GEARE : Our Programs - Office of Professional Practice - Purdue University

GEARE: Work Abroad, Study Abroad

Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) is Purdue’s premier international work experience program. It provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to integrate language study, study abroad, cultural training, domestic and international work/research experiences, and global design team projects into the 4-year Engineering curriculum. Students completing the program will earn a Global Engineering Studies Minor while enhancing the intercultural competencies necessary to be effective leaders within the global work environment.

Eligibility

• Must be in the College of Engineering, Department of Computer Science, or Polytechnic Institute in West Lafayette or Indianapolis.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA
• Ability to complete 12 credits of a foreign language prior to the international experience

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Program Costs and Financial Aid

We strive for the GEARE program to be cost neutral. Students are required to register for an internship course during their GEARE domestic and GEARE global internship. The courses are free of charge. Students will receive compensation from their internship employers, which will help to offset the cost for the courses. Compensation for global internships may vary depending on the country and type of internship.

Students study abroad at Purdue student exchange partner universities. They pay their normal tuition and fees to Purdue during the semester abroad. The cost of living at most partner universities is equal or less than living on campus at Purdue.

Purdue students who have completed FAFSA are eligible for $2,000 - $5,000 in Giant Leaps Scholarships. All GEARE students are required to take an intercultral course through the Semester Abroad in Intercultural Learning (SAIL) Scholarship Program. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a $1000 scholarship, regardless of financial need, as a credit in the semester after they return from their program abroad. The Office of Professional Practice offers travel assistance grants to help students offset cost of living expenses while completing global internships. Click here to apply for Global Travel Assistance Grants.

GEARE Ambassadors

GEARE Ambassadors is the official student organization affiliated with the GEARE (Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education) program. It serves as a platform for students to build meaningful connections, develop leadership skills, and prepare for transformative international experiences. The organization oversees valuable resources for GEARE participants, facilitates pre-departure preparation, organizes professional development events, and hosts social activities designed to foster community within each student cohort.

GEARE News

Building Global Careers Through Purdue's GEARE Program

March 10, 2025

In an interconnected world, Purdue University’s Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) Program, is preparing students to thrive in a global workforce.

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Purdue's GEARE program builds future global leaders

November 22, 2024

Purdue’s Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) program is developing the next generation of global leaders.

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GEARE celebrates 20 years in Karlsruhe, Germany

July 18, 2023

The Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) 20th anniversary celebration was an inspiring weekend full of reconnecting, networking, learning and immersion in German culture.

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GEARE Leadership Team