US: Michigan Mittens

Overview

Explore the diverse landscapes, communities, histories, and identities of Michigan on this immersive, field-based study away program. Through a combination of site visits, museum experiences, natural exploration, and guided discussion, you will investigate how place and geography shape regional identity, culture, and history across urban, rural, and Indigenous spaces.

Highlights and Excursions

You will embark on a guided journey through Michigan that includes…

• Exploration of downtown Detroit museums
• Visits to The Henry Ford Museum of Innovation and Greenfield Village
• Learning at the Michigan History Center in Lansing
• Celebration and cultural experience at the Holland Tulip Festival
• Hiking and exploration at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 
• Traverse Bay boat tour, arts explorations, and historic Old Mission Point Lighthouse
• Museum of Ojibwa Culture and Indigenous cultural learning in St. Ignace
•  Reflection activities and shared debriefs throughout the journey

…and more!

Good to Know

• Physical Activity: This program will include extensive walking, hiking, and/or standing. Participants should be comfortable with walking an average of 5-7 miles per day. There will also be extended periods of traveling while sitting in a van, so participants should be comfortable with this. Our van trips range from 1-4 hours of travel at a time.
• Technology Accessibility: Because we will sometimes be traveling in remote areas, WiFi/cell service may sometimes be limited.
• Transportation to the program: While our travel will be primarily in a single 12-passenger van, this trip will also involve at least two instances of travel on a boat. Due to the limited space in the van, participants should plan on packing 1 bag/suitcase that is 40L or less. Participants can have one small personal item (small backpack, bag, or purse) that they should be comfortable carrying with them in their seat on the van.

Living Arrangements

Students will stay in double occupancy hotel rooms.

Program Dates

May 4th, 2026 (Evening trip preparation)

May 5th- May 12th, 2026 (Travel dates)

Academics

Students will enroll in a 3-credit hour course for Summer 2026.

• HC 2905: Special topics

Cost

The following information is intended to help participants understand the estimated costs associated with the program.  For additional information regarding program costs, please refer to Understanding Program Costs for Ohio-Credit Programs.

The total estimated cost for Summer 2026 is expected to be:

• Undergraduate estimate: $885 + 3 Credits of Summer 2026 Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees*

Looking for Funding Opportunities?

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility

This program is open to all Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors in the Honors Tutorial College, 1804 Scholars, and OHIO Honors programs students. Applicants must be in good academic and judicial standing to participate.

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy.

Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

This program is open only to OHIO students. 

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit:

1. A personal statement
2. The names, emails, and phone numbers for 1 reference who may be contacted regarding your application. 
3. Most recent copy of DARS

Resources

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations