University Honors Program | Study/Travel

The University Honors Program offers a Study/Travel Program to provide AU Honors students a special opportunity to explore onsite the historical, political, cultural and social aspects of a certain country, region, or city during a week-long trip that coincides with spring break. Each of the study trips is linked to an Honors colloquium, although it is possible for Honors students not enrolled in it to participate in the course-related trip. The professor teaching the colloquium leads the trip along with Honors Program Director Dr. Michael Manson.

In Spring 2012, AU students in the Study/Travel Program traveled to Malaysia. Click here to learn about this trip.

Past trips include:

  • Vietnam and Cambodia
  • Peru (pictured above)
  • Cairo, Egypt
  • Bejing, China
  • Istanbul, Turkey
  • Vietnam
  • La Paz, Bolivia
  • Berlin, Germany
  • Prague, Czech Republic



2011 Study/Travel Program Trip

The University Honors Program traveled to Istanbul, Turkey from March 4 through March 13, 2011 for its annual Study/Travel experience. The trip coincided with Prof. Mustafa Aksakal’s Honors colloquium course, HNRS 300-001H "Constantinople or Istanbul?" Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “Whoever ends up possessing Constantinople will govern the world.” Even though Napoleon erred, the city has been the seat of powerful empires from which Romans, Byzantines, and – after 1453 – Ottomans ruled vast multi-ethnic and multi-religious populations. Now the major city of the Republic of Turkey, Istanbul harbors, oftentimes uneasily, the heritage and memory of all three, alongside a much more recent but equally powerful Turkish nationalism. As Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia, so does Turkey ponder its role in Europe. Will it be the first Muslim nation to join the EU? Or will it turn more to the east?

Our trip to Istanbul included visits to such sites as the Topkopi Palace, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The group met with local political leaders, academics and religious leaders. It also stopped by less-visited neighborhoods and mosques. The group left Istanbul for day trips on the adjoining waters of the Bosporus.

During winter break 2010-2011, the University Honors Program visited Lima, Peru, Cusco and Macchu Picchu as part of its ninth annual Study/Travel Program. The trip coincided with Professor Anthony Quainton’s Honors Colloquium on Peru, HNRS-302-006H, “Peru: Where Two Worlds Meet.”

Students with questions regarding the Study/Travel Program should contact the University Honors Program at honors@american.edu or 202-885-6194.