FSU Honors Students Explore Roman Legacy in New London Program
Florida State University (FSU) has launched an innovative study abroad program, the Honors Global Experiences program, in London this summer, aimed at immersing students in the rich history of Roman Britain. The initiative, which took place from July to August 2023, allowed fifteen Honors students to engage with ancient history through site visits and experiential learning, significantly enhancing their academic journey.
The program is administered through the FSU London Study Centre and was designed around the course titled “In the Footsteps of the Ancients: Roman Britain.” This interdisciplinary course is part of the Honors Signature Courses that students must complete to graduate with honors. Michael Furman, Associate Director of the Honors Program, specifically tailored the course to leverage London’s historical significance, featuring visits to key sites showcasing Roman archaeological remains.
Students explored renowned locations such as Bath, the British Museum, and even had an overnight excursion to Hadrian’s Wall. This ancient fortification, stretching 73 miles and built in the second century AD, served as a focal point for students to connect classroom learning with tangible history. “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,” Furman stated. “By immersing students in the physical spaces of the ancient world, the past becomes tactile.”
In addition to their academic pursuits, students had the opportunity to explore notable landmarks around London. They visited Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the Tower of London, attended a show in the West End theater district, and enjoyed high tea at the Austen Museum in Bath. For students like Jeffrey Lubinski, who studies history and media communication, the experience was transformative. “There is no better way to experience a new culture, learn about its past and make lifelong friends than with this program,” Lubinski remarked. “Being able to see and interact with ancient Roman sites was inspiring.”
The FSU Honors Program has seen significant growth in recent years, with the incoming class size increasing from 400 students in 2021 to over 900 expected this academic year. The success of the Honors Global Experience in London has prompted plans for its return next summer, with program leaders emphasizing the importance of such opportunities. “I’m proud we were able to offer Honors students the incredible opportunity to take a course in London this summer,” said Craig Filar, Associate Dean of Honors, Scholars, and Fellows. “Studying abroad offers ambitious students a chance to get off campus and engage in the type of intellectual and personal growth we embrace in the Honors Program.”
The Honors Global Experiences program not only provides a unique educational experience but also fosters connections between students and their historical studies. For more information about the University Honors Program, visit honors.fsu.edu. To learn more about International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu.
