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 under construction

TESTIMONIALS

	“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
	“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
	“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
	“Definitely one of the biggest memories I have from UH.” -Maria Paula Diaz, Civil Engineering Alumna