Statement on Study Abroad Students in China

The 12 May 2008 earthquake in China did not cause any injuries to Purdue students. Their safety and security are our highest concerns, and we are fully confident in the leadership of the Purdue professors who have accompanied them to China to keep them safe.

The earthquake was centered in Sichuan province, 57 miles north-west of the city of Chengdu (population 11 million) in southern China, near the border with Myanmar/Burma. This is quite far from China's large eastern cities, where all of Purdue's study abroad programs are taking place. More specifically, Beijing, Nanjing, Harbin and Shanghai are about 1,000 miles away from where the earthquake was strongest. While there were reports that the tremors were felt in eastern China, there are no reports of damage in those cities.

There are five Purdue Study Abroad programs in China:

China Globalization - Energy and the Environment (plane arrived in Beijing after earthquake)
Introduction to Intercultural Teamwork (safe in Beijing)
Doing Business in China (safe in Beijing)
Global Entrepreneurship & Innovation (safe in Beijing)
Culture & Tourism of Greater China (safe in Beijing)

The earthquake hit on 12 May 2008 at 2:28 PM China time (or 2:28 a.m. EDT). We are mindful of the suffering of the Chinese people yet grateful that there is no indication that this tragedy will jeopardize Purdue students’ safety or program endeavors.

Dr. Brian D. Harley

Associate Dean of International Programs

Director of Programs for Study Abroad

Study Abroad Fair Sept. 3

There are lots of ways for Purdue students to learn about the options for studying or doing an internship abroad. You can visit our office, explore our website, subscribe to our e-Newsletter, or come to our Annual Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 3rd (10 AM - 3 PM on the Memorial Mall).

Our Mission

The Office of Programs for Study Abroad is dedicated to internationalizing Purdue by helping as many students as possible to have overseas experiences that enrich lives, enhance academic achievement and increase career potential. The Office helps students to overcome academic, financial, or personal concerns that might prevent them from going abroad and is especially devoted to removing obstacles for first-time travelers.