Program Overview
The Honors Seminar in Global Learning course invites students to engage in interdisciplinary, place-based research while exploring how cultures adapt, endure, and innovate in response to complex challenges. Students will investigate how resilience, identity, and sustainability intersect across cultural, environmental, and civic life-both in the United States and in Auckland
New Zealand (Aotearoa) provides an ideal context for exploring these themes because of:
- Its bicultural foundation and evolving relationships between Maori and Pakeha (non-Maori New Zealanders)
- Its progressive environmental policies and deep cultural commitments to land and ecological stewardship
- Its vibrant arts, food, and urban culture reflect diverse identities and innovative responses to contemporary global issues
Student participants must be enrolled Honors Seminar in Global Learning (HONR 300) during the Spring 2026 semester.
****While financial aid could be used to cover your costs, it may reduce your refund or you may need to borrow to cover these additional costs. Financial Aid eligibility cannot be guaranteed.****
Applicants are responsible for meeting with Financial Aid Office to discuss financial aid options. They can be reached at 724-738-2044 or financial.aid@sru.edu. You can also book a phone appointment or zoom meeting at: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/SRUFinancialAidCounseling@sru.edu/bookings/
Further information is available from the individual faculty leaders below as well as the Study Abroad Office in the Smith Student Center-Room 247.
Faculty Leader Information
Dr. Jennifer Willford
Psychology
190B Watson Hall
jennifer.willford@sru.edu
Dr. Patrick McGinty
Lang, Literatures, Cultures and Writing
317D Spotts World Culture Building
patrick.mcginty@sru.edu
Program Timeline
| Timeline |
Important Dates |
| Program Recruitment |
September, October, November |
| Apply for your passport |
ASAP (Please don't delay!) |
| Student applications & application fee due |
November 18, 2025 (or sooner if the number of applications exceeds the number of available spots on the program.) |
| Official acceptances announced |
Mid-November or sooner if the program application cap is met. |
| Mandatory-Pre-Departure meetings with participants |
Student meetings may begin in December and will continue throughout the Spring 2026 semester. |
| Students billed for program fees |
Mid December 2025 |
| Airline reservations confirmed |
Mid January 2026
Once the flights reservations are confirmed, flights costs are non-refundable. |
| Group departs |
Tentatively May 11, 2026 |
| Group returns |
Tentatively May 22, 2026 |
| |
|
Costs
A non-refundable application fee of
$100.00 will be paid at the time of application. The application fee is a $100.00 non-refundable administrative fee to cover wire transfer fees as well as currency fluctuations.
Students in this program must be enrolled Honors Seminar in Global Learning (HONR 300) during the Spring 2026 semester.
Applicants are responsible for meeting with Financial Aid Office to discuss financial aid options. They can be reached at 724-738-2044 or
financial.aid@sru.edu. You can also book a phone appointment or zoom meeting at:
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/SRUFinancialAidCounseling@sru.edu/bookings/
****Please note: While financial aid could be used to cover your costs, it may reduce your refund or you may need to borrow to cover these additional costs. Financial Aid eligibility cannot be guaranteed.****
Estimated Costs: $3650.00 (estimated cost-final cost will be confirmed in December and at the time of billing)
Cost includes:
International airfare
Most program activities/site visits and excursions
Shared accommodations in a hotel (2-4 student per room)
Continental breakfast everyday except on air travel days
In-country transportation to all program sponsored activities
Not included in the program cost above:
Basic international travel insurance-estimated at $16 per week of travel
Any baggage fees charged by the airlines-estimated at $50-$75.00 per checked in bag
Personal spending money-we recommend an estimated $700.00 in personal spending money to cover meals beyond breakfasts and incidentals including personal shopping. This estimate is determined by previous student reports of personal spending and may vary by participant.
E-visa for tourist entry into New Zealand-estimated at $35.00
Vaccine/Health related expenses
Health and Safety
For general safety and security information for students abroad visit
U.S. Students Abroad.
For information regarding vaccines and medicines visit the
CDC. **Vaccines are the financial responsibility of the program participants and not covered in the above costs.
To learn more about international travel in this country,
click here.