WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) _ Purdue University officials are hoping a $3,000 check will lead more students to study for a semester in another country.
 
Fewer than 20 percent of Purdue students participate in international study programs before graduating, and one of university President Mitch Daniels' new initiatives is to increase that to one-third of students.

Purdue chief global affairs officer Suresh Garimella tells the Journal & Courier that the cost of traveling overseas holds many students back and the money might cover some of those costs.

The money will be available starting spring semester for qualified undergraduates who complete a credit-bearing study abroad program for a semester or school year. Purdue will pay up to $1,000 to those who choose a shorter program.