Study Abroad | Purdue University

If you have questions about this program, email the program leader listed below.

Keys to Learning and German Automotive Plant Tours - Heidelberg, Germany

Program Details

The arrangements for the travel, housing, meals, excursions and course content of this program have been made by the leader. Questions about this program can only be answered by the program leader listed below.
Program Type	Departmental
Program Location	Heidelberg, Munich, and Strasbourgh, Multiple Countries (France, Germany)
Course #	SA 10503
Duration	Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2027	05/09/27 to 05/23/27

Program Leader

Name	Tridib Saha
Email	tsaha@purdue.edu

Click here to enroll in this program!

Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Program Description

ENGR 10301 – Keys to Learning and German Automotive Plant Tours introduces students to the science and practice of effective learning through an international engineering context. Students will study topics such as neuroplasticity, learning, mental models, creativity, memory, spaced studying, interleaving, incubation, testing, purposeful practice, mindset, grit, sleep, exercise, meditation, relationships, and nutrition.

In this study abroad version, these topics will be connected to real-world engineering practice through guided visits to German automotive companies and engineering sites. Students will observe how major companies use continuous learning, problem-solving, teamwork, quality improvement, testing, creativity, and professional discipline in engineering environments.

The course will include short lectures, open-text quizzes, reflection assignments, cultural experiences, and industry tours. Students will be asked to connect each tour experience back to the learning concepts discussed in class and also summarize technological exposures through the tours that may be of interest to them.

Proposed Itinerary: Subject to change due to availability:

May 9-Depart the USA

May 10- Arrive in Franfurt, travel to Heidelberg, check into StayCity Hotel in Heidelberg, Orientation session, hand out transportation passes, free evening

May 11-9am-11am Class session, Guided walking tour of Heidelberg, guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, Welcome dinner

May 12-9am-11am Class session, lunch break, 1:00-3:00 class session, guided walking tour of Bahnstadt, free evening

May 13-9am-11am, lunch on your own, 1:00-3:00 class session

May 14-9am-10:30 Class session, Guided tour of Mercedes-Bez production plan, Mercedes Museum, free evening

May 15-Travel to Strasbourg France, visit to European Parliament, walking tour of Strasbourg France, Group lunch for Tarte Flambee, rest of the afternoon for exploration of Strasbourg

May16-Free day in Heidelberg

May 17-Free morning, 1:00-5:00 class session (National Holiday in Germany, Whit Monday)

May 18-9:00-10:30 Class session, tour of Mercedes-Benz truck plant, free evening

May 19-9:00-11:00 Class session, lunch break, 1:00-3:00 class session

May 20-Visit to Audi Production site, check in to Arthotel in Munich, orientation, walking tour of Munich, free afternoon

May 21-Visit to BMW Group's main plant, BME Museum and BMW World, free evening

May 22-9am-12:00- Class session, afternoon wrap up and final discussions, Farewell dinner

May 23-Students free to depart any time

Academic Credit

Earn 1 credit for ENGR 10301. General Elective credit but all students must check with their academic advisor as to how this can be used in your plan of study.

Eligibility

Open to any student with interest in taking this class. Students must be in good standing with the university

Program Cost

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.

Estimated cost is: $4,900-$5,100- includes: All hotels, 1 academic credit, transportation passes, all ground transportation in Germany, textbook, breakfast daily, welcome and farewell dinners, 1 lunch, all activities and class activities on the itinerary, and international health insurance.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program reaches capacity. 20 spots available.

Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus;
consult website Study Abroad Financial Aid Process ;
complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.