Building Global Perspectives: Study Abroad Journeys with Kuethe and Oppy
Professor Todd Kuethe, Schrader Chair in Agricultural Economics, and Andy Oppy, Associate Director of Academic Advising, have created an excitement about studying abroad with the Department of Agricultural Economics. Since May 2022, the dynamic duo has traveled to five countries, introducing students to a wide breadth of experiences!
They launched the first program with the “Taste of Italy,” traveling across Italy with 30 undergraduates for 13 days! In May 2023, 30 undergraduates joined the two for ten days in France and Monaco and completed the “Taste of France” program. On the menu for May 2024 was the “Taste of Spain and Portugal,” with 31 undergraduates on a 10-day excursion across these two beautiful countries. The two are currently planning the May 2025 program, “A Taste of Europe: Vienna to Venice.”
Three young ladies have enjoyed the experiences so much that they have participated in all three! Katelyn King (Senior; Agribusiness; Brownsville, WI) shared, “While at Purdue, I have been able to experience 5 different countries (Italy, France, Monaco, Portugal, & Spain) through the Department of Agriculture Economics. Through these experiences, I was able to learn about international agriculture and food production, experience new cultures, and make new friends within the College of Ag. The things I have learned have allowed me to have a more global perspective in my class work, learn more about myself and how I interact with others, and make connections with those I may otherwise not have. Overall, the experiences study abroad has given me will allow me to feel more equipped in my future career and travels.”
Cassidy Colbert (Alumnus; Agribusiness; Tipton, IN) explained, “To many, traveling can be scary, especially when going with 30 strangers. As a sophomore I was encouraged by my advisor, Andy Oppy, to try something new. He was leading a study abroad trip to Italy, and I was accepted. Before the trip, Andy Oppy and Todd Kuethe held meetings for the students to get to know each other. During this first trip, I became close with Todd and Andy as they made traveling fun and easy. As a group, we would go to dinners, stores, church, and many more adventures. After the first trip, I knew I had to go on another one. I have had the opportunity to visit France, Spain, and Portugal with Todd and Andy as the leaders. These trips became the highlight of my time at college. During these trips, Todd encouraged visiting local grocery stores, trying new foods, and making sure he told as many jokes as possible. Andy was not only my advisor, but during the trips made sure we visited the churches, gift shops, and that we all made it home. I found myself telling everyone about the trips and these two incredible individuals. They became the people I would reach out to with questions or advice during my time at Purdue. These trips also left me with some of my closest friends. I will forever be grateful for my time abroad and the stories I can share about my travels with Todd and Andy.”
Grace Pearson (Senior; Agribusiness; Attica, IN) added, “All around, Andy and Todd could not be a more dynamic duo! The two of them truly care about the students that are participating. They care deeply about getting to know each individual student participating on their trips, many of times offering lots of insightful advice for the students and creating lasting relationships with the students. While in many cases they are the voice of reason, they have never hesitated to instigate a good time. The two of them have done an amazing job of creating a fun, diverse learning experience on all of their trips abroad! “