Study Abroad | Spring Break Programs

Spring break courses are faculty-led and sponsored through individual departments within the College of Agriculture. Programs are offered for one week to ten days during Purdue's spring break in March. Students earn one or two credits.

AGRICULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL & COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY IN COSTA RICA

  • Costa Rica
  • March 15-23, 2025
  • Credits: AGR 49300 – 1 credit​
  • Cost for 2024: $3500 which includes airfare, accommodation, in-country transportation, entrance fees, meals, international medical insurance

Visit coffee, pineapple, and cacao farms | Arenal Volcano | Hike and learn about tropical rainforest ecology | Encounter river rafting and natural hot springs | Snorkel Pacific waters | Whale watch at Marino Ballena National Park | Experience tasty cuisine and colorful culture | and much more!

Itinerary

POWERPOINT SLIDES

 

 

NATURAL HISTORY IN COSTA RICA

  • Costa Rica
  • March 14-23, 2025
  • Credits: FNR 49800 - 2 credits
  • Cost in 2024: $3330 which includes airfare, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, transportation, international medical insurance.

Dr. Reuben Goforth
Dr. Barny Dunning

This course offers students the opportunity to explore biodiversity and conduct field studies in tropical rainforest, Pacific dry forest, Pacific rock reef, and mangrove swamp ecosystems of Costa Rica. Students will stay at multiple locations, including La Suerte Lodge and La Selva Biological Field Station in the tropical rain forest; Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge in the far north of the country; and Curu National Wildlife Refuge in the dry tropical forerst on the Pacific coast. Students will be expected to participate in all aspects of the trip, including extensive hiking in a variety of environments, snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean, and early morning and night hikes for birds and amphibians/reptiles, respectively. Students certified in the use of SCUBA will have the opportunity to go on dives over the Pacific rock reefs along the Curu Peninsula. Particular emphasis will be given to visiting habitats to observe freshwater fishes, marine fishes and other sea life, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals (especially bats), and birds. A Costa Rican conservationist who has worked extensively as a bat biologist and tour leader in the country will also provide students with insights into Costa Rican culture and history while they are experiencing the incredible biodiversity of Central America!

APPLY ONLINE

 ITINERARY

 

AGRICULTURE IN IRELAND

  • Ireland
  • March 9-17, 2024
  • Credits: AGR 49300 or AGEC 49800 – 1 credit​
  • Cost for 2024: $3930 which includes airfare, transportation, some meals, international medical insurance, accommodation
Learn about Irish culture, history, food processing, agribusiness and farming while visiting the sights of Ireland. Students will explore Dublin, Galway, Cork and Trim. Visits to the Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey and farms are on the agenda. Students will earn one credit.
 
 

 

DISCOVERING AGRICULTURE, FOOD, HISTORY AND THE CULTURE IN GREECE

  • Greece | March 9-16, 2024
  • Credits: ANSC 49500 - 2 credits
  • Cost in 2024: $3880 which includes airfare, accommodation, some meals, international medical insurance, in country transportation, entrance fees

Alan Mathew
Ashley York

Join us this Spring Break as we journey to Greece to learn about the agriculture, food, history and culture of this unique country, prominently situated in the culturally-important Mediterranean Basin that touches the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa. Our journey will begin in Thessaloniki where we will work closely with Perrotis College to learn about the region’s animal production systems, olive, and olive oil production, and a variety of other agricultural practices. We will then journey to Pamvoti Lake Island and Kalambake, Meteora. This is sure to be an unforgettable, educational, stimulating and inspiring experience!
This program is FULL for Spring Break 2024.

 

AGRICULTURE IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

  • Trinidad & Tobago | March 9-16, 2024
  • Credits: AGR 49300 – 1 credit​
  • Cost in 2024: $2800 which includes airfare, accommodation, some meals, in-country transportation, entrance fees, international medical insurance.

Amanda Dickson
Chris Adair

Trinidad and Tobago, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse agricultural practices, provides an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable educational experience. This immersive journey will allow you to:

  1. Explore Agriculture: Gain hands-on experience in tropical agriculture, visit local farms, and learn from experts in the field. Discover sustainable farming practices unique to the region.
  2. Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Trinidad and Tobago. Engage with local communities, sample delicious cuisine, and participate in traditional dances and music.
  3. Adventure Awaits: From exploring lush rainforests to relaxing on pristine beaches, this adventure offers a perfect blend of educational and recreational activities.
  4. Expand Your Horizons: Broaden your global perspective and build lifelong connections with fellow students and locals.

This study abroad class is open to students from all backgrounds and disciplines who share a passion for agriculture, culture, and adventure. No prior agricultural or cultural experience is required – just a desire to learn and explore. 

ITINERARY

POWERPOINT

 

 

VIETNAM: FOOD SECURITY & ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

  • Vietnam | March 9-17, 2024
  • Credits: 3 credits - ANSC 49500
  • Cost for 2024: $3200 includes airfare, accommodation, entrance fees, international medical insurance, some meals
Are you ready to learn about international agriculture in a country that employs over 80% of its people in the agriculture industry? Participants on this 10 day, 3-credit program will explore the global challenge of increased human consumption of animal protein while studying how Vietnamese producers of livestock, poultry, crop, and fish are meeting this need. The program will meet weekly on Purdue’s campus during the Spring semester. We will examine food security and food safety issues in Vietnam as well as unique environmental challenges related to modern-day agriculture. Students will visit agricultural operations, interact with local producers, and meet with faculty and undergraduate students from Vietnamese agricultural universities. In addition to the opportunity to study agriculture abroad, Vietnam offers a rich cultural history. Students traveling on this program will visit the country’s capital, Hanoi, explore pagodas and local markets, hike in Mai Chau, and gain an appreciation for the Vietnamese way of life.

AGRICULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL & COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY IN COSTA RICA

  • Costa Rica
  • March 15-23, 2025
  • Credits: AGR 49300 – 1 credit​
  • Cost for 2024: $3500 which includes airfare, accommodation, in-country transportation, entrance fees, meals, international medical insurance

Visit coffee, pineapple, and cacao farms | Arenal Volcano | Hike and learn about tropical rainforest ecology | Encounter river rafting and natural hot springs | Snorkel Pacific waters | Whale watch at Marino Ballena National Park | Experience tasty cuisine and colorful culture | and much more!

Itinerary

POWERPOINT SLIDES

 

 

NATURAL HISTORY IN COSTA RICA

  • Costa Rica
  • March 14-23, 2025
  • Credits: FNR 49800 - 2 credits
  • Cost in 2024: $3330 which includes airfare, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, transportation, international medical insurance.

Dr. Reuben Goforth
Dr. Barny Dunning

This course offers students the opportunity to explore biodiversity and conduct field studies in tropical rainforest, Pacific dry forest, Pacific rock reef, and mangrove swamp ecosystems of Costa Rica. Students will stay at multiple locations, including La Suerte Lodge and La Selva Biological Field Station in the tropical rain forest; Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge in the far north of the country; and Curu National Wildlife Refuge in the dry tropical forerst on the Pacific coast. Students will be expected to participate in all aspects of the trip, including extensive hiking in a variety of environments, snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean, and early morning and night hikes for birds and amphibians/reptiles, respectively. Students certified in the use of SCUBA will have the opportunity to go on dives over the Pacific rock reefs along the Curu Peninsula. Particular emphasis will be given to visiting habitats to observe freshwater fishes, marine fishes and other sea life, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals (especially bats), and birds. A Costa Rican conservationist who has worked extensively as a bat biologist and tour leader in the country will also provide students with insights into Costa Rican culture and history while they are experiencing the incredible biodiversity of Central America!

APPLY ONLINE

 ITINERARY

 

AGRICULTURE IN IRELAND

  • Ireland
  • March 9-17, 2024
  • Credits: AGR 49300 or AGEC 49800 – 1 credit​
  • Cost for 2024: $3930 which includes airfare, transportation, some meals, international medical insurance, accommodation
Learn about Irish culture, history, food processing, agribusiness and farming while visiting the sights of Ireland. Students will explore Dublin, Galway, Cork and Trim. Visits to the Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey and farms are on the agenda. Students will earn one credit.
 
 

 

DISCOVERING AGRICULTURE, FOOD, HISTORY AND THE CULTURE IN GREECE

  • Greece | March 9-16, 2024
  • Credits: ANSC 49500 - 2 credits
  • Cost in 2024: $3880 which includes airfare, accommodation, some meals, international medical insurance, in country transportation, entrance fees

Alan Mathew
Ashley York

Join us this Spring Break as we journey to Greece to learn about the agriculture, food, history and culture of this unique country, prominently situated in the culturally-important Mediterranean Basin that touches the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa. Our journey will begin in Thessaloniki where we will work closely with Perrotis College to learn about the region’s animal production systems, olive, and olive oil production, and a variety of other agricultural practices. We will then journey to Pamvoti Lake Island and Kalambake, Meteora. This is sure to be an unforgettable, educational, stimulating and inspiring experience!
This program is FULL for Spring Break 2024.

 

AGRICULTURE IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

  • Trinidad & Tobago | March 9-16, 2024
  • Credits: AGR 49300 – 1 credit​
  • Cost in 2024: $2800 which includes airfare, accommodation, some meals, in-country transportation, entrance fees, international medical insurance.

Amanda Dickson
Chris Adair

Trinidad and Tobago, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse agricultural practices, provides an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable educational experience. This immersive journey will allow you to:

  1. Explore Agriculture: Gain hands-on experience in tropical agriculture, visit local farms, and learn from experts in the field. Discover sustainable farming practices unique to the region.
  2. Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Trinidad and Tobago. Engage with local communities, sample delicious cuisine, and participate in traditional dances and music.
  3. Adventure Awaits: From exploring lush rainforests to relaxing on pristine beaches, this adventure offers a perfect blend of educational and recreational activities.
  4. Expand Your Horizons: Broaden your global perspective and build lifelong connections with fellow students and locals.

This study abroad class is open to students from all backgrounds and disciplines who share a passion for agriculture, culture, and adventure. No prior agricultural or cultural experience is required – just a desire to learn and explore. 

ITINERARY

POWERPOINT

 

 

VIETNAM: FOOD SECURITY & ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

  • Vietnam | March 9-17, 2024
  • Credits: 3 credits - ANSC 49500
  • Cost for 2024: $3200 includes airfare, accommodation, entrance fees, international medical insurance, some meals
Are you ready to learn about international agriculture in a country that employs over 80% of its people in the agriculture industry? Participants on this 10 day, 3-credit program will explore the global challenge of increased human consumption of animal protein while studying how Vietnamese producers of livestock, poultry, crop, and fish are meeting this need. The program will meet weekly on Purdue’s campus during the Spring semester. We will examine food security and food safety issues in Vietnam as well as unique environmental challenges related to modern-day agriculture. Students will visit agricultural operations, interact with local producers, and meet with faculty and undergraduate students from Vietnamese agricultural universities. In addition to the opportunity to study agriculture abroad, Vietnam offers a rich cultural history. Students traveling on this program will visit the country’s capital, Hanoi, explore pagodas and local markets, hike in Mai Chau, and gain an appreciation for the Vietnamese way of life.

Spring Break Programs

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