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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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Fall 2022 CALS Study Abroad Information Sessions
Zoom link for Information Sessions or scan the QR code below.
The entire list of all CALS Study Abroad Programs can be found at this link.
Faculty who are leading the following study abroad programs will join us in Zoom during the following virtual Study Abroad Information Sessions:
Date Featured Countries Tues Nov 15 (3-4 pm) Ecuador (For the Love of Chocolate); Ecuador (Galapagos); Greece (Food and Culture); Greece (Leadership for the Ages); Italy (Animal Science); Tues Nov 15 (4-5 pm) Columbia (Global Health & Disparities); Europe (Medicine, Microbiology & Health); Greece (Food and Culture); Italy (Global Perspectives) Mon Nov 28 (2-3 pm) Columbia (Global Health & Disparities); Costa Rica (Tropical Ecosystems); Europe (Medicine, Microbiology & Health); Guyana (Research, Knowledge & Conservation); Italy (Global Perspectives) Mon Nov 28 (3-4 pm) Belgium (Sustainability in the Euro Food System); Costa Rica (Tropical Ecosystems); Ecuador (For the Love of Chocolate); Greece (Leadership for the Ages); Italy (Animal Science) Mon Nov 28 (4-5 pm) Belgium (Sustainability in the Euro Food System); Costa Rica (Tropical Ecosystems); Greece (Leadership for the Ages); Italy (Animal Science); Italy (Global Perspectives) Wed Nov 30 (1-2 pm) Belgium (Sustainability in the Euro Food System); Costa Rica (Tropical Ecosystems); Europe (Medicine, Microbiology & Health); Greece (Leadership for the Ages); Italy (Animal Science) Wed Nov 30 (2-3 pm) Ecuador (For the Love of Chocolate); Europe (Medicine, Microbiology & Health); Germany (UF in Osnabruck); Greece (Leadership for the Ages); Italy (Animal Science) Wed Nov 30 (3-4 pm) Belgium (Sustainability in the Euro Food System); Ecuador (For the Love of Chocolate); Europe (Medicine, Microbiology & Health); Greece (Leadership for the Ages) Wed Nov 30 (4-5 pm) Belgium (Sustainability in the Euro Food System); Europe (Medicine, Microbiology & Health); Greece (Leadership for the Ages); Italy (Global Perspectives) -
Belize - Issues in Ag, Life Sciences: Summer B 2024 (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
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Belize - NGOs and Development: Summer A 2023: (May 21 - June 18)
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.
Information Packet for Undergraduate Students
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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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Costa Rica - Tropical Ecosystems: Spring Break 2023 (March 11-18)
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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Ecuador - Quito & Galápagos: Fall Semester 2024 (August 4 - December 2)
In this program, students select courses from one of four Academic Tracks in the biological and social sciences: (1) Evolution, Ecology and Conservation, (2) Marine Ecology; (3) People, Politics and the Environment, and (4) SustainableTourism. Each academic track consists of five intensive three-credit coursestaught in three-week modules. The first module takes place near Quito in the main USFQ campus at Cumbayá as well as in the surrounding tropical ecosystems such as the Amazon. The remaining four modules take place on San Cristobal Island, Galápagos. All courses are taught in English. Please note courses are subject to change. Students can take up to two courses from different tracks, assuming they meet any necessary prerequisites and spaces are available (see Academic Tracks). Students in all tracks also take a required Spanish conversation class (one credit). Volunteer placements (non-credit) in San Cristobal are also available to interested students.
Contact: Dr. Eric Hellgren
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Ecuador - Quito: For the Love of Chocolate: Summer A 2024 Tentative (TBD)
On this 1-week intensive program, students will be spending their time exploring Quito and learning from experts in the field about cacao and the impact it has on local culture. Students will be able to visit various local cacao plantations to see how the cacao tree grows, when the fruits and seeds are harvested and how these are converted into all different types of choclate. Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to sample cacao, understand how nutritional value of cacao can vary, and practice the art of cooking with this special ingredient.
Program Flyer
Contact: Dr. Jeanette Andrade
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Eswatini - Wildlife Ecology: Spring 2024 (Tentative)
Students will visit protected areas and experience African wildlife. They will conduct research, engage in Swazi culture and live in the African bush.
Contact: Dr. Robert McCleery
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Europe - Cities in Civilization: Summer C 2023: (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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Europe - Medicine, Microbiology and Health: Summer A 2023 (May 23 - 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 Europe, we will conduct outdoor activities and participate in interesting field trips.
Program Flyer
Contact: Dr. Jo Marie Bacusmo
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France - Purpan: 8-weeks Summer C 2023 (May 27 - July 23)
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.
Recorded Information Session (2-10-22)
Optional Study Tour (in lieu of homestay)
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France - Purpan: Global Semester Program
The “Ingénieur” program lasts 5 years in total. The first 3 years correspond to Bachelor (BSc) level courses, and the last 2 years correspond to Master (MSc) level courses.
The program is fully taught in French (except Spring semester “Global semester” in Year 4).
Therefore, a B2 level in French is recommended (B1 level only accepted after oral examination). Official reference is CEFRL http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/resources/european-language-levels-cefr
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
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Germany - Family & Cultural Diversity: Summer A 2024 (Tentative)
This is a four-and-a-half-week study abroad program in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. You will meet for classes Monday through Thursday each week on the European University Viadrina campus. Weekends will consist of designated excursions in surrounding cities.
Contact: Dr. Victor Harris
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Germany - Engineering in Germany: Summer A 2023 (May 7 - June 16)
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 - Food and Culture: Summer A 2023 (June 25-30)
This three-credit course includes a one-week food, culture/lifestyle, and culinary experience in one of the five “Blue Zones” of the world, Ikaria, Greece, where people live active and productive lives into their 90’s and beyond. During this program you will experience the Ikarian lifestyle and food habits, and discover the unique flora of this beautiful island 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 Ikarians.
Contact: Dr. Karla Shelnutt
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Greece - Leadership for the Ages: Summer A 2023 (May 10 - 25)
During this immersive program, students will take two courses that explore leadership in a global context through the lens of sustainable cities and communities (UN Sustainable Development Goal 11). Leadership, sustainability, and agriculture will be at the forefront of our conversation. You will have the opportunity to explore UNESCO world heritage sites while learning about global leadership. Many visits will allow you to indulge in Greek foods and experience them from farm to table. Sustainability and agriculture will be at the forefront of our conversation as we explore all that Greek cities, communities, and islands have to offer.
Program Flyer
Contact: Dr. Natalie Coers
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UF in Ireland - Internship & Global Culture: Summer C 2023 (May 16 - July 25)
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 similiarities 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 2024 (Dates 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 withcommunity-based organizations working to solve local issues and enhance community engagement.
Contact: Kate Fletcher
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Italy - Animal Science in Italy: Summer A 2023 (May 29 - June 25)
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.
Program Flyer
Contact: Dr. Antonio Faciola
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Italy - Global Perspectives: Summer B 2023 (June 24 - Aug 4)
This program is offered in partnership with Florence University of the Arts (FUA) and the University of South Florida (USF). You can earn up to 10 credits taking Italian language, Italian culture, social science courses, or various humanities courses taught by UF, USF, and FUA faculty. You may select any of the courses offered by UF, USF, or FUA. FUA offers three-week and six-week course options, and all courses include a mandatory field learning experience. All students are required to take a minimum of six credits abroad.
Contact: Dr. Anthony Auletta
Contact: Dr. Jennifer Weeks
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Italy - Food Production to Consumption: Summer A 2024 (June 4-22)
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 comprehensivetours. 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
- Italy - Stradivarius Violin Value Chain: Summer 2024 (Dates TBD)
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Kenya - Tropical Ag, Env. Livelihoods: Summer A 2024 (Tentative)
UF in Kenya provides the opportunity to study and compare diverse farming systems, which include highland and lowland, large and small-scale systems, monoculture cereal crops, mixed farming with crops and livestock, pastoral systems, diverse tree crop systems from plantations to multispecies agroforests, and intensive horticulture. You will learn about the concepts and debates around sustainable intensification, state-of-the-art techniques for characterizing farming practices, soils, agricultural landscapes, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods. You will use these methods across the range of farming systems to develop projects comparing these systems and exploring sustainability issues and tradeoffs and synergies from the ecological, agricultural, and livelihood disciplines. The program will combine readings, lectures, lab, field work and discussions sessions with occasional assignments.
Contact: Dr. Cheryl Palm
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New Zealand - Biodiversity: Summer B 2024 (TBD)
You will go on a variety of day and overnight field trips and have opportunities to interact with conservation groups, scientists, landowners, Maori, and city/regional representatives who are implementing biodiversity strategies. Conserving biodiversity is a struggle, and the focus of this course is to expose you to how “Kiwis” have tackled this problem. Topics will span the human dimensions of natural resource conservation and basic ecology.
Contact: Dr. Mark Hostetler
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Thailand - Beekeeping in Asia: Summer A 2024 (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 and Guntima Suwannapong
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UF in UK: Coastal Biology, Natural History: Summer A 2023 (May 30 - June 19)
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