Summer Undergraduate Research in Global Engineering (SURGE)
Getting international work experience at a research lab overseas during the summer can be a great way to burnish your CV and gain professional/working skills in an international environment. We offer many SURGE programs around the globe. Below you will find a list of SURGE programs and the Contact Person for each program. Students participating in SURGE can register for ENGR 39899 (CRN 24741). This is a zero-credit course used for global internships/research experiences. NOTE: There is a minimum length requirement to register for this class, usually a research experience of at least 8 weeks (short-term SURGE experiences do not qualify).
Students studying at the Von Karman Institute in Belgium.
SURGE in Latin America
Spend your summer doing cutting-edge research in the Top-1 University in Colombia!
Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) is ABET-accredited in all of its engineering programs and it is the top-1 institution in Colombia. Work with award-winning faculty members and live in state-of-the art dorms at affordable prices. Bogotá, the capital city, provides a wide range of entertainment that includes close to 50 museums, fine dining, lively nightlife, and nearby nature reserves. Bogotá is one of the largest cities in South America. Read more about summer research opportunities at Uniandes here.
Now taking applications for Summer 2025!
SURGE in South Korea POSTECH
Applications for the 2025 POSTECH Summer Program are open!
This exclusive opportunity is designed for STEM-major students currently enrolled at Purdue.
All admitted students will receive a ✈ ROUND-TRIP FLIGHT TICKET ✈ from their home country to Korea.
PROGRAM Period
📅 7 July – 15 August, 2025 (6 weeks)
PROGRAM STRUCTURE & OUTCOME
- Research Intensive (min 20 hours per week) under POSTECH Professor
- Social & Culture Program (once a week)
- Korean Language Course (optional, approx. 150 USD)
- Official Transcript with 1 POSTECH credit & Certificate of Participation
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Application Period
📅 5 Feb, 00:00 – 29 Feb, 23:59 (KST)
APPLICATION CLOSED. CHECK BACK NEXT FALL FOR THE 2026 SUMMER PROGRAM.
Required Documents
- Certificate of Enrollment
- Official Academic Transcript (in English)
- Copy of Passport (valid until the end of 2025)
- Recommendation Letter
- CV
- Cover Letter
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Letter of Nomination
Non-GEARE students contact Dr. Parker at hp@purdue.edu to request the nomination.
IMPORTANT
1. No Tuition Fee
2. No Limitation on Nominations
There is no limitation for nominated students or separate nomination process, but students must submit a Letter of Nomination signed by the outgoing coordinator at their home institution to ensure that they are applying under your confirmation.
Please note that our summer program does not guarantee spots for each partner institution. Admission will be determined based on individual lab evaluations.
3. No Specific Form Required
There is no required format for the Recommendation Letter, CV, or Cover Letter.
For any inquiries regarding the summer program, please contact aramyoon@postech.ac.kr.
SURGE in Brazil
Universidade Federal de Vicosa (UFV) in Brazil
Contact Kara Hartman (khartman@purdue.edu) for help.
Other Summer Program Opportunities
Japan
The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Future of Work and Society
August 2 - August 11, 2025
Hiroshima University, an UPWARDS partner, invites 10 Purdue students to participate in their summer program.
Program fees (lectures, company visits, chartered buses) are provided by Hiroshima University. They will also cover approximately $900.00 of the total cost of the international flight. You are responsible for securing international medical insurance, covering a portion of the airfare and approximately $500.00 for room and board expenses. Please read the full program description and itinerary here.
Selected students will be notified after the application process closes.
APPLICATION CLOSED. CHECK BACK NEXT FALL FOR THE 2026 SUMMER PROGRAM.