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SPRING PROGRAMS
Switzerland International Field Study Seminar
Mountain Agriculture
Based at the Agricultural College Plantahof in Chur, this course explores several different types of farming operations in Switzerland. The agriculture systems that will be visited include animal, orchards, vineyards and vegetable production both in valleys and in the mountains. Opportunities will be provided to visit cooperatives, a cheese factory and meet with local farmers and representatives in Landquart.
Tourism abounds in the region alongside agriculture. Students will be able to experience a mountain hike, climb a glacier and even take the longest toboggan ride in the world--nearly 3 km long! All students will have a home stay with farmers in locations in the Alps near the summer pastures for cattle. This course includes visits to the historic cities of Chur, Zurich and Bern. Estimated cost is $3,400. Ms. Julie Tesch leads the group. Dates of travel are: May 19 to June 1, 2008. Application materials available online.
China International Field Study Seminar
Land Use and Water Issues
This field study introduces participants to water, land use issues and rural communities in the context of China's rapidly changing society. During this three week course, students will experience the contrast between China's ancient history and modern development. Discussions will be held with governmental and non-governmental organizations in Sichuan Province as well as faculty members and students at Sichuan University.
Visits will be made to a 2,000 year old dam that still operates today, the Great Wall, Tiannanmen Square and the Forbidden City. An exploration of the historic Bund district of Shanghai for a first hand view of the changes in land development including the unprecedented growth of sky scrapers in this historic port city. Estimated cost is $4,000. Dr. Dorothy Anderson leads this group. Dates of travel are: May 18 to June 7, 2008. Application materials available online.
Groupe ESA – France Program
International Fellows
(May/June – Four weeks)
The Ecole Superieure d’Agriculture d’Angers in France offers a four week summer program to introduce undergraduate students to French agriculture, life and the role of France in the European Union. This four-week program is taught in English with the exception of an introduction to basic French for participants. The first week of the program is an overview in history, culture, politics and modern issues facing the country and Europe today. The next two weeks are very intensive with several areas of agricultural studies for students to select. The fourth week is spent traveling through the country side and seeing more of the sites, concluding with three days in Paris. This is a competitive program. Students must be nominated by their department to be eligible.
The Natural History of Norway (CFANS Custom Program)
Based at Nord Trondelag University College in Steinkjer, Norway, students will learn about the physical geography, the ecology and management of natural resources, and gain an understanding of the flora and fauna of the Nord Trondelag region of central Norway. In addition, students will also learn about this region's rich culture and history and its close ties to Minnesota.
Through lectures, readings and field excursions, students will learn about:
- The region's marine ecosystems in the adjacent Atlantic Ocean and Trondheim fjord including marine organisms and seabirds
- Agriculture and forestry and the economic impacts of these industries to Norway's economy
- Wildlife/fish resources, ecology and management of the resources including moose, reindeer, bear, salmon, trout, etc.
- Geologic origins and associated flora and fauna of the region's mountains, glacial lakes, fjords, rivers
- Environmental policy and management issues including hunting and fishing rights of the general public and native Sami people, water quality, land access rights, etc.
- Norwegian culture and history, geography, Viking age, cotter's farms, emigration from Norway to USA.
Cost is $3300. Bill Ganzlin, bganzlin@umn.edu, is the program leader. Dates of travel are: May 17 to June 3, 2008. On-line application materials available on the Learning Abroad Center website- http://www.umabroad.umn.edu.
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Bahamas: Tropical Island Marine Ecology
Experience a hands-on introduction to marine field biology. Students will learn about the ecosystems found on the island of Bimini through lectures followed by visits with a local expert on the ecosystems. The entire course is held at the Bimini Biological Field Station which specializes in fish and shark biology. Students have the chance to experience aquatic field research while working on a project based in one of the many ecosystems: mangroves, coral reefs, sandy inter-tidal zone, rocky inter-tidal zone, or seagrass ecosystems. Estimated cost is $2,500. Dr. Peter Sorensen (soren003@umn.edu; 624-4997) leads this group in collaboration with the University of Miami. 2 credits. Preference given to students who have taken FW 2003 Intro to Marine Biology. Dates of travel: August 17 to 26, 2008. Application materials available online.
Minor in International Agriculture (18 Credit Program)
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences recognizes the international nature of global food and agricultural systems as well as the interdependence of environmental systems. The program includes options for students with particular interests in international studies and includes study within the discipline; area, cultural or language studies; expanded course work in agriculture; and an international experience. The program must be developed in coordination with IPFANS in the college. Students are required to carry a minimum GPA of 2.00 for this course work and to complete 18 credits.
JANUARY PROGRAMS
Costa Rica International Field Study Seminar
Emerging Issues in Tropical Agriculture and Forestry
AGRI 3500 (Two week program-January)
This agro-forestry course offers a balance between scientific background information and hands-on experiences. The environments explored range from high- to low-elevation forests and from conventional high-input farms to sustainable organic and bird-friendly coffee, cocoa and banana plantations. Students learn about payment for environmental services, certification of forest products, ecotourism, and other environmental programs using coffee systems and natural and managed forests as examples. Estimated costs $2,800. Dr. Dean Current leads this group to Costa Rica. Dates of travel are: January 6 to January 20, 2008.
Thailand International Field Study Seminar
Rapid Ecological and Conservation Assessment Techniques
AGRI 3500 (Three week program--January)
This course will provide participants with a brief overview of Thailand's culture and conservation challenges and then focus on applying a set of well-developed field survey and conservation tools. The course begins with a 2-day trip up Thailand's central waterway on a live-aboard barge designed for research and education. The group then travels to Thailand's premier conservation research site which will provide a comfortable home base for daily field activities and a launching point for a wilderness trip to more remote parts of western Thailand. Many activities will revolve around and contribute to a long-term tiger conservation project of which UMN has been a principle partner. Specific activities will include camera trapping techniques, prey assessment methods and radio-telemetry approaches to the study of large mammals. Estimated costs $3,000. Dr. Dave Smith and Mr. Pete Cutter lead this group to Thailand. Dates of travel are: December 27 to January 18, 2008.
Jamaica International Field Study Seminar
Tropical Water Quality
AGRI 3500 (Two week program--January)
This class is taught at Greencastle Estate, located in St. Mary's Parish on the north coast. Greencastle is a 560 ha organic ranch which produces tropical fruits and vegetables as well as Jamaican beef cattle. Students stay on the Estate and in a small hotel in the nearby town of Robins Bay. Cultural activities guided by Jamaican liaisons are part of the class. The final two days include snorkeling at the Discovery Bay marine lab and one-day, two-nights respite at an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay before returning to the States.
The objectives of the course are to help students understand tropical land use/water quality relationships through experiential and active learning activities. The focus in this course is discovery. Teams will measure along transects to understand the quality of, and human impacts to the beach and the coral reef. We analyze fish, substrate and aquatic insects in streams and rivers. Throughout the class, the group will talk indepth about what we saw and learned, and connect our learning to environmental management. Students must be able to swim, to walk and work in rigorous outdoor settings, and be willing to work in groups. Estimated costs $2,750. Dr. Jim Perry leads this group in Jamaica. Dates of travel are: January 3 to 15, 2008.
ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
US-European Union FIPSE Program
(Semester Program)
The University of Minnesota is partnering with Austria, Germany, and Italy to provide semester study abroad opportunities in comparing US and EU biotechnology, food safety and regulatory policies. Students apply to study in one of these countries based on their interests, language ability and programs of study. Some courses are also taught in English. Admitted students receive up to $4,500 financial support for language classes and one semester study abroad at a partner university.
For more information, please contact our office:
International Programs in Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
135 Skok Hall
2003 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108
612.624.3221
Email: vreyens@umn.edu | 
