed. Typically, you’ll pick your roommates during the pre-travel class on campus.
It is important to speak with the Program Director prior to registering, so you are as informed as possible.
Your Program Director will share the details of your accommodations during the pre-travel on campus class.
When you’re traveling for 3-6 weeks, you most likely need to do a load or two of laundry.
Roundtrip Transportation
Programs do not include roundtrip transportation to the start and end of the program. Meaning if a program starts in Rome, Italy, it is the student’s responsibility to purchase airfare to Rome, Italy.
The reason for this is we want students to have the freedom to purchase their flights on their own terms. Some students might want to use accrued miles, arrive earlier, stay longer, or extend their trip to other cities or countries. This is the only way to allow that.
Yes, of course! One of the perks of taking the pre-travel course on campus is that you get to meet your fellow travelers before you travel.
You can use this time to coordinate flights and any travel before or after the program with your classmates.
Talk to your Program Director to know when the best time is to purchase your flights. We recommend waiting until all spots on the program are filled and the program is confirmed.
FIU and the Honors College strongly discourage making big purchases, such as airline tickets, before the programs are confirmed by OEA. If the program is canceled, FIU cannot refund these, or any other expenses related to the programs not paid directly to FIU.
No, you don’t need to. As long as you arrive at the meeting location on time, you can choose whatever mode of transportation you prefer.
Yes, of course! As long as you arrive at the meeting location on time, you can choose whatever mode of transportation you prefer.
Possibly, depending on the program and housing. We recommend speaking to your Program Director ahead of time if you are considering this option.
Keep in mind that housing is only included from the start to the end of the program. Anything you choose to do before or after is not included. You are responsible for booking accommodations if you choose to stay before or after.
Rule of Thumb: only bring what you can comfortably carry. Each student is responsible for carrying their own belongings.
There may be times where you have to carry your luggage on packed trains, so keep that in mind when you are deciding what bag(s) to bring.
Some Program Directors recommend only bringing a hiking backpack and not rolling suitcases. It is important to speak to your Program Director about baggage.
Applying for Programs
Current Honors students need a minimum FIU GPA of 3.3, not be in Excess Credits, and graduate on time to be eligible to participate in our programs.
Newly admitted First Year & Transfer students:
- Students without FIU GPA: If space is available, you may apply for a Study USA or Study Abroad program after your first semester’s grades post. Students must have earned a minimum FIU GPA of 3.3 to apply.
- Students with FIU GPA: May apply for a Study USA or Study Abroad program once you complete both your FIU Orientation and Honors New Student Workshop
Highly recommended: attend an Honors Hour prior to registering for a program.
It is really important to consider the entire program when selecting one. Look at the course focus, the destinations, the physical level, the typical meal (any allergies?), the accommodations, the Program Director, the program cost, the travel dates (must complete entire program) and more.
There are so many factors that come into play when selecting a program. We want to ensure that you are making the right decision for you.
The application process begins between Summer and Fall of the year prior to the program.
Application Process:
- Review all available program
- Decide your top 3 programs
- Complete Honors Study Abroad & Study USA application
- Receive accepetance email (7-10 business days after application submission)
- Attend interview with member of Honors Study Abroad & Study USA program team & select program of choice
- Pay $500.00 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit to Student Financials or MyFIU within 1 week of your interview
No. As long as you are eligible and are sure you can comply with the program payments, guidelines and policies, you can apply.
The next steps are:
- Complete abroad.fiu.edu application
- Course Registration Form
- Passport Copy (valid 6 months AFTER travel)
- Medical Information Form
- Questionnaires
- Visa Application (if applicable)
- Make payments on time via Student Financials or MyFIU
- Pay Education Abroad Fee
- Remove any holds on MyFIU account
- Office of Education Abroad will register you in IDH 4007 and/or IDH 4008
- Complete online pre-departure orientation via abroad.fiu.edu
The next steps are:
- Make payments on time via Student Financials or MyFIU
- Remove any holds on MyFIU account
- Honors College will register you in IDH 4007 and/or IDH 4008
Each Honors College student must submit their own individual application. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a limited number of spaces available on each program.
If registering with a friend, we recommend that each of you apply as soon as possible.
Once you register and commit to a program, switching programs is not allowed. If you still want to change programs, I will have to withdraw from the initial one, first, with no refunds. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Then you would need to secure your spot in the new program, pay the $500 deposit again, and complete all the new program’s missing payments.
No. Honors students may only take one upper division Honors College course at a time, but you can participate in more than one program in different years
FIU and/or the Honors College reserve the right to cancel study abroad programs (in-country restrictions, restrictions on independent travel, etc.). Students are responsible for fees or losses incurred in canceling or changing their airfare ticket and any other expenses not covered by the program fee. Purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance coverage is recommended. Students should also make alternate plans for summer coursework in case the program may be cancelled.
This is the only case in which a refund will be made. The refund will cover the program’s cost and the $500 deposit. Late fees, if any, will not be refunded or removed. Refunds for the $195 OEA fee will be at Office of Education Abroad’s discretion.
If you’re thinking about withdrawing, let’s talk. We understand that things come up. Please discuss your withdrawal with your Program Director and/or Honors Study Abroad & Study USA Program Coordinator.
Contact us at honorsabroad@fiu.edu.
Please note that all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once a fee appears on your MyFIU account, it cannot be removed.
Payments
If you miss a payment deadline, you will be withdrawn from the program and will not be allowed to participate in IDH 4007 and/or IDH 4008 or travel with the program, depending on the time the payment was missed. Additionally, you will be fined a $100 late fee. Refunds will NOT be awarded. Posted charges and late fees will not be removed.
Students make payments to Student Financials and MyFIU account. The Honors College does not accept payment. You can view acceptable methods of payment at How to Pay.
It is highly recommended that students pay in-person at Student Financial cashier’s counter on campus as payments paid online may not go directly to Study Abroad or Study USA program fees. The Office of Education Abroad and the Honors College are not responsible for late fees due to payment going to the wrong fees.
No, registering for Study Abroad or Study USA is a big commitment and should not be taken lightly. Once you register, you are committed to your program. There are no refunds and switching programs is not allowed.
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Yes, there are! Visit “Honors College Scholarships” to learn more. You can visit Funding – Scholarships to see even more scholarship opportunities.
If you are a U.S. citizen receiving the Federal Pell Grant, we highly recommend applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
Yes. But if you are paying through a scholarship, it is still your responsibility to have the payments made by their deadlines and in their entirety. Same with tuition fees. It would be your responsibility to contact Financial Aid to ensure they will be complying by the deadlines. Tuition fees must be paid by the university deadlines. If your scholarship will not cover the full amount due by the deadline, it will be your responsibility to pay the balance out-of-pocket.
No! All students pay in-state tuition rate for their study abroad credits! ($205.57 per credit = $616.71 for 3 credit class)
Keep in mind that Study USA credits are at the student’s regular tuition rate.
Once you register and commit to a program, switching programs is not allowed. If you still want to change programs, I will have to withdraw from the initial one, first, with no refunds. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Then you would need to secure your spot in the new program, pay the $500 deposit again, and complete all the new program’s missing payments.
FIU and/or the Honors College reserve the right to cancel study abroad programs (in-country restrictions, restrictions on independent travel, etc.). Students are responsible for fees or losses incurred in canceling or changing their airfare ticket and any other expenses not covered by the program fee. Purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance coverage is recommended. Students should also make alternate plans for summer coursework in case the program may be cancelled.
This is the only case in which a refund will be made. The refund will cover the program’s cost and the $500 deposit. Late fees, if any, will not be refunded or removed. Refunds for the $195 OEA fee will be at Office of Education Abroad’s discretion.
Travel Tips
When booking big ticket items, like flights, we recommend purchasing Flight Insurance, which typically cover flight cancellations and unexpected flight delays.
For people with dietary constraints or food allergies, eating on a trip can call for extra planning. Let your Program Director know what you need (before applying) and they’ll provide you with guidance.
Pro tip: Create a food translation card in the language local to where you’re traveling.
Keep in mind that your in-program hosts will try to accommodate special requirements (such as vegetarian meals on group outings), but you should not expect the same level of ability to meet such requirements/provide special services as at home. You must make an effort to adapt to the host culture and customs as much as possible. Additionally, the inability to receive special accommodations does not entitle you to any refund of fees.
Your Program Director will share all the info you need about local currency, budgeting, and how much to tip.
- Let your bank know that you’re going to be traveling so they don’t lock your card due to suspicious behavior.
- Order some of your destination’s currency from your local bank before you hit the road.
- If you’re using an ATM abroad, take out larger amounts of money. You’ll get more bang for your buck out of those international fees.
- Stash your money in a safe place, like your suitcase, and only bring what you need when you’re out and about.
- Speak to your Program Director about how much to budget per day. You can get by with less (or spend more!), but keep in mind meals, tips, souvenirs, and nights out.
It’s important to know basic phases and sayings in the local language.
All Program Directors are locals (or familiar with) the areas you will travel. Your Program Director can help you when it comes to language and communication.
Travel Requirements
- Book flights with your complete first, middle, and last names. Make sure your birthday appears exactly how it will on your passport.
- If you have a passport, make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months after your program ends.
- It is your responsibility to review entry requirements for your destinations and provide any documents you may need. Remember to check all countries, even those only visited in transit (example: flight layovers).
NOTE: If you need a letter of support from the program in order to apply for your visa, you may request the letter by visiting the Office of Education Abroad in SASC 230, or by calling (305) 348-1913. Please note that your request for a letter may take 2-3 business days to be completed.
In-Program Experience
The travel portion of the program is pretty fast paced. In general, your days will be pretty full of a lot of walking outside. There’s so much to see and do, so make sure to bring your walking shoes!
Some programs are more physically intense, including kayaking, hiking, walking up and down stairs, riding bicycles, and walking on uneven terrain. It is important to review the program’s activity level in the program’s webpage and to speak with the Program Director prior to applying, so you are as informed as possible!
Any one not registered as part of the program, including other FIU students, parents, friends, and family, are NOT allowed to join the travel group for the study abroad program. This is for safety purposes.
During non-class time, students may choose to spend time with individuals that are not on their program. However, individuals not on the program cannot enter student accommodations due to safety concerns.
In other countries, the sale of wine, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages may not be restricted. Students are expected to exercise personal responsibility and limit the use of such beverages. Students are subject to disciplinary action, including immediate dismissal from the program or expulsion from FIU, for excessive consumption of said beverages.
No. Housing accommodations are only for students, Program Directors, and Program Assistants on the program.
For the safety of all involved in the program, it is strictly prohibited for an individual outside of the program to enter or stay in housing accommodations for participants of the program.
It is up to the discretion of the Program Director as to whether a student can leave the country during a Free Day.
It is important to discuss plans ahead of time with your Program Director. Due to the nature of the programs, the program’s itinerary is subject to change. It is a “living document,” meaning that scheduled Free Days may be utilized for quizzes, class meetings, or class days.
During free time, students must notify their Program Director and/or Program Assistant of their whereabouts and give the names of persons with whom they are traveling with for information purposes.
The housing accommodations are selected due to location and security. It is highly recommended that program participants sleep in their program accommodations. Keep in mind that the Program Cost fee includes the cost of the accommodation.
If choosing to spend a night outside of the program’s housing accommodations, the student must notify their Program Director and/or Program Assistant of their whereabouts and give the names of persons with whom they are traveling with for information purposes.
Application Support
International Only
Once you are conditionally accepted into your Honors Study Abroad program, you will complete your abroad.fiu.edu application.
Your abroad.fiu.edu application takes your through all the FIU requirements for studying abroad. This is where you submit your documentation, assign emergency contacts, and complete your Pre-Departure Orientation.
It is very easy to use. Let’s go through the pages:
- Requirements: Here it shows all your pending and completed requirements
- You have Pre-Decision, Post-Decision, and Post Study Abroad requirements
- Program Info & Itinerary: walk you through the day-by-day of the program
- Documents: This is where you upload required documentation. You can also see what you have already submitted
- Log into abroad.fiu.edu
- Open your program application
- Go to the Documents tab
- Depending on what you are submitting, select the area to upload your document
- Copy of Foreign Visa: if applicable, upload your Foreign Visa
- Medical Form: completed Medical Form
- Passport Copy: current passport OR proof of passport application
- Other: Pre-Departure Documents
- Course Registration Form: signed course registration form
- Select the document you what to upload
- Submit
What if I have more questions?
You’re in luck! Attend one of our Honors Hours. We’re also available via email and phone.
Email: honorsabroad@fiu.edu
Phone: 1-305-348-4100
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm ET