Global Experiences
The World is Your Classroom
Study Abroad
We believe international study is critical to expanding students’ understanding of other cultures – and we provide generous funding opportunities that open the doors to archives, archeological sites and classrooms around the world. The grants are competitive, but the study abroad experience is worth the effort. We are here to help you on your way.
Say ‘yes’ to the Honors College. Say ‘yes” to the rigorous course with the tough professor who will push you to excel. I am on the greatest adventure because I said, ‘yes’ to the opportunities presented to me over the past 15 years.
—Katherine Rhoades González, international business
Katherine recently sailed 2,700 miles with her husband from Mexico to French Polynesia
across the Pacific Ocean.
Since 2005 we’ve awarded more than $6.6 million to send our honors students around the globe. They’ve studied anthropology in Tanzania, classics in Greece and Turkey, food science in France, engineering in Australia. Where do you want to go?
- Each year we have up to $850,000 to award students for study abroad and research experiences.
- The grant covers 30–36% of allowable costs.
- The grant can cover programs that range from two weeks long to an entire year.
- You can be funded more than once!
- Extra funding is available if you have financial need.
- Our grant can be combined with other study abroad scholarships and existing financial aid (academic scholarships, fellowships, Pell Grants, etc.)
- The Honors College funds hundreds of students each year.
Libby Finch loved to travel! She organized several tours of Europe during the '50s and '60s. Thanks to her efforts, many U of A students experienced Europe's cultural riches.
The Libby Finch Study Abroad Award honors her legacy by supporting study abroad in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Recipients of the Libby Finch Award must blog on a monthly basis.
The School for International Training (SIT) offers students hands-on, immersive study abroad programs that deal with critical global issues across the world. Of particular interest for honors students, SIT programs have intensive research components that have the potential to jumpstart honors thesis research. SIT and the UA Honors College have collaborated to provide additional financial assistance for Honors College students who will engage in research on SIT programs.
How to apply?
Apply for the Honors College Study Abroad Grant. Eligible students will automatically be considered for the SIT/UA Study Abroad Undergraduate Research Scholarship. These funds will be awarded on a rolling basis, so the earlier you apply for the Honors College Study Abroad Grant, the more competitive you will be.
Ways We Support Your Study Abroad
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Learn the Basics
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One-on-One Advising
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Program Selection
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Course Planning
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Financial Planning
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Meet-ups
Study Abroad Events
Honors Passport
Travel the world with top faculty scholars through the Honors College’s premier study abroad experience—Honors Passport. This transformative summer course takes you to some of the most historically and culturally significant sites across the globe.
As a student minoring in the history of architecture and design, I am constantly immersed in images and readings about ancient buildings. While I enjoy this, the chance to experience history in person was something I could not pass up. Our trip, organized around six cities in Japan, followed a rough timeline of Japanese history, viewing architecture and sites from various historical periods. It was an incredible experience, life-changing to say the least.
—Hallie Stiff, architecture
2025 Destination
E-bike through Italy from the Dolomites to Rome
Explore the world and develop your skills
International Internship Grant
International internships can help you develop unique cross-cultural competencies and skills. These experiences build your resume and demonstrate your strengths to graduate schools and employers. Winning a competitive grant to help fund the internship is a resume plus as well!
Tips
The Honors College does not fund travel to locations with a Level 3 or 4 U.S. State Department advisory.
Apply for the International Internship Grant at least two months before departure; reviews take up to two weeks.
I was exposed to a multitude of issues in the Kenyan health care system and how developing nations are trying to utilize their limited resources efficiently in the first week alone.
—Meghana Chithirala, biochemistry and economics
International Internship Grant Highlights
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Turn Your Internship into Research
Completing your honors thesis abroad? We offer grants for internships with research components. -
Build Skills Across Borders
Gain professional experience through an international internship—while we help fund your journey. -
Funding for Unpaid Internships
Taking an unpaid internship abroad? Apply for a competitive grant to help cover costs. -
Plan Ahead and Apply Early
Grants are available for spring, summer, and fall. Just apply at least two months before departure!
Service Learning
Want to make a difference while expanding your skills and knowledge? Explore service learning opportunities both around the world and right here at home—we’ll help you turn your passion into impact.
Marine Conservation in Australia
Students from across campus partner with Wildlife Surroundings to measure the amount of microplastics on beaches on Magnetic Island.
Healthcare in Belize
Students worked with community partners to provide health education and conduct home visits in Dangriga.
Spanish Immersion in Mexico
Scholars sharpen their language skills and get real-world, professional experience with service-learning professional placements in Puebla.
Service Learning on Campus
The Honors College is a founding partner in the campus-wide Service Learning initiative and continues to explore new opportunities, including partnerships with groups like International Studies Abroad. We’re also proud of students who create their own projects—like Arkansas Engineers Abroad, who brought clean water to a village in Belize. For course offerings and more, visit the Service Learning website.
While both are valuable, service learning is different from volunteer work. Service learning pairs academic work with real-world community projects—and earns you course credit.