Program Alumni
Program Alumni
Lindsay Hannah, Michigan State University, Animal Science, 2016 Graduate
Participation in this study abroad program not only expanded my knowledge of the agriculture system in Vietnam but also provided me with unique cultural exposure that I was not be able to gain from any courses taken on campus at Michigan State University. I learned more about the challenges that Vietnam faces with sustainability as well as their plans to address the future environmental and social concerns due to the growing demand for the domestic production of livestock. I enjoyed comparing the viewpoints of the university faculty and students in Hanoi with those of the local farmers in Vietnam and learning how this movement towards increased animal protein consumption will affect the nation.
Anne Meyers, Michigan State University, Animal Science, 2016 Graduate
Traveling to Vietnam was an experience unlike any other trip I have taken abroad. This study abroad gave me ideas on how my Animal Science degree can be applied globally. In the current world of globalization with increased imports and exports, it is important to understand how agriculture markets of many countries are interrelated. Understanding these markets will aide US producers to identify potential business opportunities and to prepare for decreases in demand.
Andrea Brown, Director, Office of Lifelong Learning, Purdue University
My trip to Vietnam was an amazing opportunity to learn more about a part of the world I likely would not have previously considered exploring. Learning about the people, agriculture, and climate improved my cultural awareness and broadened my perspectives on international agriculture. It has been wonderful to share my experience with others in my community. Because I had such a positive experience on this trip, I hope to explore more international opportunities, both personally and professionally, in the future
Barb Duvall, Extension Educator, Michigan State University
raveling to Vietnam with Dr. Karcher was fascinating because we truly experienced the country. For example, we visited with families, toured small family farms with the local veterinarian, traveled with (and picked the brains of!) Hanoi University graduate students and ate in restaurants off the main path. We learned about agricultural practices to address the global issue of food security which was particularly valuable to me professionally and personally. Sharing the experience and hearing the perspectives of the students and other educators made the experience all the more engaging and valuable. Bringing this back to my role as an MSUE youth educator has allowed me to better understand and converse with others involved in agriculture
Kurt Thelen, Professor of Plant, Soil & Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University
I found the Vietnam trip to be very informative, particularly from a sustainability perspective. We were fortunate to experience both small and large-scale agricultural operations. The resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people, especially the small-scale farmers was evident in the way they managed their farms. Diversification and integration were key components in their ability to keep their farms viable and pass them down from generation to generation.
