My summer abroad: overseas trips enrich both staff and students
Purdue organizes these Short Term Engineering Programs (STEP) to coincide with the end of the Spring semester. A "Maymester" trip typically includes a group of 20-to-30 students traveling for three-to-four weeks. In addition to cultural experiences, students receive an educational focus on one aspect of engineering; for example, motorsports in Italy, or additive manufacturing in France. Faculty and staff who lead the trips enjoy the same intercultural experiences as the students.
Lea Greathouse, managing director of Herrick Labs, was selected to support the Experience German Engineering program. Alongside Julia King, Greathouse led the trip from May 16-31 through Berlin, Stuttgart, and Karlsruhe.
“The Purdue study abroad program in Germany was such a rewarding experience,” said Greathouse. “Each stop from Berlin to Karlsruhe, demonstrated how innovation, history and collaboration can shape students’ perspectives.”
The trip included visits to well-known industry powerhouses such as BMW, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as academic engagements with the University of Stuttgart and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The group also participated in cultural activities, including a visit to the Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, a day trip to Heidelberg and a brewery tour.
Yujun Leng, senior research scientist at Zucrow Labs, helped lead the two-week Bioinspired Materials and Structures program in Singapore alongside Andres Arrieta.
“I’m very glad that I had the opportunity to participate in Purdue University’s study abroad program,” said Leng. “Overall, the program provided everyone with a broader global perspective on engineering and innovation.”
The program combined classroom instruction, hands-on learning, cultural immersion and exposure to the Singapore’s innovative approaches to sustainability and urban development. A highlight of the experience was a visit to Nanyang Technological University (NTU) where Purdue students interacted with NTU students and learned more about the institution’s academic environment.
The group also visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, MacRitchie Reservoir, Pulau Ubin and Jewel Changi, further observing the sustainable design of Singapore.
Julia Davis, associate communications specialist, attended the nearly three-week Additive Manufacturing and Art program in France alongside Michael Sealy.
“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to go on this trip,” said Davis “It was such an amazing and unforgettable experience. I would go every year if I could.”
The course explored the intersection of art and additive manufacturing, through museum visits, university and industry tours and cultural excursions. The trip started in Paris, where the group explored Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Luxembourg Gardens. In Rouen, students met with professors at the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées, attended research presentations, and learned how to transform art into lithophanes.
Cultural activities included visits to the Joan of Arc Museum and the local farmer’s market, as well as a painting class in Monet’s Gardens. The final week concluded along the Normandy coast with stops to Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Étretat and Honfleur.
Janeen Redman, academic advisor, helped lead the Semiconductors in South Korea program with Martin Jun.
“This trip was an unforgettable experience, I truly enjoyed traveling alongside the students, exploring incredible sights and experiencing the amazing food,” said Redman. “It was the perfect blend of learning, culture and connection.”
Students gained insight into South Korea’s manufacturing industry through visits to SK Hynix, Hyundai and the Samsung Innovation Museum. They also visited Korea University, Yonsei University, Seoul National University and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology, where Purdue students interacted with Korean students and learned more about the country’s academic and research environments. Cultural excursions included visits to Gyeongbonkgung Palace, Haeundae Beach, the Demilitarized Zone and a Korean baseball game.
Manuel Mar, senior operations manager of the Purdue Autonomous Racing Initiative, assisted the Motorsports in Italy course this past May with Andres Tovar.
“This was truly an incredible experience,” said Mar. “One of the most rewarding aspects was interacting with students who were highly motivated and enthusiastic. Getting to witness their curiosity, engagement, and growth made the experience especially meaningful.”
The program combined university visits, industry tours and cultural activities while providing insight into Italy’s legacy in motorsports and engineering. Students visited institutions and landmarks including the University of Rome, the Ferrari Museums, Dallara, the Vatican, and a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory. Together, these experiences broadened the students’ perspectives and deepened their understanding of innovation in motorsports.
This year’s cohort once again demonstrates the value of providing staff members with opportunities to grow through study abroad experiences. By participating in these programs, staff gain new perspectives and strengthen connections with students. The school of mechanical engineering plans to continue this initiative moving forward.
Interested in participating in the ME Staff Study Abroad program? Contact Julia King: juliaking@purdue.edu or Francisco Montalvo: fmontalvo@purdue.edu
Writer: Julia Davis, juliadavis@purdue.edu