The Honors College is partnering with the University of Aruba so that Honors students can learn what it’s like to be a college student on the tropical island of Aruba. During USC fall break, students and instructors will fly to Aruba where they will meet University of Aruba students and professors to participate in meaningful research, service and professional development activities. We’ll also spend time getting to know the island of Aruba, including the culture, the food and, of course, Aruba’s many beaches!
Dates
Travel to Aruba is October 17 - 20, which is USC’s fall break.
Travel Details
Only Honors first-year students enrolled in UNIV101 section H10 will have the opportunity to participate in the group trip to Aruba, which is a required component of the course.
Two instructors and a peer mentor will accompany the group of 15 UNIV101 Honors students. The class will travel together to Aruba, flying from Columbia, S.C. on Oct. 17 and returning on Oct. 20.
Course Fees
$500 program fee* (non-refundable): fee includes roundtrip airfare, housing accommodations, island transportation, several excursions and some meals. (Limited funding is available for students who demonstrate financial need to cover the program fee.)
Additional expenses: students are responsible for their international insurance fee (~$10 included in USC tuition bill), money for several meals, souvenirs, miscellaneous expenses, and a valid passport.
*The majority of costs associated with this experience will be covered by the Honors College, which is why the program fee of $500 is significantly lower than the total cost of this education abroad experience.
How do I apply?
This is a high demand opportunity and students must complete a short application to be considered for enrollment in the course. The application is only available to incoming Honors first-year students and is due by May 26.
- Students will be notified by May 31 if they will be granted a seat in the course.
- Students who are accepted for enrollment must pay the $500 program fee by June 7 or they will lose their spot in the class to another student.
- After the program fee is received, the student will automatically be enrolled in UNIV101 section H10.
- Students enrolled in the course must have a valid passport in hand no later than September 1 (students must apply for a passport on their own and pay costs associated with the passport application).
What is UNIV 101?
University 101 is designed to help first-year students adjust to the university, develop a better understanding of the learning process and acquire essential academic success skills. The course provides a general orientation to the functions and resources of the university and also provides a support group for students transitioning to college by examining problems common to the first-year experience.
The Honors College strongly encourages students to enroll in UNIV101 in the fall of their freshman year. UNIV101 is a 3-credit hour course. Enrolling in an Honors section fulfills an Honors elective requirement.
Learn more about USC’s UNIV101 programming, ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report for first year experience!