Study Away with PNW
Explore new cultures, develop real-world skills and build unforgettable memories with Purdue Northwest study-away programs!
From spring break experiences to semester-long trips, our flexible offerings fit your needs as you work toward a PNW degree.
Study Away is Waiting for You!
All students are encouraged to complete our initial Study Away Interest Form and get connected with a Study Away Advisor. Simply answer a couple of quick survey questions, and a member of the Study Away team will follow up to help you learn more about Study Away programs and planning for your very own Study Away experience.
Questions? Contact studyaway@pnw.edu.
Upcoming Programs
Model United Nations Experience
Nov. 22 to Nov. 25
PNW students prepare to participate in a four-day long simulation held by the American Model United Nations in Chicago. Students will learn how to write on the United Nations resolution and learn how to be a public speaker during the semester.
Global Health and Community-Based Approach in Puerto Rico
March 15 to March 21
Explore healthcare through a 3-credit, week-long study away in San Juan, Puerto Rico! Gain invaluable cultural competency and firsthand insights into international healthcare in a vibrant and welcoming setting.
Costa Rica: Nature as Your Classroom
March 15 to March 22
Focusing on the theme of environmental sustainability, students will explore Costa Rica’s exceptional natural environment and learn how the country is combining economic development with environmental protection.
Costa Rica Program Information
Romania: AI in Action
May 9 to May 19
This international program brings together students from Purdue University and professors and business partners of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration from UAIC of Iași, for a unique blend of cultural and academic exchange. The main theme is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is explored through lectures and practical company visits with applications in various fields.
Global Seminar: Educational Study Cruise in Mexico
May 10 to May 16
The program’s main emphasis will be the experiential learning multi-day cruise that centers around a reciprocal relationship between the course content and the cruise community.
Exploring Nepal - Past and Present
May 10 to May 21
Nepal is a country of amazing extremes, home to the world’s highest mountains, historic cities and forested plains where tigers and rhinos trundle at ease. In fact, enchantment is everywhere – for anyone in search of Shangri-La!
Teaching Math in Belize
May 17 to May 23
Focuses on teaching mathematics in a primary school in Belize. Students learn what it means to teach mathematics when reasoning, problem solving, communication and connections. Students will also learn similarities and differences between mathematics education in the US and Belize. This is a field-based experiential course where students will be placed in Belizean classrooms.
Learning Beyond Borders: Education, History, and Society in Morocco
May 18 to June 11
Fez, Morocco, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Arab-Muslim world, notable for its intricate urban fabric, monumental gates, madrasas, palaces, and the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest university. Fez is also celebrated as Morocco’s capital of learning and culture, making it an ideal location for a study-away destination. Fez has for centuries served as a center of intellectual, spiritual and artistic life in North Africa.
Study Abroad in Paris
May 30 to June 28
Students will live in Paris and stay with a French host family. The program will offer six credits of French language based on the level of the courses that the students take in a campus located at the heart of Paris in the 6th arrondissement, and a three-credit interdisciplinary culture course rooted in the city of Paris including its history, sacred and urban architecture, art collection, public space, public transportation, political institutions and everyday cultural life.
Clean Energy Design & Industry
Summer 2025 Program
A total of 10 graduate and undergraduate students will participate in a study away program (with no tuition), enrolling in a 1-week 3-credit course titled Clean Energy Design & Industry focused on clean energy system design and real-world industry exposure.
Pine Ridge Reservation
Summer 2025 Program
This program provides students with the opportunity to engage directly with members of the reservation, learning about their history, traditions, and contemporary challenges through meaningful dialogue and hands-on activities.
Study Away in Spain
Summer 2025 Program
During the program, students can improve their Spanish skills by interacting with locals and participating in language classes tailored to various proficiency levels. Students immerse in the language through daily conversations, exploring the city and embracing the local customs and traditions.
Explore Previous Trips
College of Nursing students traveled to Puerto Rico for an unforgettable, hands-on experience that deepened their understanding of healthcare and human connection across cultures.
The week-long nursing immersion program offered a dynamic look at global healthcare, exploring how culture, politics and technology shape systems around the world.
Hospitality and Tourism Management students immersed themselves in the vibrant heart of Italy—exploring Rome’s rich culture and the unique charm of the Agriturismo business firsthand.
Students were thrilled to explore Italy’s iconic landmarks, stepping into centuries of history and culture with every stop!
During the study away program in Mexico, students visited historical landmarks, surrounded themselves in the traditions and learned the local way of life.
This unforgettable study away program in Mexico allowed students to create lasting memories with their peers while expanding their understanding of the country’s lively offerings.
Why Study Away?
In addition to being an incredible, transformative experience, a study-away program can bring a host of academic, professional and personal benefits!
- Add a global dimension to your academics, career and life.
- Travel to new places and gain memories to last a lifetime.
- Build independence and teamwork skills across cultures.
- Develop experience to help you succeed in a global environment.
If you are interested in studying away or have questions, please email studyaway@pnw.edu.
- Add a unique, comparative lens to your discipline.
- Help understand concepts through experiential learning.
- Build your network through engaging work alongside PNW faculty, peers and international experts.
- Use your international experience be a jumping-off point for research, internships and/or service learning opportunities.
- Develop skills such as: flexibility, adaptability, comfort with ambiguity, communication, curiosity, empathy and intercultural competence.
- Set yourself apart: fewer than 10% of American undergraduates study abroad/
- 68% of study abroad alumni reported that it contributed to a job offer or promotion (IIE, 2017).
- Gain a sense of independence.
- Increase self-confidence.
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills.
- Travel and see new places.
- Engage with those who are different from you and build an appreciation for diversity.
I was able to meet amazing people, some of them becoming lifelong friends and connect with a superb faculty at Universidad de Extremadura who helped coordinate our trip along with Herlinda Ramírez-Barradas. PNW's study away trip to Spain definitely has a special place in my heart.
Benefits [of study away] definitely include connecting with your peers that you’ve never talked to before. I’ve made lifelong friends by studying abroad and it was awesome to spend time with them.
PNW's Study Away Program is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and every student should consider one before graduation. I was able to visit several cultural monuments and meet so many amazing people during my time away.
I got the chance of a lifetime to study abroad and learn about the fascinating city of London. I saw beautiful architecture from the massive museums to the manicured lawns of Strawberry Hill. Every inch of London is enriched with a narrative of the past, enabling me to develop different perspectives on how spaces can be used and their sense of community.
For anybody thinking about studying abroad, just do it. PNW has so many resources that can help you.
Having the opportunity to study [abroad] and work in Spain… The experience provided me with a great opportunity to ‘try out’ living and working abroad before I fully committed to a career in international journalism.
Study Away Events
Oct 21
Global Takeover TuesdaysPNW Study Away takes over the CLO 151 Lounge for walk-in advising. There will also be snacks and giveaways!
Oct 28
Global Takeover TuesdaysPNW Study Away takes over the CLO 151 Lounge for walk-in advising. There will also be snacks and giveaways!
Nov 17
International Education WeekJoin us for International Education Week (IEW), which celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
Nov 17
Global GrooveJoin PNW’s largest annual celebration, Global Groove, to celebrate international education and culture!
Important Resources
Choosing a Program
With program options around the globe, how do you choose the right one? Our resources will start you on your path to studying abroad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about study abroad from the Office of International Programs and Partnerships (OIPP).
About Us
From choosing a program to exploring funding resources, we are here to assist you with all aspects of study abroad: before, during and after your experience.