The Faculty & Staff Global Learning Lab: South Africa 2026 is a funded professional development opportunity designed to strengthen Purdue’s global engagement and expand high-quality study abroad programming.

Participants will explore South Africa’s higher education system, engage with university and community partners, and develop practical frameworks for building inclusive, impactful study abroad programs.

This initiative is supported by the Giant Leaps for Global Impact: New Ideas Grant.

Program Details:

• Four preparatory sessions scheduled in the spring 2026 term after cohort selection. Interactive meetings will highlight intentional study abroad learning outcomes, logistics, safety, and partnership development.
• In country field experience May 15 - May 24, 2026. During the 10 day field experience, participants will travel to South Africa, join seminars with representatives from South African universities such as Stellenbosch and University of Cape Town, explore post-apartheid education and community engagement models, test and improve program itineraries and design.
• Post program development. Participants will develop Global Learning Plans and incorporate intentional global outcomes into at least one Purdue course or program.

Cost:

The Learning Lab is partially funded by a New Ideas Impact Grant. Participants will be responsible for the following:

• Roundtrip international airfare to Cape Town, South Africa
• $1000 of program expenses
• Limited incidental costs (select meals, passport fees, personal expenses, etc.)

Application Process:

• Applications may be submitted via Global Learning Lab: South Africa Application.
• Submissions will need to include the following:
  • 500 word (max) essay describing:
    • Motivation for participating 
    • How the program aligns with your teaching, research, or engagement goals
    • How you intend to apply what you learn
  • Departmental support documenting the following:
    • Approval for participation and international travel during the program dates
    • Commitment or verification of funding that will cover applicant participation fees (i.e. international airfare, $1000 of program expense, additional meals, incidentals).

Timeline:

• Application deadline: December 17, 2025
• Decision notices: December 22, 2025

Participant Selection:

• Open to all Purdue faculty and staff across all schools/colleges. 
• Up to 10 participants will be selected through a competitive application process.
• Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to global learning and engagement.
• Participants must be available for travel for the dates outlined above.

Additional Information:

• Due to nature of the experience, the in country program is limited to participants only.
• The program will include daily walking and visits to university campuses and community sites, participants should be prepared for moderate physical activity.
• Participants will be expected to engage fully in group discussions, reflection activities, and program follow up outcomes development.

Contact:

For questions or additional details, please contact:

Briggitta August, Director of Student Excellence and Community, College of Liberal Arts
Paula Memmer, Departmental Program Manager, Program for Study Abroad