DIS-Greenland: Arctic Experiential Studies
Program Details
| Program Location |
Copenhagen, Denmark and Greenland, Multiple Countries (Greenland, Denmark)
|
| Sponsor |
DIS |
| Program Type |
Co-sponsored |
| Duration |
Summer
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Summer 2026 |
05/26/26 to 07/10/26
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Overview
Step into the Arctic and take your learning to the strategic frontline!
The Arctic is at the center of major global challenges, including climate change and increasing geopolitical tensions. With its strategic location between Europe and North America, and as a home to the world's second-largest ice sheet, Greenland offers a unique vantage point for studying these issues up close.
Start your program with a week in Copenhagen, Denmark, followed by four weeks in Greenland. Then, spend your final week back in Copenhagen to wrap up the program.
This program may be a good fit for you if you:
- Are curious, adaptable, and eager to explore new perspectives
- Thrive in collaborative, close-knit learning environments
- Are prepared for shifting schedules and unpredictable Arctic weather
- Want to engage meaningfully with local communities and cultures
- Are passionate about sustainability, climate issues, or global change
- Are excited to spend four immersive weeks together in Greenland with your cohort
This is a selective program, and DIS will select 20 students from around the US to participate. Chosen applicants will receive funding for their program, and will have most costs covered (minus airfare, study abroad fee, and personal expenses). Therefore, students must apply through Purdue and DIS. DIS will select applicants after their application deadline of March 15. Therefore, students are encouraged to have a back-up plan and can speak to a study abroad advisor about suitable second choices.
For more program information, please visit the
program website.
This program is sponsored by:
DIS.
Eligibility
The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.
The focus-area courses have pre-requisities, generally requiring one course in the subject area of the course at the university level before starting the program.
GPA Requirement:
3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none
Purdue Credit
Direct Credit
available from the following:
[
College of Agriculture] [
College of Liberal Arts] [
College of Health and Human Sciences] [
College of Science]
Specifically from:
BIO & EAPS (SCI)
Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.
Academic Program
You will study Greenland from multiple perspectives starting with a shared foundation in it's history culture and contemporary life through the 3-credit course Kalaallit Nunaat: Greenland's History, Culture and People.
Then, by choosing one of three focus areas, you deepen your expertise before coming back together with the full group to connect insights and build a richer, transdisciplinary understanding of the Arctic. Focus areas for 2026 include: Climate Change in Action, Eco-Psychology, and Geopolitical Rivalries and Global Security
DIS believes in learning with Greenland, not just about it. Therefore, your program is guided by reciprocity, respect, and collaboration and ensures that local voices, knowledge, and lived experiences help shape your time there.
For more information on academics, visit the DIS website.
Excursions
Much of your learning happens outside the classroom: exploring Greenland’s landscapes, connecting with communities, and seeing firsthand how climate change affects the region. You’ll work alongside local scholars and community leaders, building relationships that strengthen—rather than extract from—Greenland’s culture and environment.
Housing
In Copenhagen, stay at a Kollegium or local dorm. While in Greenland, you will stay at a research station.
Estimated Program Costs
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location. This will vary by program. Fully funded through the DIS Green Education Fund
This program supports sustainability-minded students, covering most costs so you can focus on field-based learning, cultural exchange, and making an impact. Tuition, housing, meals, travel between Denmark and Greenland, equipment and academic materials are covered. Students are responsible for airfare to Denmark.
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are
for: Summer 2026
|
Costs per term to be billed by Purdue
and Co-sponsor
|
| Program Fee |
$0.00
|
| Study Abroad Fee |
$609.40 |
|
Approximate additional costs per term
|
| To be paid by the student.
|
| Round-trip Airfare |
$1,200.00 |
| Travel Documents (passport, photos) |
$175.00 |
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.
Application Deadlines
For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline. Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.
As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.
| Program Application Deadline
|
| Summer Programs |
Mar 1 |
Returnees Information
Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted. If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.
Resources
The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.
For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383
or email
studyabroad@purdue.edu.
