Ag Boilers Abroad: Expanding education across continents
Ag Boilers Abroad
Planning your next trip abroad? Learn about key strategies and experiences through the adventures of students and faculty in the Ag Boilers Abroad series. With over 400 programs in 60 countries on six continents, ranging from a week to a semester, Purdue College of Agriculture students have an abundance of study-abroad opportunities.
F
or Hayvn Meihls, studying abroad started with a leap of faith and turned into a passion for seeing agriculture through a global lens.
As a first-generation college student — and the first in her family to travel internationally — Meihls knew stepping outside the country would mean stepping far outside her comfort zone. An agribusiness management major, Meihls was always interested in international travel, but taking that first step felt daunting. No one close to her had studied abroad before. But, with encouragement from friends, Purdue staff and study abroad leaders, she decided to take the chance.
Her first experience was in Italy during spring break 2024.
““Even though I was nervous, taking that leap to study abroad changed everything for me. That first step into international travel deepened my desire to explore new places and continue expanding my education beyond the classroom,” Meihls said.
Since then, she has studied abroad in Ireland, and most recently returned from a winter break program in Peru.
Hayvn Meihls holds fruit in Peru
A destination that felt meant to be
Choosing Peru felt like the right fit. Meihls had always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. When she learned it was included in the itinerary and that the program aligned perfectly with her winter break schedule, the decision was easy.
The focus on agricultural systems and customs in Peru closely aligned with her academic interests. The experience also helped her see how her degree could open doors beyond her home state or even internationally. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was the hands-on fieldwork. At El Mangal, Meihls and her classmates harvested mangos, cacao, coffee beans and citrus fruits, many of which she had never harvested before.
"Being immersed in the jungle on a farm that harvests a variety of fruits and medicinal plants was truly remarkable. I had never harvested fruit or coffee beans before, so gaining real experience with tropical fruits and medicinal plants was both meaningful and exciting," she said.
Traveling in Peru also came with challenges. Adjusting to elevations above 13,000 feet was difficult at first, but she learned to listen to her body and give herself time to acclimate. That experience, along with navigating new environments and cultures, helped her build adaptability, problem-solving skills and confidence.
Study abroad students help coffee farmer plant in Peru
“This experience broadened my perspective on how agricultural systems differ around the world,” she said. “Seeing agriculture through a different lens helped me appreciate global approaches and learn more about myself along the way.”
She returned home not only with new knowledge, but also with lifelong friendships and a stronger eagerness to continue learning about different cultures, customs and agricultural systems.
For students considering studying abroad, Meihls encourages taking the giant leap.
“Some of the most meaningful learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to study abroad. It strengthened me, expanded my perspective and gave me experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Meihls said the Department of Agricultural Economics played a key role in her decision to pursue global experiences.
“The department strongly encourages students to gain international exposure,” she said. “They emphasize how valuable global perspectives are in agriculture, and that support gave me the confidence to pursue experiences I once thought were out of reach.”
Now, she hopes other students will consider doing the same.
“Growing through new environments has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college journey,” she said. “I hope other students take advantage of the chance to see agriculture beyond our borders.”
Are you interested in traveling on a study abroad trip? Check out the Purdue Agriculture Study Abroad Page!
How to prepare for your study abroad program?
- Research cultural aspects of the country you’re traveling to
- Research the weather at the time of year you’re traveling
- Pack light — try to bring only a carry-on
- Talk to peers who have already embarked on a study abroad or traveled abroad
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