The CCE gives you the perfect excuse to study abroad or delve into a social cause that matters to you. Explore your options and see what's required using the information below.
Cross-Cultural Experience (CCE)
The Cross-Cultural Experience (CCE) is a requirement of the Minor in Honors Studies. It is designed to prepare honors students to act and lead in a world that is increasingly diverse and complex. Each student who completes their CCE is expected to develop key intercultural competencies, such as the ability to:
- Empathize with others,
- Adapt and thrive within unfamiliar circumstances,
- Act with sensitivity and awareness in a cultural setting that differs from their own,
- Analyze similarities and differences among people, places, creative practices, or traditions,
- Evaluate current geo-political realities in a historical context,
- Interpret the nuances of globalized cultural exchange.
Guidelines and Information
Students must seek approval before initiating their CCE by submitting the "Pre-CCE Approval" form. CCE proposals will be reviewed periodically throughout the year, but students should plan ahead by submitting their request at least 3 months in advance. Final approval to pursue the CCE will be sent by email to the requesting student.
After completing the CCE, students must document their experience by answering a series of questions on the "Post-CCE Reflection" form. Your submission is due to the Honors College within one month of completing your CCE. After your response form is approved, the Honors College will contact you and your academic advisor to confirm that you have fulfilled the CCE requirement.
The Honors College currently provides four options for students pursuing to complete the CCE. Please review your options below:
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Option 1A: Study Abroad (with Texas State)
Faculty-led study abroad programs offered through the Texas State Education Abroad office will automatically satisfy expectations for the Cross-Cultural Experience. Faculty-led programs provide the only assured way to earn Honors course credits when studying abroad. Please review options and opportunities on the Education Abroad website. Your plans to satisfy the CCE using this option must be approved in advance by the Honors College, and a written response is required to document your experience after you return.
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Option 1B: Study Abroad (on Your Own)
Independent study abroad through international exchange, affiliated programs, and non-affiliated programs will automatically satisfy expectations for the Cross-Cultural Experience. These opportunities allow students to pursue a focused, intentional academic experience in a locality relevant to their interests. Please note that Honors College course credit is usually not available for classes taken through these programs. Interested students should examine the steps for studying abroad. Your plans to satisfy the CCE using this option must be approved in advance by the Honors College, and a written response is required to document your experience after you return.
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Option 2: Significant International Experience
If you are planning a significant visit to another country in a capacity beyond that of tourism, your travels may satisfy the Cross-Cultural Experience—but prior approval will be needed from the Honors College. Examples of experiences that may qualify include: volunteer work through Habitat for Humanity; an internship abroad; volunteer work through Unite for Sight; assisting with non-credit bearing academic research with faculty. Your plans to satisfy the CCE using this option must be approved in advance by the Honors College, and a written response is required to document your experience after you return.
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Option 3: Significant Domestic Experience
If you are planning a significant interaction with an unfamiliar aspect of life and culture within the United States, your experience may satisfy the Cross-Cultural Experience—but prior approval will be needed from the Honors College. Examples of experiences that may qualify include: significant volunteer work at the Hays County Food Bank; outreach at El Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos; significant volunteer work at the Calaboose African American Museum. Your plans to satisfy the CCE using this option must be approved in advance by the Honors College, and a written response is required to document your experience after you return.
| OPTION # | PRIOR APPROVAL FROM HONORS NEEDED? | SATISFIES CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCE? | HONORS COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? | TXST COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? | ESSAY REQUIRED? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OPTION # 1a: TXST Study Abroad | PRIOR APPROVAL FROM HONORS NEEDED? Yes | SATISFIES CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCE? Automatically | HONORS COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? Yes | TXST COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? Yes | ESSAY REQUIRED? Yes |
OPTION # 1b: Independent Study Abroad | PRIOR APPROVAL FROM HONORS NEEDED? Yes | SATISFIES CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCE? Automatically | HONORS COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? Unlikely | TXST COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? Yes | ESSAY REQUIRED? Yes |
OPTION # 2: Significant International Experience | PRIOR APPROVAL FROM HONORS NEEDED? Yes | SATISFIES CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCE? Maybe | HONORS COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? No | TXST COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? No | ESSAY REQUIRED? Yes |
OPTION # 3: Significant Domestic Experience | PRIOR APPROVAL FROM HONORS NEEDED? Yes | SATISFIES CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCE? Maybe | HONORS COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? No | TXST COURSE CREDIT AVAILABLE? No | ESSAY REQUIRED? Yes |