Pursue Global Projects in Honors.

Students in the John Martinson Honors Program have the ability to pursue a Self-Directed Global Experience, engaging in an exciting, self-created global opportunity that allows them to pursue their personal interests.

This short-term opportunity can taken for 0-credits (tuition-free) and can count towards one of the two Global Experiences required for completing Honors Distinction.

Experience Overview

The Self-Directed Global Experience (HONR 2992/4992) is a unique engagement opportunity for all Honors students in or above their second year! Whether taken individually or with another Honors student, this experience enables our student to explore, develop, and engage in a self-designed global experience under the mentorship of the Honors team and a supporting faculty mentor.

The Self-Directed Global Experience can be related to your major/field of study, or entirely unrelated! Whether you are coming in with an idea or looking to curate your dream travel experience, this course is a fantastic opportunity to engage in a global activity that can fit into your program of study.

Past Projects

Mental Illness in Taiwan: A Photographic Exploration (COE)

Medical Shadowing and Creative Writing in Sri Lanka (COS)

Exploring Public Transportation in Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden from a Psychological and Public Health Perspective (Bouvé)

Comparative Historical Experience of WWII In Occupied France & UK (CSSH)

Geologic & Lava Flow Analysis in Iceland (COS)

Experience Details

The Self-Directed Global Experience can be taken for academic credit (HONR 4992) or zero credit / tuition free (HONR 2922). Regardless of credit-bearing pathway, this opportunity holds the same requirements and expectations of participants.

Projects undertaken through the Self-Directed Global Experience should last at least one week, but can extend for much longer! Honors students are able utilize their global funding (Global Support Fund & Martinson Global Grants) to support their participation in this experience.

All curious students are strongly encouraged to reach out to Dr. Patricia Lin and Dr. Justin Silvestri to learn more and explore project ideas together!

Required Steps & Forms

Students are encouraged to start brainstorming for their experience early! Additionally, students should plan on meeting with Dr. Lin and/or Dr. Silvestri at least once during the project proposal phase. Brainstorming activities can be found below to support project design!

Once students have determined their area of interest and a potential faculty member, they will need to submit an Honors Self-Directed Global Experience Form. Completed Final Proposals should be submitted by the middle of the semester prior to the semester of the proposed experience.

Students should consult Global Safety and Support (GSSAC) to determine if their proposal involves travel to a High-Risk Country. All travel for Self-Directed Global Experiences will need to adhere to university travel guidelines.

Brainstorming Activity: Open-Minded Exploration & Project Aspirations

Close your eyes. Imagine there are no constraints, financially or otherwise. What would you love to do globally that is experiential and engaging? Remember, it does not have to do with your academic focus of concentration. What passions do you have? What do you care about? Where would you like to go?

Brainstorming Activity: Background Questions & Early Planning

** What drew/inspires you to do the project you are thinking about in the place you are thinking about it? What makes it exciting for you?

Background questions — (It is absolutely fine if you do not have answers yet or are unsure about your answers)

  1. When are you thinking of engaging in the Self-Directed Global?
  2. Where do you want to travel for your experience?
  3. How long do you wish for your Self-Directed Global Experience to take place?
  4. What is the broader problem/issue you want to address or are curious about?
    • [Examples: inequities in global health, climate change, etc.]
  5. How do you want to engage with the problem/issue stated in your answer question #4?
    • (Share your ideas for your global experience including methods and activities)
  6. Have you reviewed scholarly publications about this topic? If so, what? (this will be expected for the final proposal but is not required in the early planning phase)
  7. Describe your current academic and personal understanding of the culture, history and society of the country/countries and site(s) to which you are traveling?
    • Honors students often travel to unfamiliar places. However, regardless of destination, in your proposal, you will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge of the culture, history and society of your destination achieved through reading and basic research. Such knowledge is essential to ensure the viability of your project and avoiding any ethical or cross-cultural complications. Generally, this is very doable with the appropriate project design and methodology. Honors and your Faculty Mentor (see #10 below) can guide you in this process.
  8. Describe the skills and knowledge you have that will enable you to complete the project.
  9. Identify, if any, faculty, professional or personal connections related to this project.
  10. Have you identified a Faculty Mentor?
    • (If not, Honors can help you do so!)
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