CALS Study Abroad Programs
CALS Study Abroad Scholarships
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) offers several study abroad programs designed specifically for students in agriculture, life sciences, forestry, ecology, and related majors. Also, you may wish to check opportunities in colleges outside of CALS, or at other institutions, as well as international internship opportunities.
For faculty wishing to offer a study abroad experience, follow the instructions on the UFIC website and complete this form. Every one of these study abroad programs count toward the International Studies in Agricultural and Life Sciences Minor.
CALS Study Abroad Programs List
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Belize - Issues in Agricultural and Life Sciences: Summer A 2026 (Dates TBD)
This course is designed to educate students about major issues in agricultural and life sciences (ALS) and to expose students to a variety of methods used to effectively communicate, inform, and influence decisions about these issues in “real world” ways. While in Belize, you will engage in the culture while learning about food production, food security, capacity building, water quantity & quality, natural resource conservation, biodiversity, climate change, labor, urban/rural interactions and more.
Contact: Becky Raulerson and Carla Jagger
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Belize - NGOs and Development: Summer A 2025: (Dates TBD)
The goal of this program is to provide knowledge on how Non-Governmental Organizations (nonprofits) are managed to promote social and other developments around the globe. This program includes field visits with local NGOs to develop a deeper understanding of their operations and impacts. Program assessments include case studies, field visit logs, discussions and presentations.
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CALS Leadership Institute: International Experience
CALS Leadership Institute is a unique leadership development program for undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Students are selected through a nomination and interview process based on demonstrated leadership attributes and academic achievement.
International Service Learning Experience
Contact: Dr. Natalie Coers
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Chile - Viticulture and Wine: Summer A 2025: (May 10-21)
The goal of this program is to train students about current practices for establishing a vineyard and maintaining its health and productivity into the final quality of the grape. Students will learn about the cultural practices used in both grape production and winemaking, the importance of viticulture and wine sciences in the final quality of the wine, the grape varieties and their characteristics used in the production of wine, and the technology used in wine production. They will also learn the steps and equipment involved in basic winemaking as well as the importance of sensory evaluation of wines. Students will benefit from this experience by looking at and learning about vineyards and wineries in one of the well-known winegrape-growing countries.
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Columbia - Global Health & Social Disparities: Summer A 2025 (Dates TBD)
Students will have the opportunity to learn concepts and skills in the disciplines of public health, medicine, extension education, and community development in order to understand how to evaluate and develop solutions in both Colombia and the United States. Students will be integrated into community-based events, such as health fairs, that will allow them to apply the concepts learned in the course (e.g., assessing patient needs, intercultural communications to increase health literacy, understanding the role of culture in diagnoses and treatment, etc.) to Latinos in need.
Medellín is Colombia’s second largest city and is nestled in the Aburrá Valley of the Andes Mountains. From the mountains, you can see how the Medellín River runs parallel to the Metro, which connects various parts of the city. There is an abundance of parks, libraries, museums and public spaces where many events take place. In the surrounding villages of Medellín, life is simple with relaxing landscapes and nature reserves.
Contact: Dr. John Diaz or Dr. Norman Beatty
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Costa Rica - Plants, People in the Antropocene: Summer A 2025 (Dates TBD)
This program is approximately four weeks in duration with a short orientation session and activity in Gainesville before departure. While in Gainesville, students will be introduced to some of the research methodology and ecological concepts that they will further explore in Costa Rica. This program partners with the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) and the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE). The field based courses are led by UF instructors with support from local researchers and experts in different ecological zones in Costa Rica.
Contact: Dr. Rose Koenig or Dr. William Hammond
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Costa Rica - Tropical Ecosystems: Spring Break 2025 (March 15-22)
This is an eight-day program to Costa Rica during spring break to study eco-tourism and recreation. You will learn about tropical ecosystems and environmentally based development. You will visit places in Costa Rica most tourists never get to see.You will also learn about eco-tourism, cultural history, and the food production industry. The program is open to all UF students but specifically designed for students who have natural resource or agricultural-related majors.
Contact: Dr. Taylor Stein or Dr. Michael Andreu
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Croatia - Food & Global Change: Summer A 2024 (May 27 - June 22)
This program will provide students with a better understanding of the range of food production and subsistence, from small-scale and historical artisanal systems to modern larger-scale industrial systems. There is a focus on how global change, including climate change, invasive pests and pathogens, sociocultural and land-use change (e.g, urbanization) affect those systems, and the economic, social, and cultural consequences.
Contact: Dr. Luke Flory or Dr. Rick Stepp
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Europe - Cities in Civilization: Summer C 2025: (Dates TBD)
Cities are the engines of cultural creativity and technological innovation. This program will explore and seek to understand why and how cities continue to catalyze the growth of human civilization, from ancient Rome and the Italian Renaissance, to modern culture and technologies. Spend five weeks traveling from London to Rome with ~5-day stops in Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and Florence.
Contact: Dr. James Jawitzi
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France - Purpan: 8-weeks Summer C 2025 (May 26 - July 18)
A unique eight-week summer exchange program. Students spend the first four weeks on campus in Toulouse and then relocate to internship sites across France to complete the final four weeks of the program. While on-campus students will participate in lectures, field trips, cultural visits and excursions to locations like Barcelona and the Pyrénées Mountains. The internship portion of the program allows students to gain practical work experience on a farm, within an agri-related business (equestrian center, cheese making farm, vineyard) or within a laboratory at Purpan.
Spring Info Sessions hosted by Purpan (sign up portal)
Recorded Information Session (2-10-22)
Optional Study Tour (in lieu of internship/homestay)
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France - Purpan: Non-Summer Programs
In addition to the 8 week summer program, Purpan offers three additional study abroad programs:
- IBC - International Bachelor Certificate - (taught in English). Fall focus on animal production and winemaking, spring focus on winemaking, wine business, food science and innovation.
- Global Semester (taught in English), A 1-semester program in spring only, for Bachelor or Master students. It covers Global Issues (climate change, food security, biodiversity and environment, gender issues in agriculture) and global business (commodities, geopolitics and French food trade, working across culture, better business).
- Ingénieur (taught in French). A 5-year program in agri-related topics (agriculture, life science, food science, marketing and management). Incoming students can take courses from year 3, 4 or 5, according to their language skills and academic background. Not possible to mix courses from different years.
- Sustainable Luxury (Fall semester). Tomorrow’s managers have to understand very clearly where the products come from, the whole agrifood system behind it. There is a need to envision the value chain globally, from field to plate. With this knowledge managers will be able to tell the story behind the product, create true engagement with their teams and clients, and build trust and loyalty in their customers.
Exchange students can arrive either for fall or spring semester, or for the full year. A compulsory Welcome session is organized at the beginning of each semester. Exchange students must also attend the French language course (FLE) and the Intercultural module.
Global Semester Program Courses
International Bachelor Certificate Courses
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Germany - Engineering in Germany: Summer A 2025 (Dates TBD)
You will be introduced to various industries in Germany with the engineering and energy use highlighted; learn cultural and historical information about Germany and the European Union; learn how to design experiments, analyze data, and formulate statistical relationships on the data.
Contact: Dr. Ana Martin Ryals
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Greece/Italy - Food and Culture: Summer A 2025 (Dates TBD)
This six-credit program includes a one-week food, culture/lifestyle, and culinary experience in one of the five “Blue Zones” of the world, Ikaria, Greece and Sardinia, Italy, where people live active and productive lives into their 90’s and beyond. During this program you will experience the lifestyle and food habits, and discover the unique flora of these beautiful places as you hike through a forest with a trained guide to forage for herbs and other wild foods that grow in plenty – foods that are purported to contribute to the longevity of these people.
Contact: Dr. Karla Shelnutt or Dr. Anne Mathews
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Greece - Leadership for Sustainability Trends and Traditions: Summer A 2025 (Dates TBD)
During this six credit immersive program, students will be immersed in the trends and traditions of Greece regarding water use and other sustainability challenges. Such exploration is to prompt a critical, systems-based thought process regarding leadership toward solutions and innovations to address complex, adaptive challenges faced by Greek communities and cities. Additionally, students will learn from and speak to both indigenous leaders and sustainable development leaders within the Greek context.
Program Flyer
Contact: Dr. Natalie Coers and Dr. Megan Cantrell
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Ireland - Internship & Global Culture: Summer C 2025 (Dates TBD)
As the world becomes globalized, today’s companies expect to hire graduates who can be effective in a global environment. In this course, students will learn about the different aspects and examples of cultural similarities and differences in a personal and professional setting, as well as the theories of intercultural communication and how to apply them in real-world situations. Students will also learn about Irish culture and history from local experts and be able to develop an appreciation for the culture of their host country. Students may be placed in either Dublin or Galway, depending on the best internship placement for their field of study. On-the-ground support and cultural activities will be provided for students in both locations.
Program Flyer
Contact: Dr. Misti Sharp
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Ireland - Service Learning in Galway: Summer B 2026 (TBD)
The purpose of this course is to provide a transformative experiential learning experience in the context of youth development in Galway, Ireland. This course will provide youth development, service-learning, and cultural learning opportunities, along while collaborating with community-based organizations working to solve local issues and enhance community engagement.
Contact: Kate Fletcher
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Italy - Animal Science in Italy: Summer B 2025 (Dates TBD)
This program was designed with Animal Science majors in mind, with a focus on dairy production and management, profitability, and the role of culture as it relates to regional cheese production. Students will be directly exposed to farmers, cheese makers, animal science professors, students, and lay people in Italy. The program includes several technical visits, in which students will have tours of various farms and lectures on their production systems. Then students will do tastings, discussions, and reflections after each visit. The program also includes guest speakers at different Italian Universities, in which UF students will listen to top-notch Italian scientists and have an opportunity to discuss and interact with them.
Contact: Dr. Antonio Faciola
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Italy - Food Production to Consumption: Summer A 2025 (June 8-26)
Earn three credits studying Italian food from production to consumption. The course will cover important aspects of production of classical Italian foods and food systems in Italy. You will visit a variety of agricultural areas including grape, wine, olive, vegetable, wheat and deciduous crop regions, as well as dairy and cheese-making regions. You will see, study, and taste many of these products as you are guided by the owners of these enterprises on comprehensive tours. You will also immerse yourself in the centuries’ old Italian cultures and customs. There will be ample opportunity to meet local farmers and vintners and enjoy each region’s unique cuisine.
Contact: Dr. Charlie Sims and Andrew MacIntosh
- Italy - Stradivarius Violin Value Chain: Summer 2026 (Dates TBD)
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Japan - Medicine, Microbiology and Health: Summer A 2025 (May 19 - June 9)
This program covers a variety of topics and activities pertaining to Medicine, Microbiology and Health. This is a very active and interactive trip with a variety of opportunities to learn, experience and explore. In addition to visiting historic sites, academic institutions, and industries throughout Japan, we will conduct outdoor activities and participate in interesting field trips.
Program Flyer
Contact: Dr. Jo Marie Bacusmo
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Thailand - Beekeeping in Asia: Summer A 2026 (Dates TBD)
The western hemisphere is home to only one honeybee species, but all nine honeybee species can be found in southeast Asia. This course will allow students to discover the amazing diversity of honeybee species and the different ways in which people
manage them. For two weeks, students will be exposed to Asian beekeeping as they explore different management styles and beekeeper purposes in Thailand. Students will visit multiple beekeeping operations throughout the coastal regions of Thailand and be immersed in the local culture.Contact: Cameron Jack
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Spain - Cultural Capital, Community ID & Sustainable Development Summer A 2025: (May 12 - June 13)
This is a new program that is under review. Once approved, the information will we updated on this website.
Program Flyer
Contact Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar and Kimberly Wiley
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UK - Coastal Biology, Natural History: Summer A 2025 (Dates TBD)
UF in the United Kingdom program will provide students with a hands-on understanding of the biology, natural history, and culture of coastal England and Wales. The coast of the UK has a remarkable history that intertwines its unique cultural and biological characteristics. Students will learn how the coasts were formed and adapted to by a fascinating variety of plants, animals, and human cultures. Some of these organisms and peoples are still around today while others are long gone, leaving behind only their fossilized remains or archaeological evidence. In addition to meeting with local scientists, fishermen, and conservation specialists along the way, students will also engage with their faculty and fellow students from the US, Wales, and England for maximum cultural immersion.
Contact: Dr. Don Behringer
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UK - Exploring Science Spring 2025 (May 4-11)
This one-week program is led by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, but is very applicable to students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Students on this program will have the opportunity to experience two different cultures (English and Scottish) while learning about some of the most groundbreaking scientific discoveries made in the U.K. No science background is required to participate; all majors are welcome! The program will also introduce students to two universities they could later attend on exchange, for either a semester or entire academic year: the University of Glasgow and University College London. Both of these exchanges are managed by Dr. Brian Harfe, who is leading this program.
Contact: Brian Harfe
CALS Semester Student Exchange Programs
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Australia - Monash University
Monash University is ranked in the world’s top 100 universities by QS World Ranking and is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia’s largest and oldest universities that are consistently ranked highest of all Australian universities. Monash is in Melbourne, but they also have a Malaysia campus, which is open to UF students.
Melbourne, Victoria, is a vibrant city in Southeastern Australia. This is the place to be if you want a diverse mix of city and nature! You can do everything here, from relaxing on beaches, to visiting museums, and shopping at local markets. Situated right next to the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne is the perfect city to explore.
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Austria - BOKU in Vienna
The University of Natural Resources and Life Science, Vienna was nominated by students as one of the most popular universities in Austria, and with good reason: every year ca. 1000 students graduate from 8 Bachelor's and 26 Master's programs - one-third of whom have an international background - as highly skilled specialists that are sought after in the domestic and international labor markets. The needs of the students are prioritized in a very personal atmosphere with individual supervision.
The departments of BOKU are located in the 18th and 19th districts of Vienna, with two centers in Türkenschanze and Muthgasse. The idyllic Türkenschanz park with its ponds, creeks, fountains and other botanical rarities offers a perfect place for spending time between lectures or unwinding from a long day at the university. Those seeking activity benefit from the proximity to the city center of Vienna with its many sights, coffeehouses, and cultural offerings.
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Germany - Bonn (Rhenish Friedrich-Wilhelms University)
Students who have not completed at least two semesters of German language instruction must attend an intensive German language course before the start of the program. This program is open to both undergraduates and graduates. The Rhenish Friedrich-Wilhelms University of Bonn is considered to be one of Europe’s most important institutes of higher education. As a leading research university, the university has evolved into a truly prominent international institution. The birthplace of Beethoven, the University of Bonn has developed into a lively academic town and cultural center. The university’s alumni includes five Nobel Prize winners. Situated on the picturesque Rhine River, Bonn’s proximity to the centers of European politics enables residents to witness Europeanhistory unfold before their eyes.
International Degree Programs for UF Students
Global Exchange Programs for UF Students
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Germany - Osnabrück (University of Osnabrück)
Internships available. Students experience German language immersion outside of the classroom. The cosmopolitan cities of Hamburg and Amsterdam are in easy access Language of Instruction: German. The University of Osnabrück is known for a large number of interdisciplinary degree programs, including ones rare or unique among German universities. The university is part of the highly prestigious DAAD Public Policy and Good Governance consortium, along with other reputable institutions in political science and public policy such as the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin and the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy in Erfurt.
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Netherlands - Den Bosch (H.A.S University)
HAS University of Applied Sciences is the dynamic centre of the food and agribusiness. HAS University of Applied Sciences is building its own supporting role in the innovation of the knowledge infrastructure of the sector, in the Netherlands, but also internationally.
Reasons to choose for HAS University of Applied Sciences: a strong identity with roots in agribusiness, a professional, creative and enthusiastic team of staff members and management, up-to-date facilities in an attractive building at the Den Bosch education campus, a flexible, businesslike and daring position, personal and committed in relations, and social and sustainable responsibility.