2027 SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS
Spring break study abroad 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
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: AGRY 39900 or AGR 49300 - 1 credit
- Cost from 2026: $3200 which includes airfare, accommodation, in-country transportation, entrance fees, meals, international medical insurance
- Leaders: Dr. Corey Gerber & Mandy Chalk Marquardt
- Callout: TBD
Visit coffee, pineapple, and cacao farms | Arenal Volcano | Hike and learn about tropical rainforest ecology | Encounter waterfalls and natural hot springs | Snorkel Pacific waters | Experience tasty cuisine and colorful culture | and much more!
Exploring Neotropical Biodiversity, Conservation, and Communities in Costa Rica
APPLY ONLINE- March 12-21, 2027
- Credits: FNR 49800 - 3 credits
- Cost in 2026: $3600 which includes airfare, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, transportation, international medical insurance.
- Leaders: Patrick Ruhl & Megan Gunn
- Callout: TBD
Join this immersive field experience through some of Costa Rica's most ecologically diverse regions. Students will explore tropical rainforests, wetlands, volcanic landscapes, dry forests, and coastal marine ecosystems while learning about biodiversity, conservation, and the connections between natural resources and local communities. Through guided field experiences, students will observe a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater and marine fishes, crocodiles, and other native mammals in their natural habitats.
The program features hands-on learning at biological field stations, national parks, and wildlife refuges, including La Selva Biological Station, Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, Arenal National Park, Curú National Wildlife Refuge, Cabo Blanco National Park, and the Tárcoles River. Students will participate in birding excursions, biodiversity sampling, boat tours, snorkeling, night hikes, and discussions on tropical ecology, watershed management, habitat conservation, and migratory species. Throughout the program, students will also engage with Costa Rican conservation professionals and local communities to gain a deeper understanding of the country's globally recognized conservation efforts and the relationships between biodiversity, sustainable development, and human livelihoods.
France: Beyond Urban Agriculture and Forestry
APPLY ONLINE
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: FNR 49800 – 1 credit
- Cost: TBD
- Leaders: Nathan Shoaf and Benjamin McCallister
- Callout: TBD
Learn from one of the world's most iconic cities about reimagining agriculture, green infrastructure, and urban forestry to create more sustainable and resilient communities. Through field visits across Paris and Versailles, students will examine innovative approaches to urban food production, rooftop farming, community gardens, green corridors, historic landscapes, and urban woodland management while considering the environmental, social, and economic benefits of integrating nature into cities.
Students will visit pioneering urban agriculture projects, botanical gardens, research collections, local markets, and historic horticultural sites to learn about controlled environment agriculture, circular food systems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable landscape design. The program also highlights the role of trees and urban forests in improving climate resilience, ecosystem services, and quality of life through visits to renowned parks, arboretums, and green infrastructure projects that have influenced cities around the world. Complementing these academic experiences are opportunities to explore Parisian food culture, history, architecture, and local neighborhoods, providing a deeper understanding of how agriculture, forestry, and urban planning intersect in one of Europe's most dynamic metropolitan regions. This immersive program offers students a unique perspective on the future of sustainable cities and the innovative practices shaping urban agriculture and forestry worldwide.
Agricultural and Cultural Landscapes of Germany
APPLY ONLINE
Journey to Germany's innovative agricultural sector, world-renowned research institutions, and rich cultural heritage. Throughout the program, students will travel across Germany, visiting farms, agribusinesses, universities, and historic cities to examine how modern agriculture, sustainability, and technology contribute to one of Europe's leading agricultural economies. Students will gain firsthand insight into crop production, seed systems, sustainable farming practices, renewable energy, agricultural research, and the bioeconomy through visits to organizations including BASF, Bayer AG, the University of Hohenheim, and a variety of family-owned and commercial farming operations.
In addition to the academic experiences, participants will discover Germany's history and culture through guided visits to Heidelberg Castle, the medieval city of Würzburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt, while experiencing local cuisine and regional traditions. The program also explores the connections between agriculture, food production, environmental stewardship, and rural communities, providing students with a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping agriculture in Germany and beyond. This interdisciplinary study abroad experience offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders while experiencing the cultural landscapes that have influenced German agriculture for centuries.
Ghana: Agriculture Development and Community Engagement
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: AGEC 49800 – 1 credit
- Cost: TBD
- Leaders: Todd Kuethe
- Callout: TBD
Explore the connections between agriculture, sustainable development, and community partnerships in Ghana. Throughout the program, students will travel from Accra to Cape Coast and the Volta Region, engaging with local farmers, agricultural enterprises, and rural communities while learning about the opportunities and challenges facing agricultural development in West Africa. Through visits to plantations, farms, research facilities, and aquaculture operations, students will gain firsthand insight into crop production, food systems, environmental sustainability, and community-based agricultural initiatives.
A highlight of the program is the multi-day stay at Sage, where students will collaborate with local community members through research, project planning, and community engagement activities designed to promote sustainable development. Additional experiences may include learning about cocoa production, beekeeping, medicinal plants, local food traditions, and Ghanaian arts and culture through activities such as cooking, Kente weaving, batik making, drumming, and visits to historical and cultural landmarks. This hands-on program offers a unique opportunity to develop cross-cultural understanding while exploring how agriculture, community engagement, and sustainable development work together to improve livelihoods and strengthen rural communities in Ghana.
AGRICULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL & COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY IN COSTA RICA
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: AGRY 39900 or AGR 49300 - 1 credit
- Cost from 2026: $3200 which includes airfare, accommodation, in-country transportation, entrance fees, meals, international medical insurance
- Leaders: Dr. Corey Gerber & Mandy Chalk Marquardt
- Callout: TBD
Visit coffee, pineapple, and cacao farms | Arenal Volcano | Hike and learn about tropical rainforest ecology | Encounter waterfalls and natural hot springs | Snorkel Pacific waters | Experience tasty cuisine and colorful culture | and much more!
Exploring Neotropical Biodiversity, Conservation, and Communities in Costa Rica
APPLY ONLINE- March 12-21, 2027
- Credits: FNR 49800 - 3 credits
- Cost in 2026: $3600 which includes airfare, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, transportation, international medical insurance.
- Leaders: Patrick Ruhl & Megan Gunn
- Callout: TBD
Join this immersive field experience through some of Costa Rica's most ecologically diverse regions. Students will explore tropical rainforests, wetlands, volcanic landscapes, dry forests, and coastal marine ecosystems while learning about biodiversity, conservation, and the connections between natural resources and local communities. Through guided field experiences, students will observe a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater and marine fishes, crocodiles, and other native mammals in their natural habitats.
The program features hands-on learning at biological field stations, national parks, and wildlife refuges, including La Selva Biological Station, Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, Arenal National Park, Curú National Wildlife Refuge, Cabo Blanco National Park, and the Tárcoles River. Students will participate in birding excursions, biodiversity sampling, boat tours, snorkeling, night hikes, and discussions on tropical ecology, watershed management, habitat conservation, and migratory species. Throughout the program, students will also engage with Costa Rican conservation professionals and local communities to gain a deeper understanding of the country's globally recognized conservation efforts and the relationships between biodiversity, sustainable development, and human livelihoods.
France: Beyond Urban Agriculture and Forestry
APPLY ONLINE
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: FNR 49800 – 1 credit
- Cost: TBD
- Leaders: Nathan Shoaf and Benjamin McCallister
- Callout: TBD
Learn from one of the world's most iconic cities about reimagining agriculture, green infrastructure, and urban forestry to create more sustainable and resilient communities. Through field visits across Paris and Versailles, students will examine innovative approaches to urban food production, rooftop farming, community gardens, green corridors, historic landscapes, and urban woodland management while considering the environmental, social, and economic benefits of integrating nature into cities.
Students will visit pioneering urban agriculture projects, botanical gardens, research collections, local markets, and historic horticultural sites to learn about controlled environment agriculture, circular food systems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable landscape design. The program also highlights the role of trees and urban forests in improving climate resilience, ecosystem services, and quality of life through visits to renowned parks, arboretums, and green infrastructure projects that have influenced cities around the world. Complementing these academic experiences are opportunities to explore Parisian food culture, history, architecture, and local neighborhoods, providing a deeper understanding of how agriculture, forestry, and urban planning intersect in one of Europe's most dynamic metropolitan regions. This immersive program offers students a unique perspective on the future of sustainable cities and the innovative practices shaping urban agriculture and forestry worldwide.
Agricultural and Cultural Landscapes of Germany
APPLY ONLINE
Journey to Germany's innovative agricultural sector, world-renowned research institutions, and rich cultural heritage. Throughout the program, students will travel across Germany, visiting farms, agribusinesses, universities, and historic cities to examine how modern agriculture, sustainability, and technology contribute to one of Europe's leading agricultural economies. Students will gain firsthand insight into crop production, seed systems, sustainable farming practices, renewable energy, agricultural research, and the bioeconomy through visits to organizations including BASF, Bayer AG, the University of Hohenheim, and a variety of family-owned and commercial farming operations.
In addition to the academic experiences, participants will discover Germany's history and culture through guided visits to Heidelberg Castle, the medieval city of Würzburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt, while experiencing local cuisine and regional traditions. The program also explores the connections between agriculture, food production, environmental stewardship, and rural communities, providing students with a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping agriculture in Germany and beyond. This interdisciplinary study abroad experience offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders while experiencing the cultural landscapes that have influenced German agriculture for centuries.
Ghana: Agriculture Development and Community Engagement
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: AGEC 49800 – 1 credit
- Cost: TBD
- Leaders: Todd Kuethe
- Callout: TBD
Explore the connections between agriculture, sustainable development, and community partnerships in Ghana. Throughout the program, students will travel from Accra to Cape Coast and the Volta Region, engaging with local farmers, agricultural enterprises, and rural communities while learning about the opportunities and challenges facing agricultural development in West Africa. Through visits to plantations, farms, research facilities, and aquaculture operations, students will gain firsthand insight into crop production, food systems, environmental sustainability, and community-based agricultural initiatives.
A highlight of the program is the multi-day stay at Sage, where students will collaborate with local community members through research, project planning, and community engagement activities designed to promote sustainable development. Additional experiences may include learning about cocoa production, beekeeping, medicinal plants, local food traditions, and Ghanaian arts and culture through activities such as cooking, Kente weaving, batik making, drumming, and visits to historical and cultural landmarks. This hands-on program offers a unique opportunity to develop cross-cultural understanding while exploring how agriculture, community engagement, and sustainable development work together to improve livelihoods and strengthen rural communities in Ghana.
DISCOVERING AGRICULTURE, FOOD, HISTORY AND THE CULTURE IN GREECE
APPLY ONLINE
Explore one of the world's most historically significant and agriculturally rich regions. Throughout the program, students will experience the unique intersection of agriculture, food production, history, culture, and sustainability while traveling through Thessaloniki and Athens. Participants will gain firsthand insight into Greece's agricultural industries, traditional foods, and natural resource conservation.
Students will visit Perrotis College to learn about Greek livestock production, dairy and poultry systems, and olive oil sensory analysis, while also exploring specialty agricultural enterprises including vine leaf production, buffalo dairy farming, and premium honey production. The program also highlights Greece's commitment to conservation through visits to a wildlife rehabilitation center, the Hellenic Center for Marine Research, and the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre, where students will learn about biodiversity, marine ecosystems, and wildlife protection. Complementing these academic experiences are guided tours of Thessaloniki and Athens, a hands-on Greek cooking class, visits to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, and opportunities to experience Greece's rich culinary traditions and vibrant culture. This interdisciplinary program provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover how agriculture, food, history, conservation, and culture have shaped Greece for thousands of years.
AGRICULTURE IN IRELAND
- March 12-20, 2027
- Credits: AGR 49300 – 1 credit
- Cost in 2026: $4400 which includes airfare, transportation, some meals, international medical insurance, accommodation
- Leaders: James Krotz and Dan Pastor
- Callout: TBD
Visit Ireland's agricultural industries, food systems, history, and culture while traveling through Cork, Galway, and Dublin. Participants will visit award-winning dairy farms, an organic micro-dairy, a tillage farm, and a livestock mart to gain firsthand insight into Ireland's livestock production, sustainable farming practices, and agricultural economy. Students will also experience Ireland's rich food heritage through visits to the English Market, the Butter Museum, and innovative local food enterprises focused on sustainability and zero-waste production. Complementing these agricultural experiences are visits to iconic landmarks including the Rock of Cashel and the Cliffs of Moher, participation in St. Patrick's Day festivities in Galway, and opportunities to learn about Irish history, traditions, and business through cultural tours and industry visits. This interdisciplinary program provides an engaging opportunity to discover how agriculture, food, history, and culture are deeply connected throughout Ireland.
Netherlands: Greenhouses to Global Markets
APPLY ONLINE
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: HORT 49100 or LA 48100 – 1 credit
- Cost: TBD
- Leaders: Celina Gomez and Petrus Langenhoven
- Callout: TBD
The Netherlands is a leader in greenhouse horticulture, flower production, seed breeding, agricultural technology, and food innovation, providing students with a firsthand look at how science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability shape modern agriculture. Through visits to cutting-edge greenhouses, research institutions, farms, companies, and industry organizations, students will explore controlled environment agriculture, biological crop protection, plant breeding, food systems, and international agricultural trade.
Students will visit the World Horti Centre, Wageningen University & Research, FoodValley, Royal FloraHolland flower auction, seed breeding companies, greenhouse growers, an innovative dairy farm, and global agricultural businesses to learn how Dutch agriculture produces efficiently while addressing challenges related to sustainability, labor, climate, and food security. The program will also highlight the connections between producers, researchers, policymakers, and global markets through discussions on agricultural innovation, supply chains, and international development. Beyond the academic experiences, students will enjoy opportunities to explore Dutch culture, history, and food through visits to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Keukenhof Flower Gardens, and other iconic locations. This program provides a unique opportunity to understand why the Netherlands is recognized worldwide as a model for agricultural innovation and global food production.
Explore Trinidad & Tobago
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: HORT 49100 or LA 48100 – 1 credit
- Cost in 2026: $3400 which includes airfare, transportation, some meals, international medical insurance, accommodation
- Leaders: Chris Adair and Ashley Adair
- Callout: TBD
Immerse yourself in one of the Caribbean's most ecologically and culturally diverse destinations. Throughout the program, students will discover the islands' unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural traditions while exploring tropical forests, wetlands, and coastal environments. Guided excursions include visits to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, the Pitch Lake, local agricultural and chocolate production operations, and opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and the unforgettable experience of observing nesting sea turtles.
Students will also gain insight into Trinidad and Tobago's history, economy, and natural resources through experiences such as the Angostura distillery tour, interactions with local communities, and sampling traditional cuisine, including the iconic bake and shark. Combining environmental exploration, agricultural learning, and cultural immersion, this hands-on program provides a unique opportunity to better understand the connections between natural ecosystems, food production, conservation, and Caribbean culture.
DISCOVERING AGRICULTURE, FOOD, HISTORY AND THE CULTURE IN GREECE
APPLY ONLINE
Explore one of the world's most historically significant and agriculturally rich regions. Throughout the program, students will experience the unique intersection of agriculture, food production, history, culture, and sustainability while traveling through Thessaloniki and Athens. Participants will gain firsthand insight into Greece's agricultural industries, traditional foods, and natural resource conservation.
Students will visit Perrotis College to learn about Greek livestock production, dairy and poultry systems, and olive oil sensory analysis, while also exploring specialty agricultural enterprises including vine leaf production, buffalo dairy farming, and premium honey production. The program also highlights Greece's commitment to conservation through visits to a wildlife rehabilitation center, the Hellenic Center for Marine Research, and the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre, where students will learn about biodiversity, marine ecosystems, and wildlife protection. Complementing these academic experiences are guided tours of Thessaloniki and Athens, a hands-on Greek cooking class, visits to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, and opportunities to experience Greece's rich culinary traditions and vibrant culture. This interdisciplinary program provides an unforgettable opportunity to discover how agriculture, food, history, conservation, and culture have shaped Greece for thousands of years.
AGRICULTURE IN IRELAND
- March 12-20, 2027
- Credits: AGR 49300 – 1 credit
- Cost in 2026: $4400 which includes airfare, transportation, some meals, international medical insurance, accommodation
- Leaders: James Krotz and Dan Pastor
- Callout: TBD
Visit Ireland's agricultural industries, food systems, history, and culture while traveling through Cork, Galway, and Dublin. Participants will visit award-winning dairy farms, an organic micro-dairy, a tillage farm, and a livestock mart to gain firsthand insight into Ireland's livestock production, sustainable farming practices, and agricultural economy. Students will also experience Ireland's rich food heritage through visits to the English Market, the Butter Museum, and innovative local food enterprises focused on sustainability and zero-waste production. Complementing these agricultural experiences are visits to iconic landmarks including the Rock of Cashel and the Cliffs of Moher, participation in St. Patrick's Day festivities in Galway, and opportunities to learn about Irish history, traditions, and business through cultural tours and industry visits. This interdisciplinary program provides an engaging opportunity to discover how agriculture, food, history, and culture are deeply connected throughout Ireland.
Netherlands: Greenhouses to Global Markets
APPLY ONLINE
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: HORT 49100 or LA 48100 – 1 credit
- Cost: TBD
- Leaders: Celina Gomez and Petrus Langenhoven
- Callout: TBD
The Netherlands is a leader in greenhouse horticulture, flower production, seed breeding, agricultural technology, and food innovation, providing students with a firsthand look at how science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability shape modern agriculture. Through visits to cutting-edge greenhouses, research institutions, farms, companies, and industry organizations, students will explore controlled environment agriculture, biological crop protection, plant breeding, food systems, and international agricultural trade.
Students will visit the World Horti Centre, Wageningen University & Research, FoodValley, Royal FloraHolland flower auction, seed breeding companies, greenhouse growers, an innovative dairy farm, and global agricultural businesses to learn how Dutch agriculture produces efficiently while addressing challenges related to sustainability, labor, climate, and food security. The program will also highlight the connections between producers, researchers, policymakers, and global markets through discussions on agricultural innovation, supply chains, and international development. Beyond the academic experiences, students will enjoy opportunities to explore Dutch culture, history, and food through visits to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Keukenhof Flower Gardens, and other iconic locations. This program provides a unique opportunity to understand why the Netherlands is recognized worldwide as a model for agricultural innovation and global food production.
Explore Trinidad & Tobago
- March 13-21, 2027
- Credits: HORT 49100 or LA 48100 – 1 credit
- Cost in 2026: $3400 which includes airfare, transportation, some meals, international medical insurance, accommodation
- Leaders: Chris Adair and Ashley Adair
- Callout: TBD
Immerse yourself in one of the Caribbean's most ecologically and culturally diverse destinations. Throughout the program, students will discover the islands' unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural traditions while exploring tropical forests, wetlands, and coastal environments. Guided excursions include visits to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, the Pitch Lake, local agricultural and chocolate production operations, and opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and the unforgettable experience of observing nesting sea turtles.
Students will also gain insight into Trinidad and Tobago's history, economy, and natural resources through experiences such as the Angostura distillery tour, interactions with local communities, and sampling traditional cuisine, including the iconic bake and shark. Combining environmental exploration, agricultural learning, and cultural immersion, this hands-on program provides a unique opportunity to better understand the connections between natural ecosystems, food production, conservation, and Caribbean culture.