The Steinhardt Dean’s Global Honors Experience

The Steinhardt Dean’s Global Honors Program pairs a semester-long seminar with a one-week international travel experience. Each course explores liberal arts topics and fulfills Steinhardt’s Liberal Arts Core Requirement, helping students progress toward graduation. Fall semester seminars include travel during J-term, while spring seminars travel over spring break.

The program offers a global perspective, connecting New York City to the world and expanding students’ exposure to cultures and disciplines.

During the fall of my first year at NYU, I joined the first Dean’s Global Honors Seminar cohort to travel post-pandemic. I took Science in Our Lives: Biodiversity and the Earth with Professor Catherine Milne. Throughout the semester, we explored Earth’s formation and how humans interact with nature.

In January 2023, we traveled to the United Kingdom to continue our studies abroad. We visited Lyme Regis and followed the footsteps of Mary Anning, a pioneer in fossil hunting. We learned about her contributions to science and even collected fossils to take home! In London, the experience shifted from cliffs to city life. We explored museums that brought our studies to life, like the Natural History Museum and the British Museum. We also toured NYU London and gave us a glimpse into what campus life abroad could actually look like.

That single week abroad changed me. I not only fulfilled my Natural Science requirement, but I developed livelong friendships, and it helped me build a meaningful mentorship with Professor Milne. Most of all, it inspired me to study abroad for a full semester at NYU London in Spring 2024!

If you want a program that challenges you and expands your global perspective, the Dean’s Global Honors Program is perfect. One of the best parts is learning with curious, like-minded students from all across Steinhardt. These courses aren’t just about travel, they’re about learning from each other and expanding your view of the world.

Since the seminars fulfill a core requirement, you can stay on track with coursework while gaining global experience. This international learning experience helps your resume stand out and gives you stories that stay with you. 

• You don’t need to apply.
• Selection is based on a 3.75+ GPA and demonstrated leadership and service. If selected, you’ll receive an invitation to join. Participation is optional.

• You will need to apply.
• Applications are reviewed holistically and require a 3.75+ GPA. Leadership, community engagement, and service are also considered in the review process.

1. If you’re considering applying to the Dean’s Global Honors Program, take time to reflect on your academic and personal goals. This isn’t just about getting to travel, it’s about immersing yourself in a foreign culture, learning from them, and then taking that knowledge back to NYU.
2. When writing your personal statement, consider how your experiences can enrich the seminar’s learning environment. Everyone in the seminar brings a unique perspective, and the program values students who are ready to actively participate in discussions.
3. Highlight the ways you’ve been involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, or service work, this shows your commitment to both academic and community engagement.
4. Jessica says “Something that I wish students appreciated more is all that’s accessible in this program. The program covers more than 95% of the cost, so this is a very inexpensive method of experiencing living abroad. On top of that it checks off the box with liberal arts core! There are so many opportunities at NYU, and there is no better time to travel.”

The Steinhardt Dean’s Global Honors Program is a chance to explore the world and stay grounded in your NYU community. If you qualify, take the time to think about applying! You never know how one class, one city, or one week abroad might shape the rest of your college experience!