For over 50 years, the International Honors Program has provided an unequaled opportunity for college students to examine the most significant social, political and environmental issues confronting countries and cultures around the world.

The hallmark of IHP’s programs is a unique comparative approach in which participants study a thematic topic in several different countries over one semester or full academic year. This multinational perspective allows students to analyze and contrast today’s global conditions, evaluate issues and challenges, and compare solutions. The IHP experience engenders new questions and ideas and prompts students to consider their lifelong roles in the global community.

Students

Approximately thirty students are selected to participate in each program. Students are varied in their personal backgrounds, and are from different universities and many areas of study. Though most participants are college students or recent graduates, older students often join the programs. IHP is unique in terms of both its intellectual content and its challenge for motivation and self-discipline of its students. For many alumni, the IHP experience directly influences their graduate school or career choice. IHP prompts students to ask lifelong questions about their role in a global community.

Distinguished Leadership 

In keeping with its history of innovative leadership in international comparative education, the IHP's team-teaching system ensures the highest quality in academic oversight as well as a balanced, culturally aware approach to curriculum development. The Program takes maximum advantage of the breadth of cultural background, educational expertise, and geographic knowledge of our teaching and advisory faculty, country coordinators, and program directors.

Direct Exposure 

To ensure exposure to each country's peoples and cultures, IHP arranges for students to stay in local homes and communities whenever possible.  Many students stay in contact with their hosts for years afterward.  Generally, at least one member of the host family will speak or understand some English.