I choose to lead study abroad programs because I strongly believe in experiential learning and study abroad programs offer transformative learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. Study abroad fosters intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and global awareness.
Why do you choose to lead study abroad program(s)?
I choose to lead study abroad programs because I strongly believe in experiential learning and study abroad programs offer transformative learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. As an educator, I value opportunities that challenge students to engage with diverse horticultural crops, unfamiliar perspectives, navigate cultural differences, and develop independence. Study abroad fosters intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and global awareness. Leading these programs allows me to mentor students in real-world contexts, help them extend and adapt their knowledge of horticultural science and connect academic concepts to lived experiences while also supporting their personal and professional growth.
What is unique about your study abroad destination(s)? Why do you want to take students to this country?
India offers a uniquely dynamic and multifaceted environment for learning. It is a country where deep historical traditions coexist with rapid modernization, providing students with a rich context to explore topics such as agriculture, environmental sustainability, markets, economic development, culture, sustainability, religion, and globalization. The linguistic, regional, and cultural framework within India allows students to experience a wide range of perspectives within a single country. Additionally, the sensory richness in its food, art, architecture, and daily life, creates an immersive environment that encourages students to engage fully and reflect critically on their own assumptions and worldviews.
Give an example of your favorite city, tour, tradition, or activity included within your program itinerary.
Students love the tea plantations in Munnar, fruit and vegetable farms in Palakkad, student-exchange at Kerala Agricultural University, cultural immersion, and of course the food. Students enjoy hiking in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Parambikulam National Park, an elephant ride in Munnar, and absolutely love eating fresh pineapple at the farm, learning how to tap a rubber tree, and eat lunch on a banana leaf.
Why should students study abroad?
India study abroad provides students an opportunity to visit and explore its diverse agricultural diaspora, unique agroclimate, resources, and opportunities. Students learn first-hand about different crops (vegetables, coconut, vanilla, banana, tea, coffee, rice, spices, pineapple, etc.), their production techniques, and meet growers and entrepreneurs who find innovative ways to solve agricultural problems within a market economy. In addition to agriculture, students visit historic and cultural sites, temples, palaces, art centers, backwaters, and get an immersive experience of food, culture, and traditions.