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 at the Von Karman Institute in Belgium.
Tohoku University STEM Research Internship Program - Japan
Spend your summer doing cutting-edge research in one of Japan's leading universities: Tohoku University
Apply here! Application deadline: February 1, 2026
SURGE in Latin America
Enhance your research skills at Colombia's top private university!
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. You can choose to stay in a safe and comprehensive university housing complex located just minutes from the engineering building.
ME's Global Engineer Alum Reshma Sudhesh Shares her SURGE-UNIANDES Experience
Now taking applications for Summer 2026!
SURGE in South Korea POSTECH
2026 POSTECH Summer Program
This exclusive opportunity is designed for STEM-major students currently enrolled in overseas institutions.
All admitted students will receive a ✈ ROUND-TRIP FLIGHT TICKET ✈ from their home country to Korea.
PROGRAM Period
📅 6 July – 14 August, 2026 (6 weeks)
PROGRAM DETAILS
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Eligibility: Undergraduate or Master’s student from oversea institutions
- 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
- Important! Purdue students need to apply to the Concurrent Track
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Application Period
📅 December 25, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Required Documents
After submitting the online application, students should register IR Portal (Student-Mobility) and submit the following documents:
- Certificate of Enrollment
- Official Academic Transcript (in English)
- Copy of Passport (valid until the end of 2025)
- Recommendation Letter
- CV
- Cover Letter
IMPORTANT
1. Purdue students should apply through the concurrent track.
For any inquiries regarding the summer program, please contact aramyoon@postech.ac.kr.
SURGE in Germany - TUM PREP
Spend your summer doing cutting-edge research in one of Germany's leading universities: Technical University of Munich (TUM)
The Practical Research Experience Program (TUM PREP) invites excellent students from leading North American universities and the Imperial College London to spend an approx. 8-week long research stay at TUM. Participating students gain valuable insights into the research work at Germany’s top-ranked technical university and enhance their technical and methodological qualifications.
2026 Project: AI-basedCondition Monitoring for Sensor-Integrated Gears (ED 06)
This is a highly selective program, there are two spots available for Purdue students! For more details, including eligibility criteria, application instructions, and student testimonials see here.
Project's primary contact: Cedric Wagner, M.Sc.
Application period: October 1 - November 23, 2025 - Applications closed. Check back Fall 2026!
*Dates are negotiable to accomodate Purdue's first week of classes.
SURGE in Brazil
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 3 - August 12, 2026
Hiroshima University, an UPWARDS partner, invites 15 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.