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

Global Leadership in Peru for Freshmen

Program Details

Program Leader

Name Michael Bittinger Email mbitting@purdue.edu

Program Description

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Academic Credit

This is an interdisciplinary program pertinent to ALL MAJORS.  Students who complete the program will earn a letter grade (A,B,C,D,F) and three hours of 400-level Interdisciplinary Studies credit (IDIS 49100, to be exact).  Most majors require 30+ hours of 300-level credit or higher, so this will count towards your degree.  Applicants are urged to consult academic advisors to determine exactly where it fits into their individual plan of study (often as an elective).  Coursework is done entirely in English.  Prior Spanish language knowledge is useful, but not required. This program provides ample opportunity for students of Spanish to practice what they learned in high school.

Students in this unique course investigate the people & culture of Peru while developing an awareness of their own cultural upbringing.  Earning three credits in two weeks cannot be done without significant effort and preparation.  Students will complete required/graded readings and video discussions in late-June/early-July, prior to traveling to Peru.  While abroad, daily reflective journal writing will take place between site visits, quizes, and class sessions. This program might not be for you if your schedule will be full during this period of the summer. Much of your grade will be determined prior to flying to Peru. 

The program informally continues into the fall semester to provide students guidance during their transition into college-life.  Students who choose to take part will be paired with a Global Leadership Mentor - a past participant who can offer advice and assistance.  This learning community will meet periodically from August - November.  It is designed to be a supportive, and prosocial add-on, not a burden to your schedules. 

THIS PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR STUDENTS WHO:

Want to develop intercultural, leadership, and communication skills.

Are mature and are up for a challenge; intend to become active, engaged leaders at Purdue.

Fully understand what they are applying for after having requested and read the course syllabus & draft itinerary.

If this does not describe you, many other study abroad options will be available during your Purdue career. 

 

Eligibility

This program is specifically designed for and exclusive to incoming first-year students.  Due to potential visa restrictions and conflicts with orientation, those coming to Purdue as degree-seeking International Students are currently restricted from taking part.  However, those with Green Cards can apply. You must accept your offer to attend Purdue Univeristy to apply for this program. 

Applicants must possess a passport valid through January, 2026. If you do not, and wish to participate, apply for your passport immediately! Any applications to update an expiring passport must be expedited. To secure entrance to Machu Picchu, tickets must be purchased months in advance. Valid passport numbers are required to purchase tickets and to enter. Thus, we cannot guarantee entrance if documents are not secured at your time of application. 

All students participating in a departmental program will complete a pre and post assessment as part of program completion.

Program Cost

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

Fee Billed by Purdue:  $3,712 (includes three credits, housing, insurance, all program activities, and most meals)

We estimate that roughly $200-$300 dollars should be accessible while in Peru to pay for independent meals and personal expenses not otherwise provided.  Roughly 65% of all meals are covered through the program fee.

The (need-based) scholarship funding of up to $1,500 that all eligible students can receive is NOT factored into the fee listed above.  Further details can be found here.

Optional Group Flight: $989 paid separately from the program fee (if booked by April 4th)

Students can choose to fly as a group with the program leader roundtrip, Indianapolis-Lima, or travel independently.  The group itinerary, will include a connecting flight.  Students who live far from Indianapolis can meet the group in this city (Miami), if desired.  Independent travelers who book their own flights (at a unique price) must arrive in Lima prior to, or within one hour of the group's flight into Lima. Some may choose to travel to Lima a day early.  All students will be informed of flight info upon acceptance into the program.  Contact Michael, the program leader for more details, if concerned.

How You Will Pay For the Program:

Once students have accepted their offer of admission to Purdue University, and have set up their Career Account, they will have access to the myPurdue online Portal.  Follow the Instructions for Online Deposit to submit a $500 study abroad deposit.  The $500 deposit will go towards the total amount billed to a student's Purdue Bursar account.

Students may apply for summer financial aid through the Division of Financial Aid.  To do so, something called a CRN is required.  For this study abroad program, the CRN is: 31526

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist Purdue study abroad students. 

Application Deadline

To Apply:  Use the "Click here to enroll in this program!" link at the top of this page, just below the map. You will set up an account we call the, "My Study Abroad." Complete the Submit Your Required Forms check-list, plus the essay. 

Applications are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until all documents are uploaded and the syllabus and draft itineary have been requested by the applicant. Application materials Include: Participation Form; Receipt of Deposit; Statement of Risk & Responsibility; Medical & Special Needs Form; a current Passport (valid through January 2026); Release of Information Concent Form; Article response/essay

Deposit: The $500 deposit will be refunded to those not accepted into the program. 

Note: Listing your academic advisor is necessary.  If unknown, please type in "Not Yet Available."

All applicants will be contacted via e-mail. This program will fill to capacity. Complete your application as soon as possible.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is filled.    

 

Program Contact:  Michael Bittinger - mbittinger@purdue.edu  - A tentative program itinerary & draft course syllabus will be available as of February 15th.  Request them in order to have your application reviewed!

 

Want a Student's Perspective? 

Contact a past participant:  Ally Jacoby: jaco2212@umn.edu and Gigi Rowland: growland99@gmail.com

Quotes from Past Participants:

“This course made me think in new ways and changed the way Iook at our society. The relationships I made in Peru and the themes of the program will stay with me forever. It made an irreplacable impact on my life." ~ Justin Koeneke, First Year Engineering, 2023

"The program pushed me the farthest I have ever been pushed, and that was why it affected me so deeply. The material was challenging at every moment.  No other class has cemented its message so deeply, and I am beyond grateful for that and all I learned.” ~ Julia White, First Year Engineering, 2016
 
"I believe that my experience was one that I’ll never forget and the skills and traits I gained there will always be a part of me.  This program was remarkably influential. Without it I simply wouldn’t be who I am nor have the opportunities I have now."  ~ Kara Miller, Marketing, 2014
 
"Many of the things we learned could not have been effectively taught in a classroom.  Being in Peru was not only the best time of my life, but also made me think in an entirely different way."  ~ Melanie Herrold, Health Sciences, 2014
 
"Even in two weeks, I felt like I had found out about a new way of life that I want to pursue.  My experience was so incredible and I know that it will last with me for a long time, especially because of the lessons I have taken away from my time in Peru."  ~ Veronica Miller, Speech Language, Hearing Sciences, 2014
 
“I may have traveled before, but I hadn’t traveled like this!”  ~ Laura Roach, Explorers, 2017

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Financial Aid