Office of Engagement and Global Initiatives
The Purdue College of Education’s Office of Engagement and Global Initiatives recognizes the transformative power of collaboration and engagement. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, we engage with universities, organizations, and communities worldwide.
welcome
Welcome to the Office of Global Engagement and Global Initiatives!
Our mission is to foster meaningful relationships, promote active citizenship, and inspire thoughtful dialogue in educational settings. By creating opportunities to broaden perspectives, we strive to equip our students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.
We invite you to explore our engagement projects and events—and join us in making a positive impact!
Warm regards,
Sunnie Lee Watson
Assistant Dean for Engagement and Global Initiatives
Engagement
Strong Commitment to Engagement
We believe that education goes beyond the classroom, and that powerful learning occurs when we actively connect with our communities, collaborate with partners, and work collectively to create positive change in the field of education specifically and our society at large.
Our office is committed to fostering connections and partnerships that enhance the educational experience and make a positive impact on the world. We encourage our students, staff and faculty to seek opportunities for experiential learning, community outreach, and engagement with community organizations.
Our key areas of focus include:
Research and Innovation: We promote research initiatives that address pressing educational and societal issues, fostering a culture of growth and scholarship.
Student Engagement: We encourage our students to consider a range of opportunities, from internships and service-learning projects to extracurricular activities, that enrich their academic journey and prepare them for active global citizenship.
Faculty Engagement: We support faculty in building strong community partnerships, integrating engagement into their curriculum, and pursuing research in both informal and formal educational settings.
Community Partnerships: Our college actively seeks out collaborations with local organizations, schools, and institutions to create mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to our community. Our definition of community also extends to online and global settings, seeking varied partnerships in many contexts.
Community Partners
Bauer Family Resources (Youth Programs)
Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring of Greater Lafayette
Boys & Girls Club (10th St Unit)
Scouting America – Sagamore Council
Brookshire Learning Center
Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette
East Tipp Middle School
Excel Center
Family Promise of Greater Lafayette
Food Finders Food Bank
Forest Academy
Hanna Community Center
Harrison High School eSports and Cyber Security Club
Hartford Hub
Heads Up Homework Club
Lafayette Urban Ministry
North End Community Center – After School Tutoring
Salvation Army
The Training Grounds – Battle Ground Middle School
Wabash Center INC – Grants House
Wea Ridge Elementary – Intramural Sports
West Lafayette Public Library
YWCA Greater Lafayette
Global Initiatives
Global Knowledge Exchange
At the Purdue College of Education, we believe meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom and borders. Our global engagement initiatives prepare future educators and scholars to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Through a variety of study abroad programs, our students can explore various educational systems and gain firsthand international experience. In addition, we proudly host accomplished visiting scholars from around the world, enriching our academic community and advancing cross-cultural exchange. Together, these opportunities foster global citizenship, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of education on a global scale.
Learning doesn’t have to take place in the classroom.
Explore the world and develop a global world view through our study abroad programs. Twenty-seven percent of our students choose to study abroad.
Why would an Education student want to study abroad?
Listen to Paige Fulkerson’s experience at Leiden University on this recent Student Voices podcast.
Each year, the College of Education faculty graciously hosts many talented visiting international scholars who spend a semester or an entire year with us. These scholars pursue a variety of research interests, often in collaboration with College of Education faculty. Their work enhances the academic environment of the College and Purdue University as a whole. We are privileged that these international visiting scholars have chosen to work with the College of Education faculty at Purdue University.
Why teach?
Become a Teacher