Agricultural students travel across the pond

The13-day study tour provided an integrated view of the rich cultural, agricultural, historical, technological, political, economic, communications and religious facets of Scotland, England and Ireland.

Joe Schatzer, agricultural economics professor, and Dwayne Cartmell, agricultural communications professor, teamed up to lead the tour abroad.

“The overall objective of the course was to provide students with a unique international experience highlighting agricultural communications and economic issues,” Schatzer said. “I hope students recognize that they can travel to a foreign country and gain an appreciation of the importance of the history and culture they must function within as a productive employee in the future.”

Students met with agriculture contacts in each country, gaining knowledge about agricultural policy and how international companies operate in different environments.

While in London, the group visited with officials from the Embassy of the United States and toured the facilities at Syngenta, a world-leading agribusiness and a leader in crop protection that ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market.

Schatzer said the embassy and Syngenta visits provided students with an opportunity to understand the role of agriculture within the development of policy in the countries and how it is different than in the United States.

 “While our students may wonder about whether the people in U.S. cities know where their food comes from, they obtained an understanding that, in other countries, the people may have little understanding of the impact a rule or regulation may have on the actual production of their food,” he said.

Even though the rain was very prominent throughout the study tour, students did not let it dampen their spirits.

“We enjoyed getting out and exploring the historical landmarks in London – Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abby – to name a few,” said Jerri Imgarten, OSU agricultural communications senior. “This tour was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and their history, but also to see how agricultural practices differ in other countries.”

Ireland provided the students with a different agricultural perspective – visiting an Irish farm that allowed students to gain firsthand knowledge of their farming practices. Students realized that farmers in another country may operate similar to the farmers they know.

Irish farmers take advantage of every opportunity to increase revenues and decrease expenses through government policies or the environment in which the farmer operates.

Students experienced majestic and picturesque views of the Scottish Highlands. They also toured historic landmarks including the Sterling Castle, Wallace Monument and St. Andrews Links, the home of golf.

“By touring and exploring the various historical sites and castles, students gained an appreciation for the long history of cultures,” Cartmell said. “Seeing buildings that are much older than ones in the United States helps the students understand and appreciate history.”

Cartmell is optimistic the students have expanded their understanding of Scottish, English and Irish agricultural policy and developed knowledge regarding the communications efforts in these countries.

“International travel allows students to experience firsthand differences in culture, beliefs, environment and government positions,” Schatzer said. “I encourage students who can afford the experience to participate so they can gain knowledge on the differences and similarities between their community and other communities around the world. Hopefully they gain some understanding of how important the environment they have grown up within as a child has shaped their beliefs about issues.”

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CUTLINE:

Hannah Gregory, Oklahoma State University agribusiness and agricultural communications student, feeds a Scottish Highland during the study abroad tour in Scotland, England and Ireland. (Photo by Katie Reim)

Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Ok 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.