Agriculture Study Abroad program to Poland

Abstract

<p>The Technology Travel Course (TSM 496) is an elective course that meets the university-wide international perspectives requirement. The course has a curricular home in the department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), Iowa State University (ISU). It enables instructors to develop and offer a study abroad program structured as a faculty-led trip abroad. This course is also an excellent opportunity for students to learn/compare technology concepts and applications in an international context that is encouraged by the ABE External Advisory Board. The objectives of this paper are to (1) Review the application of TSM 496 to Ag Study Abroad trip to Poland (with cultural trips to Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, and Ukraine, and to (2) summarize curricular enhancement of student learning objectives (SLOs) and competencies. The course has been offered yearly since 2011, and served 48 students from several majors in Agriculture & Life Sciences and Engineering colleges. The pre-departure course is focused on teaming up ISU students with students at two agricultural universities in Poland. Teams develop comparative projects focused on agriculture with specific emphasis on animal systems production, technology, environment, sustainability, and regulations. Projects are finalized and presented jointly at special Polish-American Student Workshops. The joint project format creates an opportunity to make friends with students in Poland while working on international projects. The scientific part of the program is a mix of field trips to farms, plants, co-ops, lab tours, cultural sites and activities. Students have many opportunities to socialize, get inspired by rich culture, history, science, agro business attitudes and the spirit of change. SLOs are measured with the program surveys. Currently 65 SLOs/competencies are enhanced with 17 provided by this program (26%). In addition, 25 new competencies are gained, a 38% increase to the new total of 90. Students highly rate this learning and often list it as a highlight of their college career thus far. Data analysis of the Program Evaluation Surveys shows high degree of developing student skills, meeting and enhancement of class goals, departmental and college SLOs.</p>