In an interconnected world, Purdue University’s Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) Program, administered by the Office of Professional Practice, is preparing students to thrive in a global workforce. Combining study abroad, international internships, and intercultural training, GEARE stands as Purdue’s premier work-abroad and study-abroad program, equipping students in engineering, computer science, and data science with enhanced global competencies.

 

The program follows a structured four-year timeline, balancing foreign language studies, professional preparation, and hands-on global experiences. Starting in their second year, students complete a domestic internship before heading abroad in their third year for both a semester of study and an international internship. GEARE also includes global design projects and culminates in poster presentations showcasing students’ work and experiences.

 

“Over the last several years, the GEARE program has been growing significantly,” said Catherine Bradley, a chemical engineering student at Purdue and former GEARE president. “It is expanding to include more study abroad and international work locations, further strengthening relationships with universities and companies.”

 

A key development within GEARE is the introduction of the Professional Prep Course (ENGR 296), a one-credit-hour course designed to help students develop essential professional skills. “This course prepares students with resumes, elevator pitches, interviewing skills, and an online professional presence,” Bradley said. “It also exposes them to domestic and international work opportunities in industry and research, preparing them for the rest of the GEARE program and their time abroad.”

The program has also expanded to include students outside of engineering, such as those in computer science and data science. Additionally, Purdue’s new partnership with the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) has strengthened, allowing for more international students to study at Purdue while sending more Purdue GEARE students abroad.

 

IAESTE is a global organization that connects university students with international work opportunities in more than 100 countries. The program provides a structured platform for students to access internships and research experiences in various fields. “One of the many special things that makes IAESTE so great is the community it offers,” said Nicolas Garcia-Brosa, a Purdue student who participated in the program. “Each member country has student-run local committees responsible for handling incoming and outgoing students, including arranging accommodations, payments, and cultural events.”

 

Garcia-Brosa shared how the IAESTE experience personally impacted him, describing his internship in Aachen, Germany. “I worked on manufacturing and distributing cutting-edge technology that makes physical rehabilitation more interactive. Through IAESTE, I made friends from all over the world and experienced German culture from a local’s perspective rather than just as a visitor.”

 

His experience not only provided valuable professional exposure but also helped him grow personally. “I pushed myself to speak only German while presenting at conventions, doing sales, and even giving my first public presentation at a startup pitch competition in front of a large crowd. I left my IAESTE experience with only good memories, invaluable work experience, and the opportunity to see things I wouldn’t have otherwise seen.”

 

Garcia-Brosa was so inspired by his experience that he became a teaching assistant for the GEARE courses. “The most fulfilling part about being a TA is hearing how students were able to be successful and knowing that we, as TAs, played a role in that,” he said.

 

With its continued expansion and new partnerships, Purdue’s GEARE program is setting the stage for students to develop global competencies that will serve them well in an increasingly international industry. Through initiatives like the IAESTE collaboration and the Professional Prep Course, students are gaining both technical skills and cross-cultural experience, ensuring they are prepared to make a meaningful impact in their careers worldwide.

 

Story by: Margaret Mowrer