FAQ on Long-term Engineering Abroad Programs (LEAP), aka Semester Abroad (for a list of programs, go here)

  1. I don’t speak the local language, so I can’t participate in LEAP in places where English isn't the primary language.  LEAP programs don’t have foreign language requirements – all core engineering and many non-technical courses are offered in English.
  1. I can’t graduate on time if I study abroad for a semester. There are no study abroad programs that would fit my plan of study.  All LEAP participants can graduate on time. We have identified a selected set of partner institutions that would offer courses meeting Purdue’s degree requirements.
  1. It’s expensive, and I can’t afford a semester abroad.  Many LEAP programs are cost-neutral, meaning that a semester abroad will have comparable or lower living expenses than living in West Lafayette, Indiana. Plus, the cost may be further reduced thanks to the Purdue Giant Leaps Scholarships and other scholarship opportunities (e.g., Gilman).  
  1. I may not be able to return on time to complete summer internships or courses if studying abroad.  Students can return home on time to participate in summer internships or take Purdue summer courses.
  1. Engineering students typically don’t study abroad.  Currently, more than 25% of Purdue engineering students study abroad during their Purdue career, which is significantly higher than the national average (see national averages by discipline here). 
  1. Purdue engineering students only study abroad in Europe.  Purdue engineering students study abroad all over the world, including countries outside of Europe and non-English-speaking countries. You can find current semester-abroad opportunities in the institutional Program Search database. 
  1. Potential employers don’t value study abroad.  Returning students consistently mentioned that their LEAP or semester abroad experience empowered them to stand out during job interviews at the Purdue Industrial Roundtable (IR). A semester abroad has proven to be a substantial and marketable professional credential that boosts our students’ early careers.
  1. I will miss my social life at Purdue and feel alone while abroad.  Cohort experience is a unique feature of several LEAP programs. Students often travel abroad with their Purdue friends, return with even more, and develop a lifelong network of international friends.
  1. I’ve never traveled abroad, so maybe studying abroad is not for me.  Many LEAP alums started with zero overseas travel experience and ended up with multiple study abroad experiences. We believe that every student in good academic standing deserves an opportunity to study abroad. We also encourage students to try out study abroad by taking our STEP abroad programs (1-3 week-long, short-term programs) first in their freshmen and sophomore years.