Internationalizing Sustainable Agriculture Education

by Michelle S. Schroeder-Moreno^a, Susan F. Clark^b, Carmen J. Byker^c, Xin Zhao^d

http://dx.doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2012.023.007, pp. 55–68

Abstract

Integration of international learning experiences into sustainable agriculture (SA) educational programs represents a unique and effective approach to help students improve their global awareness and citizenship, intercultural communication, problem-solving skills, and career development. While there are challenges to establishing international educational activities in emerging SA programs, the benefits of providing students with a global perspective to the worlds' food systems far exceed those challenges. This paper formalizes key considerations and diverse approaches for developing student-centered international educational opportunities for sustainable agriculture that have been assembled from literature research and from the collective experiences of the authors. A holistic approach is described, beginning with developing strong international partnerships built on reciprocity and understanding the diversity of international learning opportunities and development considerations; establishing learning outcomes and assessment; and appreciating current opportunities and challenges. While many of the experiences and examples come from land-grant universities (LGUs), enhancing a global perspective to all types of SA programs at various institutions is vital for preparing future food system leaders to advance sustainable agriculture in the global community. The information in this paper is valuable for SA educators interested in developing new international educational opportunities and also may stimulate further communication about shared pedagogical strategies related to international SA education.

Keywords: agroecology, curriculum, global education, international collaborations, land-grant universities, study abroad, sustainable agriculture

Affiliations

^b 202 Wallace Annex, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA; +1-540-231-8768; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

^c 222 Romney Gym, Department of Health & Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA; +1-406-994-1952; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

^d 1301 Fifield Hall, Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA; +1-352-273-4773; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.