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

Gender in the World-Madrid and Paris

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 Paris, Madrid, Multiple Countries (France, Spain)
Course # SA 19999
Duration Spring Break
Upcoming Program Dates
Spring Break 2026 03/14/26 to 03/22/26

Program Leader

Name Suzanne Zurn-Birkhimer
Email zurnbirk@purdue.edu
Click here to enroll in this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Program Description

Thank you for your interest in the Gender in the World: Madrid & Paris spring break 2026 study abroad. This 2-credit course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to understand the impact of gender in a worldview, and to start thinking about how they can become change-makers with regard to inclusivity. Application essay and/or interview will be required.

This course has 2 components: (1) weekly class sessions the first half of the semester and (2) the spring break trip abroad.

This course meets one per week during the first half of the semester (tentative time is TH from 9:30 - 11:00 AM).  We will be discussing gender dynamics (the relationship and interactions between and among people, based on gender) in the STEM fields. Students will become familiar with pertinent literature such that they can discuss solutions for internal and external barriers that prevent people from reaching their greatest potential in the workforce and start their own path toward understanding and implementing inclusivity.

This spring break study abroad will allow students to better understand gender dynamics in the world by exploring and immersing in the culture of other countries. They will also visit international engineering feats to gain a broader view of engineering outside of the U.S.

During the spring break study abroad, we will spend the first part of the week in Madrid, Spain where we will enjoy a 'Powerful Women of Madrid' walking tour and a tour of the Royal Palace. We will also take a day trip to Segovia to view the medieval castle of Alcazar (the inspiration for Disney castles such as in Snow White and Cinderella) and tour the Aqueduct that was built during the second half of the 1st century A.D.  The second half of the week will be spent in Paris, France. We will be visiting local attractions including the the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre. We will also enjoy a 'Women of Paris' tour and visit the Marie Curie Museum. There will be free time in both cities to practice cultural immersion. Please note that the itinerary is still tentative.

For more information, please contact Dr. Suzanne Zurn-Birkhimer at zurnbirk@purdue.edu

2026 Tentative Itinerary

Saturday, March 14- travel to Madrid, Spain

Sunday, March 15 - arrive in Madrid - brief walking tour of Madrid sites and Welcome Dinner/Flamenco performance

Monday, March 16 - Class discussion in the morning, Powerful Women of Madrid walking tour, and Royal Palace tour

Tuesday, March 17 - Excursion to Segovia including visits to the Aqueduct Museum, Alcazar of Segovia castle, and Segovia Cathedral

Wednesday, March 18 - Excursion to Toledo, Travel to Paris

Thursday, March 19 - Walking tour of Paris, visit Eiffel Tower

Friday, March 20 - Visit to The Louvre, free time to explore Paris

Saturday, March 21 - Women of Paris walking tour, Marie Curie Museum, free time to explore Paris, Farewell Dinner at the Eiffel Tower's Madame Coeur Brasserie

Sunday, March 22 - Travel back to Indiana

City Center, Plaza Cibeles, Madrid, Spain

Madrid: Culture, Cocktails And Hospitality

Aqueduct of Segovia, Spain

The 12 Things You Should See In Segovia, Spain in 2024

Paris, France

Eiffel Tower | History, Height, & Facts | Britannica

The Louvre, Paris, France

Musée du Louvre | Paris, France | Attractions - Lonely Planet

 

Academic Credit

Earn 2 credits for ENGR 29600. This class has two academic components. (1) We will meet weekly the first half of the semester (tentative time TH 9:30 - 11:00 AM).  These are mandatory class meetings and you must attend in person.  (2) the spring break study abroad trip. All planned events are mandatory.

Students in Engineering schools must check with their academic advisors to see how this can be used in their plans of study. 

Eligibility

All undergraduate engineering majors are eligible.  Undergraduate students in other STEM majors are also welcome.

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 $5,700 This includes round-trip airfare, housing, most meals, all ground transportation, all activities and excursions on the itinerary with entrance fees, academic credits, and international health insurance. 

Additional Costs: Passport, visa (if needed), some meals, personal excursions, and personal spending money. 

**GIANT LEAPS Scholarships are available.  Please see the "Financial Resources" tab for information on qualifying and applying. 

Application Deadline

Completed applications review will begin on September 19. Acceptance will be made on a rolling basis until the program is full. Up to 20 spots are available. 

Financial Aid

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

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.