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Penn State Part of International Sustainable Ag Student/Faculty Exchange - November 2003

November 5, 2003

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA -- Want to study abroad while at the same time participate in an international sustainable agriculture project? Students at Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will have the opportunity to do just that, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant is part of the department's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) aimed at establishing cooperation between institutions of higher learning in the United States and European Union. The "Sustainable Crop Protection in Agriculture" project is designed to bring together students and faculty in agricultural and ecological sciences to develop a new curriculum in the area of sustainable agriculture emphasizing crop protection. "This curriculum will be sensitive to and address cross-Atlantic differences in approaches to land management, social and cultural norms, and the introduction of knowledge areas such as chemical ecology, biological control and integrated pest management. It's a unique opportunity that will allow some of the leading agricultural universities in the United States and European Union to combine their expertise and perspectives to develop new courses and research alternative agricultural techniques," says Deanna Behring, director for international programs at Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Beginning in December, representatives from participating institutions will begin developing the joint curriculum in sustainable crop protection. The project will identify a set of courses, develop research and professional internships, develop interactive studies, and design a multi-lingual Web resource and interactive technology to create international student problem-solving teams.

The project will also provide for a select few students to study at partnering universities and institutions. Behring says they'll be sending three Penn State students across the globe in year two, and four students in year three, the final year of the project. "The project will enhance the ability of students to work and think internationally," she says. During the project a total of 42 students will be exchanged with participating institutions.

The project will also establish a support Web resource site that will play a core role in disseminating information to students, faculty and the public by documenting research activities, making course content available in various languages and showcasing student papers, presentations and other achievements. "We're very excited about the project; it will give institutions with differing opinions a chance to work together and at the same time present students with an unprecedented opportunity," Behring says.

Students chosen to participate in the project will receive significant financial support including travel, room and board, and reimbursements for any language courses that may be needed. According to Behring, semester tuition rates should remain the same. "Students chosen to participate will have a range of options for their study, including semester long course work at a participating institution, summer courses and research and internship opportunities," Behring says.

Partnering institutions in the project along with Penn State are: University of California, Davis; University of Illinois, Urbana; Gemboux Agricultural University, Germany; Universitat Hohenhiem, Denmark; Wageningen University and Research Center, Netherlands; and Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon, France.

Seven students from the College of Agriculture Sciences will be selected for the program. Students with the appropriate background are encouraged to promptly contact Marilyn McPheron, education abroad advisor, at 863-0249 or mbm8@psu.edu for more information.