If you have questions about this program, email the
program leader listed below.
Global Problems, Global Solutions: Problem Solving Across Borders in Brazil
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 |
Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
|
| Course # |
SA 11003
|
| Duration |
Spring Break
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Spring Break 2027 |
03/13/27 to 03/21/27
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Program Description
Designing and implementing solutions to major global challenges requires interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration skills, and intercultural competencies. Participants in this program put each of these into practice through an exchange experience with peers from Unisinos University, located in Porto Alegre and São Leopoldo, Brazil. In November 2026, students enrolled in this study away program will help host students from Unisinos during a week-long visit to Purdue. They will attend workshop sessions led by their visiting peers related to a contemporary global challenge; they will accompany their Brazilian peers to campus events and locations; and they will engage in cross-cultural learning through unstructured activities. During our Spring Break program in Brazil, participants will learn about student life in Porto Alegre and São Leopoldo, interact with Brazilian peers inside and outside the classroom, explore the city and local region, and be immersed in Brazilian culture through homestays and program activities. The program concludes with a visit to Rio de Janeiro, a city rich in history, culture, and nature.
The course completed through this program fulfills the university core requirement for Human Cultures: Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS).
Academic Credit
2 HONR credits
Eligibility
In order to participate in this program, students will be required to attend events and activities between November 14th and 21st, when a group of students from our partner university in Brazil (Unisinos) will visit Purdue. You will attend a day-long workshop with our visitors on Sunday, November 15th, attend designated cultural events during the week, and join our guests in the Purdue dining courts and potentially elsewhere on campus. Students will be required to block off time for the Unisinos group's visit as a condition for participating in the program.
A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required to enroll in all HONR courses. This program is restricted to members of the John Martinson Honors College in good standing.
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 program cost: $750
- Includes: program fee; home stay accommodations; daily breakfasts; day trips, entrances, and other course activities; airport transfers; ground transportation; and international medical insurance.
- Does not include: airfare and some meals.
The estimated cost of this program has been reduced through generous support from the John Martinson Honors College.
Giant Leaps Scholarship
Participants who are US citizens or permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply for the Giant Leaps Scholarship through the MyStudyAbroad system. Giant Leaps awards are based on total family income and require having a FAFSA on file. For this Spring Break program, participants are eligible for the following amounts of scholarship funding, which can be applied to the program fee billed by Purdue but also expenses like airfare.
- Total family income of $75,000 or less: $1000 applied to the program cost
- Total family income of $75,001 to $100,000: $700 applied to the program cost
- Total family income of $100,001 to $125,000: $500 applied to the program cost
- Total family income of $125,001 to $150,000: $200 applied to the program cost
- Total family income of $150,001 or greater: Ineligible
For complete details on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines, please visit https://www.purdue.edu/gpp/sa/financialresources/sa-office-based/giant_leaps_summer.html.
Please do NOT make any financial commitments toward the program (such as purchasing airfare) until instructed by the program leader.
Application Deadline
The program leader will begin processing applications in mid-September 2026. Once applying through the study abroad system, students will be asked to answer a few short questions through a Qualtrics survey and to meet briefly with the instructor.
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.
