Study Away Opportunities
Purdue has made a commitment to making Study Abroad affordable through guaranteed scholarships based on financial need. Learn more about Global Leaps Scholarships for summer and semester-long programs! You can also check out the Experiential Education Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities.
Fall 2024 Courses (Full Semester)
Instructor: Dr. Nathan Swanson
Class Meetings: 10.30–11.20am ET Tuesdays and Thursdays (Synchronous Online)
HONR credits: 2
In this course, students from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana), Unisinos (Porto Alegre, Brazil), and Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco (Cuzco, Peru) will collaborate virtually in interdisciplinary teams to identify solutions to a global or trans-local challenge. At the start of the course, students from all three universities will meet together to learn about the topic from a range of disciplinary perspectives through guest lectures, assigned readings, and class discussions. Students will then be divided into interdisciplinary teams with members from all three universities and provided a prompt related to the theme. Teams will spend the remainder of the course focused on researching, developing, and packaging their solutions, which they will present publicly at the end of the term. In addition to increasing knowledge of the topic and improving teamwork skills, students in this course will advance in intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes through their international collaborative experience.
Those completing this course will be given first priority to enroll in a subsidized study abroad program to our partner university over the subsequent Spring Break period for additional credit.
Instructor: Multiple sections/instructors
Class Meetings: Asynchronous Online
HONR credits: 2
“Exploring Place” is an examination of the cultural, social, and historical dynamics that influence communities and relationships of a site. Blending independent study and distance learning, in this experiential learning course, the student and the instructor work together to design an individualized, in-depth study of the place in which the student is located. This study will be attentive to the social, cultural, political, economic, and other forces that have shaped this place historically and today, while also focusing on community life and the relationships between residents, institutions, organizations, and others. Exploring Place offers students the opportunity to better understand the people and places around them, expand their worldviews, and increase their self-awareness as they engage within these spaces and understand their place in them.
This course meets the university's core requirement for Human Behavioral and Social Sciences.
October Break (2024)
Chicago, Illinois
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Muiris MacGiollabhui
HONR credits: 1
This fall break course will bring students back to the nineteenth century in Chicago at a time of steam engines, robber-barons, and railway strikes. In Chicago, we will explore the lives of laborers, who were often migrants newly arrived in the United States, as they navigated the crushing economic inequality of the Gilded Age. We will explore the rise of labor unions and radical agitators who faced off with men like Rockefeller and Carnegie. This is a three-day, two-night trip back in time.
There is an additional fee for this course, estimated at $600, which includes transportation, lodging, and some meals.
Camp Tecumseh, Brookston, Indiana
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Adam Watkins
HONR credits: 1
Honors Leadership Retreat is for Honors students who want to take meaningful steps on the path to becoming an exceptional leader. The retreat consists of a highly interactive two-day, one-night stay at Camp Tecumseh over Fall Break. Here, students can explore principles of leadership excellence in a fun, supportive, low-stakes environment, while also making connections with other Honors leaders. The fundamental tenets of the Leadership Development Pillar will be explored, including collaborative leadership; social responsibility; and personal leadership strengths, styles, values, and commitments.
There is an additional fee for this course, estimated at $200, which includes transportation, lodging, and meals.
Spring 2025 Courses (Full Semester)
To be announced during the Fall 2024 semester.
Spring 2025 Semester Exchange Programs
Exeter, United Kingdom
Program Dates: early January to mid-June 2025
Number of Credits: full semester worth of credits, including up to 8 HONR credits through the research and intercultural components of the program
University of Exeter offers exchange students the opportunity to choose classes from over 30 departments at this world class university. With over 200 student societies and over 50 sports clubs the University of Exeter offers you an opportunity to continue developing your skills outside of the classroom while living in one of the most beautiful areas of the UK. Direct Credit is available from the College of Liberal Arts and Daniels School of Business, but students in any Purdue college are eligible to enroll.
Expenses Paid to Purdue: Purdue tuition plus $32/month for international insurance
Additional Expenses: Airfare, housing, local transportation, meals, books and supplies, and miscellaneous personal expenses
Learn More and Apply: https://www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1512
Application deadline is September 15th. Space in this program is limited!
Padua, Italy
Program Dates: approximately January to June 2025
Number of Credits: All Galilean School courses transfer as HONR credits
The Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori (Galilean School of Higher Education) is a school of excellence that combines traditional university education with a series of special in-house courses comprising seminars and lectures by visiting professors of international fame. Divided into three categories, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences, the Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori illustrates the techniques and methods used for scientific research, and then affords students a deeper insight into the field. This program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.
Expenses Paid to Purdue: Purdue tuition, along with housing fees and $32/month for international insurance
Additional Expenses: airfare, local transportation, meals, and miscellaneous personal expenses
Learn More and Apply: https://www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1187
Application deadline is September 15th.
Spring Break 2025
JAZZ IN NOLA
New Orleans, Louisiana
Program Dates: March 15–22, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Jason Ware
Number of Credits: 2 HONR credits
“Jazz happened in America...” In this program we will investigate the social, economic, and intellectual conditions that influenced the inception, growth, and dissemination of jazz, and the extent to which it contributed to a better quality-of-life in the city of New Orleans. During this place-based investigation, we will access oral histories, photos, and scores within Tulane’s Hogan Jazz Archives to get a sense of how the unique demographics and geography of New Orleans enabled and nurtured the development of its musical culture and creative place-making. Our time in the archives will lay a foundation for understanding black (Creole/Latina/o) sub-cultures that developed in the South in response to oppressive life circumstances, and that directly influenced jazz as a socio-cultural phenomenon. Program activities will include guided tours, live music, local food stops, and visits to parks and neighborhoods where we will be fully immersed in jazz culture. We will make sense of and synthesize our experiences in this great city by composing a mixed-media storyline that illustrates how jazz influences/d quality-of-life in NOLA. This will be a whirlwind trip over Spring Break 2025 and an experience you will not want to miss!
Estimated Program Fee: $1,700
Not included in estimated cost: airfare, some public transportation, and some meals
Callout Dates: September 11 (5.30pm, HCRN 1145) and October 9 (5.30pm, HCRN 1145)
Learn More and Apply: Application link coming soon!
EXPLORING JAMAICA: IDENTITY MAKING IN THE CARIBBEAN
Kingston, Jamaica
Program Dates: March 15–23, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Muiris MacGiollabhui
Number of Credits: 2 HONR credits
What does it mean to be Jamaican? This class offers an opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Jamaica and experience the social, cultural, political, and ecological factors that have shaped it. Starting with its history of colonialism, students will explore how Jamaica’s role as a British slave colony shapes its place on the world stage, and how tourism, and the role of neocolonialism, continues to shape its future. We will meet local Jamaicans and discuss how music has become synonymous with Jamaican-ness, using Bob Marley’s songs to understand political struggles that have gripped the nation. Finally, we will explore why the natural environment, while beautiful, is accessible to only very few Jamaicans, and what local activists are doing to address that. Based on the stunning UWI Mona campus, students will take classes each morning, and explore the island each afternoon, fully enmeshing themselves in the local environment.
Estimated Program Fee: $2,300
Not included in estimated cost: airfare and some meals
Callout Dates: September 12 (6.00pm, HCRN 1145) and September 19 (6.00pm, Zoom)
Learn More and Apply: Application link coming soon!
GLOBAL PROBLEMS, GLOBAL SOLUTIONS: PROBLEM-SOLVING ACROSS BORDERS IN BRAZIL
Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Program Dates: March 14–23, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Nathan Swanson
Number of Credits: 2 HONR credits (with 2 additional HONR credits earned in the Fall Solutions Lab Global course)
Designing and implementing solutions to major global challenges requires interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration skills, and intercultural competencies. These are all put into practice in the “Solutions Lab Global” class in which Purdue students work virtually with students at Unisinos in Brazil to develop solutions to a global problem. This Spring Break study abroad program flows from this course, enriching the virtual experience with a visit to Unisinos. Participants will learn about student life in Brazil, interact with Brazilian peers, visit sights in Porto Alegre, explore the local region, and be immersed in Brazilian culture through homestays and program activities. The program concludes with a visit to Rio de Janeiro, a city rich in history, culture, and nature.
Note: Priority for enrollment in this program will be given to students enrolled in Solutions Lab Global: Brazil & Peru (HONR 22200) during the Fall 2024 semester.
Estimated Program Fee: $500
Not included in estimated cost: airfare and some meals
Learn More and Apply: https://www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1736
GLOBAL PROBLEMS, GLOBAL SOLUTIONS: PROBLEM-SOLVING ACROSS BORDERS IN ITALY
Padova and Venice, Italy
Program Dates: March 14–23, 2025
Faculty Program Contact: Dr. Nathan Swanson
Number of Credits: 2 HONR credits (with 2 additional HONR credits earned in the concurrent Solutions Lab Global course)
Designing and implementing solutions to major global challenges requires interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration skills, and intercultural competencies. These are all put into practice in the “Solutions Lab Global” class in which Purdue students work virtually with students at the University of Padova in Italy to develop solutions to a global problem. This Spring Break study abroad program flows from this course, enriching the virtual experience with a visit to Padova. Participants will learn about student life in Italy, interact with Italian peers, visit sights in Padova, explore the local region, and be immersed in Italian culture through dormitory stays and program activities. The program concludes with a visit to nearby Venice, one of the world’s most unique cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Note: Priority for enrollment in this program will be given to students enrolled in Solutions Lab Global: Italy (HONR 22200) during the Spring 2025 semester.
Estimated Program Fee: $500
Not included in estimated cost: airfare and some meals
Learn More and Apply: https://www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1788Maymester / Summer 2025
Belize City, San Ignacio, and Ambergris Caye, Belize
Program Dates: May 12–22, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Kristen Bellisario
Number of Credits: 3 HONR credits
During this Maymester program, we will travel to Belize to study wildlife corridors and jaguar conservation efforts through visits to breathtaking natural sites and landscapes. Over the course of ten days, we will visit Belize City, New River Lagoon, the Lamanai Ruins, San Ignacio, Shipstern Nature Reserve, Ambergris Caye, and even cross the border to Tikal, Guatemala. Program activities include a jungle survival tour, snorkeling and cave tubing, zip lining through a jungle, meetings with conservation managers, observing jaguars and other animals at the Belize Zoo, and activities focused on Mayan culture. This course fulfills the university core requirement for Science, Technology, and Society (STS).
Estimated Program Fee: $4,000 (includes airfare and meals!)
Callout Dates: September 17 (5.00pm, HCRN 1145)
Learn More and Apply: Application link coming soon!
ITALIAN DISCOVERIES
Paderno del Grappa, Florence, Milan, and Venice, Italy
Program Dates: May 11–31, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Dino Felluga
Number of Credits: 6 HONR credits
“Italian Discoveries” combines two, 3-credit HONR courses, “Da Vinci’s Renaissance” (an investigation of interdisciplinary genius and of the scientific and artistic revolutions of the Italian Renaissance) and “Our Postmodern Present” (an exploration of the scientific and artistic revolutions of our present) into a seamless whole. The 3-week program also brings together the best of Italy, from the rich countryside of northern Italy’s Veneto region to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany—from famous cities to small villages known only to locals. We begin in Paderno del Grappa, a small town in the foothills of the Italian Alps, where we will complete a large portion of our in-class instruction. We then move to Florence, the epicenter of Renaissance art and science, from which we will enjoy a day trip to the most perfectly preserved medieval jewel of Italy, San Gimignano. A two-day break gives students an option to explore other areas of Italy on their own. After an overnight in postmodern Milan, we will spend our last week in Venice. With the watery city as our textbook, we will discover why this unforgettable city is unique in all the world!
Estimated Program Fee: $6,000
Not included in estimated cost: airfare and some meals
Callout Dates: September 16th (12.00pm, Zoom) and December 2 (6.00pm, HCRN 1143)
Learn More and Apply: https://www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1535
Tainan and Taipei, Taiwan
Program Dates: May 11–24, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Leighton Buntain
Number of Credits: 2 HONR credits (with 2 additional HONR credits earned in the Spring Solutions Lab Global course)
Designing and implementing solutions to major global challenges requires interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration skills, and intercultural competencies. These are all put into practice in the “Solutions Lab Global” class in which Purdue students work virtually with students at National Taiwan University and National Cheng Kung University to develop solutions to a global problem. This Maymester study abroad program flows from this course, enriching the virtual experience with visits to partner campuses in Taiwan. Participants will learn about Taiwanese student life, interact with Taiwanese peers, visit sights in Tainan and Taipei, traverse through the island nation, and experience immersion in Taiwanese culture through program activities.
Note: Priority for enrollment in this program will be given to students enrolled in Solutions Lab Global: Taiwan (HONR 22200) during the Spring 2025 semester.
Estimated Program Fee: $1,250
Not included in estimated cost: airfare and some meals
Learn More and Apply: Application link coming soon!
Athens, Nafplio, Delphi, and Chania, Greece
Program Dates: May 11-30, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Katie Jarriel
Number of Credits: 6 HONR credits
Come explore ancient Greece! In this three-week Maymester course, you will climb the steps of the Parthenon, wander the labyrinth at Knossos, and visit the oracle of Delphi. By learning about the history and mythology of ancient place you will examine how we reconstruct the past and how heritage issues affect the present day. You will experiment will the digital reconstruction of ancient sites. You will also discuss the legacy of ancient Greece, questioning why people have tended to privilege certain aspects of history that ignore the identities of marginalized people, such as women, slaves, and foreigners. At the end of this course, you will understand why heritage is important in modern politics and cultural identity.
Estimated Program Fee: $6,300
Not included in estimated cost: airfare and some meals
Callout Dates: September 18 (5.30pm, HCRN 1145) and October 14 (5.00pm, HCRN 1143)
Learn More and Apply: https://www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1595
Lima, Cusco, and Macchu Picchu, Peru
Program Dates: May 11–25, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Ashima Krisha
Number of Credits: 3 HONR credits
Join us on the Inca heritage trail! In this Maymester course, we will explore tangible and intangible cultural heritage in Peru and the challenges of preserving cultural sites and traditions. We begin in the historic city of Lima, Peru's capital and largest city, located on the Pacific coast. We then travel into the Andes Mountains to focus our studies on Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire, and Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through visits to cultural sites, workshops at our partner university, and participation in hands-on activities, we will learn about Incan, Quechuan, and Peruvian cultures, building traditions, and ways of life.
Estimated Program Fee: $4,000
Not included in estimated cost: airfare
Callout Dates: September 20 (6.30pm, HCRN 1143) and October 18 (6.30pm, HCRN 1143)
Learn More and Apply: Application link coming soon!
JMHC Signature Program for Rising Juniors and Seniors
Medellín, Colombia
Program Dates: May 17 – June 29, 2025
Host University: Universidad EAFIT
Number of Credits: 9 HONR credits
The John Martinson Honors College Signature Program for Rising Juniors and Seniors brings together global learning, cultural immersion, and professional and leadership development, all in one unique study away program! During this six-week summer experience, students will gain hands-on professional experience each day through placement with a local business or organization in Medellín, while also studying innovation and sustainability with faculty at Universidad EAFIT. Intercultural activities and Spanish language instruction will enhance the Colombian cultural experience and provide participants the tools to build an international professional network. Program activities will also include community visits, industry tours, and field trips in the local area. In addition to earning HONR credits for the program courses, students will fulfill UCC core requirements, and students who have not yet completed their scholarly project can enroll in HONR 2200 (Exploring Place: Internship) during the Fall 2025 semester to complete that requirement of the JMHC curriculum.
Program Requirements: To participate in this program, students must be rising third- or fourth-year students in the John Martinson Honors College, they must be in good standing, and they must have completed 12 or more honors credits by the start of the program.
Estimated Program Fee: $1,500
Not included in estimated cost: airfare and some meals
Callout Dates: September 25 (5.30pm, HCRN 1145) and October 22 (5.00pm, HCRN 1145)
Learn More and Apply: Application link coming soon!
