Director & Advisor Messages
Dear students,
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My name is Leighton Buntain and I serve as GEARE program manager within the Office of Professional Practice. I have been at Purdue for many years, first in the International Programs office, then with the John Martinson Honors College. In addition to these positions, I have lived and worked for around 15 years in various countries throughout east and southeast Asia. Most of this work and research has focused on study abroad, exchange, and global learning.
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In my opinion, studying and working abroad is one of the most meaningful educational experiences anyone in any field can have. It is not easy to do, but nothing worthwhile ever is. GEARE is a program that blends education abroad with professional experiences abroad and is unique in U.S. higher education. It is not just studying abroad, language learning, or an internship. It is all of these, combined with an ever-growing community of students and alumni whose careers and professional ambitions have been formed and developed through their GEARE experience.
We are looking for future professionals that savor the challenge and appreciate the opportunities that come with a commitment to do more than just travel, but of living, learning, and working across the globe. Finally, we are looking for those willing to learn from their peers both at home and abroad, and, in turn, are willing to mentor those following in their footsteps throughout the GEARE experience. If this is you, come join us!
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Sincerely,
Dr. Leighton Buntain
Dear Global Engineers,
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Welcome to the GEARE student website. This is a resource designed by and for GEARE students to help connect with program alumni, prepare for international experiences, and learn about opportunities within the GEARE program.
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Since 2014, it has been my great pleasure to coordinate this program and interact with its students. In my opinion, there is no greater satisfaction than being part of students’ development as they achieve their professional and personal goals. I look forward to interacting with many future students and following the success of our alums.​
In May 2023, we will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the GEARE program in Karlsruhe, Germany. Since its inception in 2003, nearly 1,000 students have participated in the program. Students have taken engineering coursework at top universities in more than 20 countries while finding meaningful internship opportunities in more than 30 countries around the world. Post-graduation, GEARE alum take jobs at desirable companies in the U.S. and abroad or pursue Masters and PhD programs.
For the past 8 years, we have put a premium on global competency development, and we know that GEARE students make tremendous strides in their abilities to understand difference, communicate effectively across cultures, and lead diverse teams. We are looking forward to the next 20 years of GEARE where we will increase study abroad and internship opportunities around the world and expand the breadth of academic specialties offered. We hope you will join us.
