Purdue offers you unprecedented opportunities to study overseas, with unmatched academic and cultural experiences.  International experience is guaranteed to give you a leg up in the job market, as every industry is now globally connected. That's why 40% of Purdue ME students study internationally (the national average is only 5%). Take the leap, and have an experience of a lifetime!

Where can I go?

As a Purdue student, you can take advantage of hundreds of Purdue's Study Abroad programs around the world.  However, there are a select few that are very popular with Purdue ME students, because they work well within the Mechanical Engineering curriculum, giving you the best chance of finishing your degree in a timely fashion. If you are interested in a location not listed below, it is possible your graduation may be delayed.

If you want to take an overseas course that is not on this list, you must get it approved first:

  • Get the syllabus for the course (in English). The more information and the more specific it is the better!
  • Make sure the class is for a grade, and not pass/fail. Pass/fail classes will not count toward your degree.
  • If the overseas class is an elective/gen-ed that is not Mechanical Engineering, you must find a Purdue-equivalent course from a Purdue school. For example, if you want to take a Management class overseas, you must reach out to the Daniels School of Business and find what the equivalent course is at Purdue.

Australia

Brazil

Colombia

Denmark

Ecuador

England

France

Germany

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Mexico

Netherlands

New Zealand

Singapore

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

If you're interested in a Study Abroad program not listed here, make an appointment with your academic advisor through BoilerConnect. Please be aware: If you choose a location not listed here, it may delay your time to graduation.

How does it work?

Most students who spend a semester overseas, do so in the spring semester of their junior year (ME students are not permitted to do a semester-long study abroad program in their final semester).  Here's the typical timeline:

Year 1

Year 2

Fall

  • Meet with your Mechanical Engineering Academic Advisor to discuss program interests, courses taken abroad, and how to adjust your Plan of Study.
  • Visit the Global Engineering Office [Dudley Hall, 2569] and/or the Study Abroad Office [Young Hall, 5th Floor] for additional information and questions.

Spring

  • During your registration appointment (for Fall courses) with your Academic Advisor, finalize program and adjust Plan of Study for your program.
  • Register for any required pre-departure courses during time ticket.
  • Begin application process for your study abroad program.
  • Meet with study abroad advisor and study abroad liaison (if necessary) for any course approvals. Contact your ME academic advisor for the appropriate process to have ME courses reviewed.

Summer

  • Continue working on study abroad application process. Remember, most deadlines are September 15.

Year 3

Fall

  • Contingency Planning: plan for Spring as if you are staying on campus. To preserve your full-time status, the Study Abroad Office will automatically enroll you in SA XXXXX during Open Registration.
    • Once enrolled in “SA XXXXX,” take action: drop all on-campus courses via: myPurdue ➔ Register for Classes ➔ Scheduling Assistant
  • Expect an email from Amanda Barnett in late September once she receives the official study abroad participant list
  • Read through all directions, complete your signatures promptly, and send the forms back to Amanda as soon as possible
  • Forward signed forms to your Academic Advisor to obtain signature
  • If you plan to take non-ME courses, include a screenshot of the program page to confirm course equivalency
  • After obtaining all signatures, submit your completed forms through the Study Abroad portal
  • Questions? Email the ME Study Abroad liaison Amanda Barnett: albarnet@purdue.edu

Spring

  • Enjoy your Study Abroad program!

Do I have other options?

Yes!  Purdue offers experiences of all kinds, from the long-term programs listed above, to shorter Study Abroad trips for just a few weeks, or a spring or summer break.  Check out these options:

Long-Term Engineering Abroad Program (LEAP): LEAPs (like the ones listed above) are available for students who want to experience living abroad for an extended period of time. Purdue partners with universities around the world and most programs have no language requirement.  Check out the complete list of LEAPs offered through Global Engineering Programs.

Short Term Engineering Program (STEP): Faculty-led STEPs are fast-paced, unique international experiences typically lasting from one to three weeks. Credits earned vary by program, and most will involve a combination of industry visits, lectures, site visits, class work, and visits to tourist destinations. These programs may take place during Spring Break, May/Summer or Winter Break, and you will typically earn one to three credits.  Check out the complete list of STEPs offered through Global Engineering Programs.

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. Check out the complete list of SURGEs offered through Global Engineering Programs.

Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE): You want an international experience, but you also want to work in industry.  GEARE enables you to do both!  It provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to integrate language study, study abroad, cultural training, domestic and international work/research experiences, and global design team projects into the 4-year Engineering curriculum. Students completing the program will earn a Global Engineering Studies Minor while enhancing the intercultural competencies necessary to be effective leaders within the global work environment. Learn more about GEARE.

10 myths you may have heard about Study Abroad

Myth #1: I don’t speak the local language, so I can’t participate in France, Colombia, etc.
Truth: Purdue's LEAP programs don’t have foreign language requirements -- all core engineering and many non-technical courses are offered in English.

Myth #2: I can’t graduate on time if I study abroad for a semester. I’m a Purdue ME major, and there’s no programs that would fit my plan of study.
Truth: All LEAP participants are able to graduate on time. We have identified a selected set of courses at the partner institutions that match our curriculum and transfer as ME core courses.

Myth #3: It’s expensive and I can’t afford a semester abroad.
Truth: Most LEAP programs are cost neutral, meaning that a semester abroad in Taiwan or Colombia will have comparable or lower living expenses than living in West Lafayette, Indiana (Europe tends to be moderately more expensive). Plus, cost may be further reduced thanks to Purdue Moves scholarship and other scholarship opportunities (e.g. Gilman).

Myth #4: I may not come back on time for to do summer internships or courses if studying abroad.
Truth: Students will be able to return home on time to participate in summer internships or take Purdue summer courses.

Myth #5: Engineering students typically don’t study abroad.
Truth: Currently, 40% of Purdue ME students study abroad during their Purdue career, which is significantly higher than the national average (5% of engineering undergraduates study abroad).

Myth #6: Purdue ME students only study abroad in Europe.
Truth: ME students study abroad all over the world, including countries outside of Europe and non-English speaking countries. We have students going to Colombia, Hong Kong, Ecuador, Spain, Singapore, and more.

Myth #7: Potential employers don’t care about study abroad.
Truth: Employers want young talents who are global-minded and effective cross-cultural communicators. Returning students consistently mentioned that their semester abroad experience makes them stand out during interviews at the Purdue Industrial Roundtable (IR). A semester abroad has proven to be a substantial and marketable professional credential that boosts your early career.

Myth #8: I will miss my social life at Purdue and feel alone while abroad.
Truth: The cohort experience is a unique feature of LEAP programs. You will travel abroad with your Purdue friends, come back with more, and develop a lifelong network of international friends. A Purdue Engineering staff member will travel with you to provide on-site support.

Myth #9: I’ve never traveled abroad; maybe Study Abroad is not for me.
Truth: We believe that every student who is in good academic standing can study abroad. We offer a one-credit pre-departure class specifically designed to get you ready for your semester abroad. The Pre-departure class will get you culturally oriented and well-prepared in terms of study abroad applications and travel logistics (safety, accommodations, health insurance, visa, etc.)

Myth #10: I don’t know where to live in a foreign country. Is it safe?
Truth: You have many options for overseas accommodations, ranging from western-style on-campus dormitories to off-campus apartments and homestay options in safe neighborhoods.

Any more tips?


Want to get started?  Look through the options at Global Engineering Programs, and make an appointment with your advisor through BoilerConnect today!