Study Abroad | Purdue University

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

Technology, Innovation and Culture in Germany

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	Frankfurt, Mainz, Darmstadt, Stuttgart, Munich, Reutlingen, Germany
Course #	SA 10931
Duration	Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2026	05/10/26 to 05/24/26

Program Leader

Name	Grant Richards
Email	gprichards@purdue.edu

Click here to enroll in this program!

Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Program Description

Update: One spot has reopened for a female applicant.

The program had previously reached capacity and was closed earlier this semester. However, an opening is now available due to a participant’s withdrawal caused by an unavoidable travel conflict. Because housing is arranged in shared rooms, we are only able to accept a female applicant for this vacancy.

Experience Industry 4.0 in Germany – Maymester 2026

May 10 – 24, 2026 | MFET 49900 | 3 Credits

Imagine spending two weeks in the heart of Europe exploring the birthplace of Industry 4.0—while earning Purdue credit and experiencing Germany in a way most travelers never do. Technology, Innovation, and Culture in Germany is one of Purdue’s longest-running and most immersive study abroad programs, designed to blend hands-on learning with unforgettable cultural experiences.

Over the course of this Maymester, you’ll travel from Frankfurt through the Rhine–Main corridor and Stuttgart, ending in Munich. Each location opens a new window into Germany’s unique mix of manufacturing excellence, digital innovation, sustainability efforts, and deep cultural heritage. Every year’s itinerary is crafted to give students insider access to companies and institutions that shape global industry—so no two offerings are exactly the same.

You won’t just hear about innovation—you’ll see it up close. Past groups have stepped inside production floors at world-famous automotive manufacturers, watched advanced robots at work in cutting-edge labs, toured R&D centers, and talked directly with engineers, designers, and executive leaders who are redefining how products are made. Along the way, you’ll meet university partners, explore hands-on learning spaces, and see how German higher education connects with industry.

But this trip isn’t only about technology. Outside structured visits, you’ll experience the cultural richness that makes Germany unforgettable: wandering medieval streets, biking through the Englischer Garten, sampling regional food, exploring museums, and even cruising along the Rhine. Whether you’re standing inside the Gutenberg Museum, walking through the Nuremberg Trials courtroom, or taking in the view from the Zugspitze, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Germany’s influence on history, culture, and global industry.

Throughout the program, you’ll participate in daily reflections and discussions that connect what you’ve seen to bigger themes—globalization, leadership, innovation, collaboration, and cultural awareness. These conversations help you turn experiences into meaningful insights while building professional skills you’ll carry into internships and future careers.

The program begins in Frankfurt at noon on Sunday, May 10, 2026, and concludes in Munich on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Space is limited to only 14 students, and applicants complete both the standard study abroad application and a short interview to ensure the program is a strong fit.

Application Process

Enrollment is space-limited to 14 participants. Selection includes both the standard university study abroad application and a short interview to ensure the program aligns with your academic and professional goals.

Complete the official Purdue study abroad application for this program.
After submission, you will be contacted for an interview.
Final selections are made following the interview process.

Itinerary

Each offering is unique and the upcoming offering is still being finalized. One of the longest running study abroad programs at Purdue.

Past program itineraries:

2025 Program Itinerary

2024 Program Itinerary

2023 Program Itinerary

2022 Program Itinerary

Academic Credit

This course is 3 credits (MFET 49900). Participants should consult with their academic advisor to confirm how this global experience may apply toward their individual plan of study.

Eligibility

This program is open to all Purdue undergraduates, regardless of major. Admission is selective, and applicants must complete a short interview as part of the review process.

Because of the exclusive nature of the sites and experiences included, participation is limited to 14 students. Interest in this program is consistently high, so applying early is encouraged.

Program Cost

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

The 3-credit hour program fee has been finalized at $4,293.84. This includes lodging, insurance, in-country transportation, admission to activities and events, and most meals. Participants will arrange and purchase their own airfare to and from Germany, which provides flexibility for extended travel before or after the program.

Please note that beverages, some meals, souvenirs, and personal expenses are not included. Past participants typically budgeted $300–$500 for these additional items.

A $500 deposit is required within five business days of acceptance to reserve your place in the program. The remaining balance will appear on your Summer 2026 Purdue tuition bill. Details regarding payments, cancellations, and refunds are outlined in the program contract (Participation/Cancellation Agreement).

This program may qualify for scholarships and financial aid. For more information, visit the Purdue Study Abroad website.

Application Deadline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and spaces are limited. Spots will be confirmed as soon as selections are made, so applying early is strongly encouraged. If accepted, you’ll have five business days to submit your deposit and secure your place in the program.

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.