This summer, the Florida State University (FSU) Honors Program introduced a new study abroad initiative in London, allowing students to explore the historical impact of the Roman presence in Britain. The Honors Global Experiences program, facilitated through the FSU London Study Centre, offers an immersive educational experience that combines site visits with experiential learning.
Fifteen students participated in the inaugural four-week program, which took place during July and August. They enrolled in the course titled “In the Footsteps of the Ancients: Roman Britain,” one of the interdisciplinary Honors Signature Courses essential for students pursuing honors graduation. The course was specifically designed by Michael Furman, the Honors Associate Director, and included visits to significant Roman archaeological sites such as Bath, the British Museum, and an overnight trip to Hadrian’s Wall, a 73-mile fortification built in the second century AD.
Furman emphasized the value of direct engagement with historical sites. “As an ancient historian, I know that there is a difference between reading about something in the classroom and being able to reach out and touch it,” he stated. “By immersing students in the physical spaces of the ancient world, the past becomes tactile. This is the most fulfilling experience of my academic career.”
Beyond classroom learning, students had the opportunity to discover other notable landmarks in London. Their itinerary included visits to Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, a performance in the vibrant West End theatre district, and high tea at the Austen Museum in Bath.
For Jeffrey Lubinski, a student majoring in history and media communication studies, the program significantly enhanced his educational journey. “There is no better way to experience a new culture, learn about its past, and make lifelong friends than with this program,” he remarked. “Being able to see and interact with ancient Roman sites was inspiring, as I felt truly connected to what we were studying in the classroom.”
The FSU Honors Program has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with enrollment increasing from 400 incoming students in 2021 to over 900 anticipated for the upcoming academic year. Leaders of the program are already planning for the next iteration of the Honors Global Experience in London for summer 2024. Craig Filar, associate dean of Honors, Scholars, and Fellows, expressed pride in the program’s achievements. “Studying abroad offers ambitious students a chance to engage in the type of intellectual and personal growth we embrace in the Honors Program,” he said.
For more details about the University Honors Program, visit honors.fsu.edu. To learn more about International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu.
