Study Abroad | Purdue University

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

Engineering and Innovation: Ideas that Shaped the Modern 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, Segovia, Toledo, Multiple Countries (France, Spain)
Course #	SA 19999
Duration	Spring Break
Upcoming Program Dates
Spring Break 2027	03/13/27 to 03/21/27

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 Women in Engineering Program 2027 spring semester course and spring break study abroad - Engineering & Innovation: Ideas that Shaped the Modern World (Madrid & Paris). This 2-credit course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of individuals, innovations, and engineering achievements that have significantly influenced the modern world. Particular attention is given to the contributions of women, including figures such as Marie Curie and Queen Isabella I of Spain, whose leadership, discoveries, and accomplishments helped shape history. 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 - 11:20 AM). Through engagement with diverse cultures and perspectives, students will examine how transformative ideas and achievements influence societies across time and around the globe. In class, we will be discussing gender dynamics (the relationship and interactions between and among people, based on gender) and 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.

The spring break study abroad component will allow students to better understand gender dynamics in the world by exploring and immersing in the culture of other countries. Meaningful experiences will be afforded through international travel, the exploration of significant engineering accomplishments, and structured self-reflection. Tours of historic engineering feats, such as the Roman Aqueducts of Segovia and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, provides the students the opportunity to examine material science, structural longevity, and interdisciplinary problem-solving in real-world contexts and foster a lasting, global engineering mindset.

During the spring break study abroad component, 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 Palace of Versaille, 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, Senior Associate Director, Women in Engineering Program, at zurnbirk@purdue.edu

2027 Tentative Itinerary

Saturday, March 13 - Group flight to Madrid, Spain

Sunday, March 14 - arrive in Madrid - brief walking tour of Madrid sites and Welcome Dinner/Flamenco performance

Monday, March 15- Class discussion in the morning, Powerful Women of Madrid walking tour, and Royal Palace tour

Tuesday, March 16 - Excursion to Segovia including visits to the Aqueduct, Alcazar of Segovia castle, and Segovia Cathedral

Wednesday, March 17 - Excursion to explore the city of Toledo, Flight to Paris

Thursday, March 18 - Tour Notre Dame and visit The Louvre

Friday, March 19 - Day trip to Versailles

Saturday, March 20 - 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 21 - Group flight back to Indiana

Entrance to the Royal Palace, Madrid, Spain

Aqueduct of Segovia, Spain

The Aqueduct of Segovia, Spain

Paris, France

Overhead view of Paris, France including the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River

The Louvre, Paris, France

Musée du Louvre famous glass pyramid, Paris, France

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 - 11:20 AM). These are mandatory class meetings and you must attend in person, and (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 $6,100 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

direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus;
consult website Study Abroad Financial Aid Process ;
complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

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.