If you have questions about this program, email the
program leader listed below.
Global Leadership in Peru for Freshmen
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 |
Lima, Cusco & others, Peru
|
Course # |
SA 10110
|
Duration |
Summer
|
Upcoming Program Dates |
Summer 2025 |
07/12/25 to 07/26/25
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Program Description
**All eligible participants can receive a need-based, Giant Leaps scholarship of $400 - $1,500**
Jumpstart your first year with an intercultural experience that can be the foundation for your entire Purdue career! Peru becomes your classroom as we travel for two weeks in July to Incan ruins, over Andean peaks, and through the Amazon jungle. This experience introduces the people and cultures of Peru as we explore what it means to be an interculturally effective global leader.
Themes of the course include:
- Leadership & Civic Engagement
- Intercultural Communication
- Sustainability & Environmental Literacy
- Peru's Cultural Assets & Societal Challenges
Related academic experiences include:
- Machu Picchu visit
- Incan ruins of Ollantaytambo
- Three night home-stay in Lima
- Scavenger Hunt and Intercultural Workshop with Peruvian students (UTEC)
- Train journey through the Sacred Valley
- Soccer with local village children in the Amazon
- Service-learning experience in Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
- Traditional weaving experience with the Awamaki project (make your own bracelet)
- Nocturnal jungle hike
- Group discussions, reflections, & experiential learning exercises
- Amazon river & nature exploration, optional swim (pink dolphins)
- Various walking tours
- Llamas, Alpacas, Monkeys, Turtles & many more!
Onsite Support: A Purdue instructor leads the program and administers classes. In addition, Purdue partners with WorldStrides/ISA to facilitate the program. A minimum of one local support staff travels with the group throughout the program. ISA provides:
- Transportation from arrival through departure
- Orientation & onsite support throughout
- Excursions (entry fees & local guides)
- Resident Director on site & on-call 24/7
- Roughly 65% of all meals
Applications are reviewed until the program fills to capacity. Fully commit to attending Purdue Univesity before applying. Comlete the full application soon, while spots remain available.
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
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. 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
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.