A landscape shot of famous London architecture.
Honors Program

Place as Text

A study abroad experience designed for Honors students.

A student watercolor paints a sunset in Prauge.

The annual Place as Text course allows Honors students to travel to an international destination to deepen their academic understanding while gaining new perspectives on the world and their place in it. Guided by expert faculty, students spend their days walking historic streets, visiting museums, and analyzing cultural landmarks through an interdisciplinary lens. Evenings are spent unwinding, enjoying local cuisine, and connecting with fellow travelers and locals.

Come home with credits, confidence, and a new perspective.

Studying abroad through Place as Text is more than just sightseeing; it’s a deep dive into culture, context, and critical thinking. This Honors course combines academic rigor with hands-on exploration, allowing you to earn 2-3 credits while fully immersing yourself in the rhythms of a new city. With past trips to places like Prague, Florence, and London, you’ll gain meaningful global experience in a setting that brings your studies to life.

Develop Critical Observation and Interdisciplinary Analysis
Gain Cultural Competence and Global Awareness
Strengthen Independent Inquiry and Reflective Thinking

Develop Critical Observation and Interdisciplinary Analysis

Students learn to interpret cultural, historical, and literary elements of a place by closely observing their surroundings and connecting them across academic disciplines. This enhances their ability to think critically and analyze complex environments from multiple perspectives.

A professor lectures to a study abroad class in the streets of Europe.

Gain Cultural Competence and Global Awareness

By immersing themselves in an international setting, engaging with local communities, and reflecting on cultural differences, students develop greater empathy, adaptability, and a nuanced understanding of global issues and perspectives.

A vintage-stlye car drives by a historic landmark in London.

Strengthen Independent Inquiry and Reflective Thinking

The course challenges students to navigate unfamiliar settings, ask meaningful questions, and connect personal experiences to broader themes. This fosters intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, and the confidence to explore ideas beyond the classroom.

A student reads a book while sitting on a stone block in Prague.
Group photo of a study abroad class in Europe making the

Want to be part of the story?

At Western, students dive into hands-on learning that’s practical, impactful, and built for the real world. Check out the different schools and departments to get involved. 

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