John Martinson Honors College
Study Away
Study Away refers to global and local learning across the United States and abroad. Through these off-campus, domestic or international experiences, students earn credit learning about technical topics while developing their intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

About
Study Away Opportunities
Purdue has made a commitment to making Study Abroad affordable through guaranteed scholarships based on financial need.
Through our place-based courses, virtual exchanges, and study away programs, students hone their perspective-taking and flexible-thinking skills in the local and global community. These experiences give students hands-on opportunities to operate in an unfamiliar context, ask new questions within familiar settings, and expand their thinking about local and global issues. They also develop students’ intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Instructor: Dr. Nathan Swanson
Class Meetings: 10.30–11.20am ET Tuesdays and Thursdays (Synchronous Online)
HONR credits: 2
In this course, students from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana), Unisinos (Porto Alegre, Brazil), and Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco (Cuzco, Peru) will collaborate virtually in interdisciplinary teams to identify solutions to a global or trans-local challenge. At the start of the course, students from all three universities will meet together to learn about the topic from a range of disciplinary perspectives through guest lectures, assigned readings, and class discussions. Students will then be divided into interdisciplinary teams with members from all three universities and provided a prompt related to the theme. Teams will spend the remainder of the course focused on researching, developing, and packaging their solutions, which they will present publicly at the end of the term. In addition to increasing knowledge of the topic and improving teamwork skills, students in this course will advance in intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes through their international collaborative experience.
Those completing this course will be given first priority to enroll in a subsidized study abroad program to our partner university over the subsequent Spring Break period for additional credit.
Fall
Fall 2024 Courses (Full Semester)
Instructor: Dr. Nathan Swanson
Class Meetings: 10.30–11.20am ET Tuesdays and Thursdays (Synchronous Online)
HONR credits: 2
In this course, students from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana), Unisinos (Porto Alegre, Brazil), and Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco (Cuzco, Peru) will collaborate virtually in interdisciplinary teams to identify solutions to a global or trans-local challenge. At the start of the course, students from all three universities will meet together to learn about the topic from a range of disciplinary perspectives through guest lectures, assigned readings, and class discussions. Students will then be divided into interdisciplinary teams with members from all three universities and provided a prompt related to the theme. Teams will spend the remainder of the course focused on researching, developing, and packaging their solutions, which they will present publicly at the end of the term. In addition to increasing knowledge of the topic and improving teamwork skills, students in this course will advance in intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes through their international collaborative experience.
Those completing this course will be given first priority to enroll in a subsidized study abroad program to our partner university over the subsequent Spring Break period for additional credit.
Instructor: Multiple sections/instructors
Class Meetings: Asynchronous Online
HONR credits: 2
“Exploring Place” is an examination of the cultural, social, and historical dynamics that influence communities and relationships of a site. Blending independent study and distance learning, in this experiential learning course, the student and the instructor work together to design an individualized, in-depth study of the place in which the student is located. This study will be attentive to the social, cultural, political, economic, and other forces that have shaped this place historically and today, while also focusing on community life and the relationships between residents, institutions, organizations, and others. Exploring Place offers students the opportunity to better understand the people and places around them, expand their worldviews, and increase their self-awareness as they engage within these spaces and understand their place in them.
This course meets the university's core requirement for Human Behavioral and Social Sciences.
October Break
Chicago, Illinois
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Muiris MacGiollabhui
HONR credits: 1
This fall break course will bring students back to the nineteenth century in Chicago at a time of steam engines, robber-barons, and railway strikes. In Chicago, we will explore the lives of laborers, who were often migrants newly arrived in the United States, as they navigated the crushing economic inequality of the Gilded Age. We will explore the rise of labor unions and radical agitators who faced off with men like Rockefeller and Carnegie. This is a three-day, two-night trip back in time.
There is an additional fee for this course, estima ted at $600, which includes transportation, lodging, and some meals.
Camp Tecumseh, Brookston, Indiana
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Adam Watkins
HONR credits: 1
Honors Leadership Retreat is for Honors students who want to take meaningful steps on the path to becoming an exceptional leader. The retreat consists of a highly interactive two-day, one-night stay at Camp Tecumseh over Fall Break. Here, students can explore principles of leadership excellence in a fun, supportive, low-stakes environment, while also making connections with other Honors leaders. The fundamental tenets of the Leadership Development Pillar will be explored, including collaborative leadership; social responsibility; and personal leadership strengths, styles, values, and commitments.
There is an additional fee for this course, estimated at $200, which includes transportation, lodging, and meals.
Spring
Spring 2025 Courses (Full Semester)
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
Spring 2025 Semester Exchange Programs
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
Spring Break 2025
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
FOOD SUSTAINABILITY AND CULTURE IN COLOMBIA
Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta, Colombia
Program Dates: March 15–22, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Carina Olaru (Latino Cultural Center)
Number of Credits: 2 HONR credits
Food—its access, significance, production, regionalism, and change over time—is a topic of study that has importance for understanding the complexities of a society and the socio-economic, political, and technological opportunities or challenges that the society faces. Colombia has ethnic and regional diversity as well as a history of immigration and conflict, which influence its rich culture and cuisine. Join us in Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta to explore food sustainability and culture in Colombia!
The course completed through this program fulfills the university core requirement for Human Cultures: Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS).
This program is offered in partnership with Purdue’s Latino Cultural Center (LCC).
Estimated Program Fee: $1,471
Not included in estimated cost: airfare and some meals
Callout Dates: November 13 (1.00pm, LCC) and November 15 (5.00pm, LCC)
Learn More and Apply: https://www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1850
Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Program Dates: March 14–23, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Nathan Swanson
Number of Credits: 2 HONR credits (with 2 additional HONR credits earned in the Fall Solutions Lab Global course)
Designing and implementing solutions to major global challenges requires interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration skills, and intercultural competencies. These are all put into practice in the “Solutions Lab Global” class in which Purdue students work virtually with students at Unisinos in Brazil to develop solutions to a global problem. This Spring Break study abroad program flows from this course, enriching the virtual experience with a visit to Unisinos. Participants will learn about student life in Brazil, interact with Brazilian peers, visit sights in Porto Alegre, explore the local region, and be immersed in Brazilian culture through homestays and program activities. The program concludes with a visit to Rio de Janeiro, a city rich in history, culture, and nature.
The course completed through this program fulfills the university core requirement for Human Cultures: Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS).
Note: Priority for enrollment in this program will be given to students enrolled in Solutions Lab Global: Brazil & Peru (HONR 22200) during the Fall 2024 semester.
Estimated Program Fee : $515
Not included in estimated cost : airfare and some meals
Learn More and Apply: https://www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1736
Padova and Venice, Italy
Program Dates: March 14–23, 2025
Faculty Program Leader: Dr. Natasha Duncan
Number of Credits: 2 HONR credits (with 2 additional HONR credits earned in the concurrent Solutions Lab Global course)
Designing and implementing solutions to major global challenges requires interdisciplinary thinking, collaboration skills, and intercultural competencies. These are all put into practice in the “Solutions Lab Global” class in which Purdue students work virtually with students at the University of Padova in Italy to develop solutions to a global problem. This Spring Break study abroad program flows from this course, enriching the virtual experience with a visit to Padova. Participants will learn about student life in Italy, interact with Italian peers, visit sights in Padova, explore the local region, and be immersed in Italian culture through dormitory stays and program activities. The program concludes with a visit to nearby Venice, one of the world’s most unique cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The course completed through this program fulfills the university core requirement for Human Cultures: Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS).
Note: Priority for enrollment in this program will be given to students enrolled in Solutions Lab Global: Italy (HONR 22200) during the Spring 2025 semester.
Estimated Program Fee : $790
Not included in estimated cost : airfare and some meals
Learn More and Apply: https://www.studyabroad.purdue.edu/programs/flyer.cfm?flyer=1788Summer
Summer/Maymester 2025
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
HONR 22200 | Solutions Lab Global
Solutions Lab Global is a transnational, virtual, interdisciplinary course that transcend national boundaries by bringing together Purdue students with students at universities abroad. In the online course, students collaborate in interdisciplinary, cross-national teams to work towards solutions to a global problem. Honors students in the course collaborate with students in Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Taiwan. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters and includes an optional bi-directional student mobility dimension which takes place at different points in the academic year.
HONR credits: 2
