Incorporating Study Abroad Into the Undergraduate Organic Crop Production Program

A new study abroad course on organic production and marketing was developed to add a significant international perspective to the horticultural science undergraduate program especially the organic crop production specialization at the University of Florida (UF). The course was established as a result of a partnership with the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) that was funded by a USDA International Science and Education grant. Ten undergraduate students participated in this two-credit study abroad course in 2009, while six students were enrolled in 2011. During a one-week period, students visited the UPM campus and organic garden, diverse organic and biodynamic farming operations, processors, and marketplaces around Madrid, as well as the Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research (IVIA), a horchata factory, and organic farms in Valencia. The course activities were designed to provide students with direct interactions with UPM faculty, students, and organic producers, and allow students to compare the organic food systems, standards, and issues between the U.S. and Spain—the leading organic producer in Europe. Students were required to complete a reflective daily travel journal and a comparative final report. For the final report, each student selected a farming operation from the places visited and analyzed critically different aspects of production practices, holistic management, and marketing strategies. Course evaluation results indicated that participants in both years were greatly satisfied with the accommodations and arrangements. They perceived this study abroad course as an invaluable opportunity to obtain an important global perspective for professional development, which is not commonly offered by regular courses. The study abroad experience enabled students to achieve a comprehensive understanding of organic and sustainable agriculture within a global context, encouraging them to think more critically about their role in sustainable food system development at local, national, and international levels. Meanwhile, the cultural exchange was deeply appreciated by students and was regarded as another valuable aspect of the international experience. The students all stated that they would highly recommend this study abroad course to their peers. Feedback was also provided by students for further enhancement of course organization. Some students commented that the program period could be extended to allow for more interactive activities at each site. More cultural exposure and time for reflection were also suggested. Although students indicated that benefits outweighed the cost of the study abroad program upon completion of the course, financial support was identified as a primary concern of students during recruitment.