Skip to main content

The Honors College

placeholder

 

 

 

 

    CONNECTING COASTAL RESILIENCE: FROM THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA TO THE NETHERLANDS

Connecting Coastal Resilience: From the Greater Houston Area to The Netherlands will bring together 14-16 University of Houston students to study how to design, fund, build, restore, and improve infrastructure for flood resilience. Prior to students going abroad to The Netherlands, they will develop an understanding of the Greater Houston Area’s cultural, political, financial, and technical approach to resilience through readings, meetings with local experts, and visits to sites like the Houston Ship Channel. From May 18-27, 2026, they will immerse themselves in the Dutch approach to the same issue. Students will visit two Delta Works storm barriers, the Erasmus Bridge, the Rotterdam Port, and the original Dutch approach to living with water: pumping via windmills at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Kinderdijk. They will learn from Dutch business and government leaders as well as faculty and students at TU Delft. Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a different culture through bike rides along Amsterdam’s canals, walks amongst historic windmills, and a self-guided tour in the Van Gogh Museum. The course and associated trip are open to undergraduate students in all majors.

 

This course and trip  is a collaboration between the UH NAE Grand Challenge Scholars program in the Cullen College of Engineering and the Honors College.

 

*NOTE: This page is currently under construction

student near wind turbines

TRIP ITINERARY

June 9, 2025: Trip applications open (applications will be accepted on a rolling basis)

March 1, 2026: Deadline for IES, Honors College, and UH NAE Grand Challenge Scholars Learning Abroad Scholarships

March 16, 2026: Deadline to accept spot on the trip & pay deposit

March 25, 2026: Deadline to enroll in course (required for all travelers)

March 23-May 11, 2026: Pre-Trip Visits & Speakers in The Greater Houston Area

May 18, 2026: Depart for The Netherlands

May 27, 2026: Return to Houston

May 29, 2026: Share learnings with our community: final presentations and gathering for trip supporters

  • students in the netherlands

    “I gained valuable insights not only into Coastal Resilience but also into how culture and environment shape engineering and our daily experiences.”

    -Gyan Andrei Gabilan, Honors Electrical Engineering Student.

  • students eating together in the netherlands

    “Definitely one of the biggest memories I have from UH.”

    -Maria Paula Diaz, Civil Engineering Alumna

  • students shopping in the netherlands

    “This trip was truly unforgettable! The wealth of experience, knowledge, and connections I garnered during this opportunity were incredibly valuable and will continue to stick with me. I also couldn’t have imagined a better group of people to explore the Dutch culture with!”

    -Jenna Caratao, Honors Chemical Engineering Student

  • students on boat platform

    “After spending 10 days in The Netherlands, I have learned so much about Coastal Resilience and how the country tackles it. There's numerous ideas that we can modify and implement here in Houston to make the city more resilient. I am grateful to have gone on this trip with amazing people as we immersed ourselves in Dutch culture. Definitely recommend for others to learn abroad if they have the chance!”

    - Karina Montero, Honors Electrical Engineering Student

group of UH students in the Netherlands

Make your Moves!

  • apply now icon

    APPLY NOW

    The cost of the trip will be $2,448 whcih includes all tours, hotels, and in-country transportation, plus meals as outlined on the itinerary (also includes some pre-trip visits in the Houston Area, like a boat tour of the Houston Ship Channel) 

  • funding icon

    FUND YOUR ADVENTURE

    Find funding resources available for your trip and make your adventure more affordable..

  • policies icon

    POLICIES AND GUIDLINES

    When traveling with the Honors College, it's crucial to follow all necessary policies and guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe experience.

  • airplane icon

    UH LEARNING ABROAD

    Learn more about traveling abroad with the University of Houston.

FAQS

TBD
No. The trip is open to all undergraduate majors who are committed to learning about coastal resilience.
Yes. You need to enroll in the Spring Session 5 course ENGI 4198 Connecting Coastal Resilience (Course Number: 20074)

TBD

The trip will have one instructor, Prof. Alex Landon.
You will pay through your AccessUH Student Account just like you pay tuition.
Yes! You are responsible for getting a valid passport well in advance of the trip. Your passport should be valid for at least three months past your departure date from the Netherlands.  Please check out Passport for Coogs if you need support. 
It depends on the nationality of your passport. You can check here. 
Yes. All our hotels will have included wifi and many public spaces have free wifi. You can also set up an international data plan on your cell phone.