Our goal for students is that they leave Temple as well-rounded creators of knowledge with the confidence to advocate for themselves and others as engaged, global citizens. This type of learning happens inside and outside of the classroom, in Philadelphia and around the globe. We encourage all Honors students to take advantage of the incredible opportunities for education abroad, no matter their major or academic track.
Mérida, Mexico
We are thrilled to offer a study abroad program specifically for Honors students in Mérida, Mexico. The Honors Study Abroad program takes place from mid-May to mid-June, and presents a deep dive into the history and legacies of colonialism in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Students earn credit for History 2900: From Colonialism to Tourism: Five Centuries of Conflict, Conquest, and Resistance in the Yucatán, Mexico. The class is rooted in experiential learning, and excursions include a day trip to Chichén Itzá and the Yodkzonot cenote, visits to Valladolid and Izamal, an overnight trip to the Mayan community of Yaxunah, and more!
The Global Good Abroad
Students can take one of their required Honors courses, Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Global Good, through summer faculty-led programs around the world. Program locations rotate but have included Oviedo, Spain; Prague, Czech Republic; and Rabat, Morocco.
Running in Summer 2026:
- In Prague, students will attend guest lectures, Czech language instruction, neighborhood and architectural tours, an organ recital in St. Francis Church, and an overnight excursion to Vienna.
- In Morocco, students will explore sites like Oudaias Kasbah, Hassan Tower, Royal Palace, and Chellah Necropolis, as well as travel to Fes, Casablanca, and Marrakesh.
You can view the current locations of the Global Good Summer Program on the Ed Abroad website, linked here.
Honors Faculty-Led Summer Programs
Students can earn Honors credit through several different rotating faculty-led programs. These programs usually offer students a choice of earning credit for either a Gen Ed or an upper-level, depending on their own academic path and credit requirements.
See below for more information on Summer 2026 programs.
Costa Rica: Sustainability
This four-week academic and cultural program, led by Dr. Amelia Duffy-Tumasz of Temple’s Geography, Environment, and Urban Studies department, examines sustainability through a blend of scientific study and hands-on experience in Costa Rica. From the urban environment of San José to the misty peaks of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest, you’ll explore how Costa Rica has become a global leader in conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable living.
Honors students can earn credit for either:
- Geography and Urban Studies 0942: Honors Sustainable Environments (Dr. Amelia Duffy Tumasz) or
- Geography and Urban Studies 3900: Honors Special Topics (Dr. Amelia Duffy Tumasz)
Germany: German Language / Contemporary Issues
Germany: German Language / Contemporary Issues
Spend your summer exploring the dynamic cities of Berlin and Leipzig as your classroom while immersing yourself in German culture and language. During the first four weeks of this program (session I), delve into contemporary German issues with a Temple program director or take your German language skills to the next level at our partner institution, interDaF.
The contemporary issues course for Summer 2026 is Green Germany: Environmentalist Movements before and after Unification.
Honors students can earn credit for either:
- Environmental Studies 3900: Honors Special Topics or
- History 2900: Honors Special Topics I or
- Sociology 3930: Honors Special Topics
Spain: Global Soccer
This course examines how the history of global soccer encapsulates many of the changes that have made – perhaps for better and perhaps for worse – our increasingly interconnected modern world. As we think about the beautiful game, we’ll immerse ourself in Spain’s vibrant soccer culture, visit stadiums, and cheer on La Roja as they pursue World Cup glory!
Honors students earn credit for History 2900 Honors Special Topics I: History of Global Soccer (with Dr. Travis Glasson).
London: Gender in Film and Drama
London: Gender in Film and Drama
Explore how British theatre and cinema have shaped — and been shaped by — evolving ideas of gender and masculinity in the decades since World War II. This summer program invites you to study in the heart of London, engaging directly with artistic works, history, and culture.
Honors students earn credit for English 3900 Honors Special Topics in English: Representations of Gender in Film and Drama (with Dr. Stanley Mir).
Rome and Japan Campuses
We are also proud to offer Honors course options at our campuses in Rome, Tokyo, and Kyoto. These specially-selected courses will be cross-listed with non-Honors sections, and offer our students the opportunity to work on their Honors requirements while also gaining a transformative study abroad experience.
We have a full 4-year Honors Program at TUJ Kyoto available to students who complete their degree entirely at TUJ. You can read more about that program on our website, linked here.
To find Honors courses on the Rome and Japan campuses, simply select the Honors attribute and the appropriate campus from Banner’s advanced search options.
Honors students who study at Temple's Tokyo Campus are permitted to use ONE upper-level course taken to satisfy an upper-level Honors course requirement. This process does not require any additional project—only successful completion of the course. Students can submit the form linked below to request this course waiver.
