This immersive study abroad program offers Purdue University students a unique opportunity to explore the global motorsports industry through two of its most influential regions: Italy’s Motor Valley and the United Kingdom’s Motorsport Valley. Designed primarily for students in mechanical engineering, motorsports engineering, and related disciplines, the program connects classroom learning with the engineering, manufacturing, design, and business practices that drive high-performance automotive and racing organizations.
During the two-week experience, students will visit leading universities, motorsports companies, manufacturers, and engineering facilities in Italy and the United Kingdom. Through technical visits, facility tours, presentations, and interactions with engineers and industry professionals, participants will gain firsthand exposure to vehicle development, advanced manufacturing, aerodynamics, powertrain technologies, materials, simulation, testing, and the broader motorsports ecosystem.
In Italy, students will experience the engineering and automotive culture of the Motor Valley region, home to some of the world’s most recognized performance vehicle and motorsports organizations. The program then continues in the United Kingdom, where students will explore the historic network of British motorsports, and advanced engineering organizations that has made the region a global center for racing technology.
Beyond technical learning, the program emphasizes international professional development. Students will compare engineering cultures, build global industry awareness, interact with professionals and students abroad, and explore potential international career and academic opportunities. The experience combines engineering, motorsports, cultural immersion, and professional networking in a highly concentrated international learning experience.
Resume and Essay must be uploaded as part of the application process. Essay should be approximately 500 words and describe why you want to particpate in this program and how it will benefit your future career or academic plans.
*Competition for acceptance into this program is high. Please complete your application as soon as possible if interested.
Proposed Itinerary: (subject to change due to availability)
May 16-Depart the USA for either Milan or Bologna
May 17-Arrival day, make your way to the hotel in Parma, day to rest
May 18-Dallara Academy tour, visit to local racetrack (autodromo Paletti), Welcome Dinner
May 19-Visit to Parmigaino Reggiano factory at La Grand Latteria, University visit, check into Modena hotel for overnight
May 20-Enzo Ferrari Museum , Maranello Ferrari Museum, free evening
May 21-Lamborghini Factory and Museum, Ducati Museum tour, overnight Modena
May 22-Day trip to Bologna
May 23-Free day and last day in Italy
May 24- Bologna to Southampton transfer, local business visit (TBD), free evening
May 25-University of Southampton visit, free evening
May 26-Xtrac visit, Aston Martin visit, depart for Silverstone hotel
May 27-Silverstone tour, Redbull Racinig tour, overnight in Silverstone
May 28-Cosworth visit, depart for London, free time
May 29- Walking tour of London, Transit Museum tour, free afternoon, Farewell dinner
May 30-Free day in London
May 31- Students free to leave any time. Hotel check-out is approximately 10am.