Report on an international study tour to Vietnam for final year Bachelor of Science(Agriculture) students.

1. Broadening student horizons with international experiences Alison Southwell & Jason Condon “The world was my University” Gandhi “There is no longer a clear division between what is foreign and what is domestic. The world economy, the world environment, the world AIDS crisis, the world’s arms race – they affect us all” Bill Clinton, 1993.

3. 95% rural/farming background

4. Around 25% had travelled internationally – none to a developing country

5. At least 3 students had never been on a plane before.Purpose Where we went What we saw Survey results Individual feedback The value of international study experiences in Agricultural education and student development

6. Aims/purpose of the trip… Increase student knowledge of international agricultural systems (tropical systems) Broaden students’ “global mindedness” or world views Increase student confidence Increase collegiality amongst students Improve student experiences/course satisfaction (marketing spin-offs)

7. Cần Thơ Vung Tau PhuQuoc Ho Chi Minh City Ca Mau Where we went in Vietnam: The Mekong delta

8. What we did (28th June – 12th July 2009)

9. What we saw: Cần Thơ University College of Agriculture, Can Tho University

12. Dutch lady dairy company

13. Recreation time…

14. Survey outcomes

15. Survey outcomes

16. Individual feedback

17. Individual feedback “I am now aware of the struggles in agriculture in a developing country. I am happy to pay taxes to receive the benefits that we do in Australian Ag.” This was an affordable and totally different culture to what we’re used to. – A Learning experience on so many levels.” “This opened many people's eyes to a totally different style of living” “This trip opened my eyes to a different world.” “It was great to really get to know the other students and even the lecturers!” “If you behave and know the rules, then nothing to worry about. Must be careful though.” The number of students that would contemplate working overseas increased by 50%.

18. Value of international study experiences in Agricultural education & student development Younes & Asay (2003) state that there are both intentional and incidental learning that occurs on both conscious and unconscious levels during international study tours. The study tour achieved all its intentional aims Increase student knowledge of international agricultural systems (tropical systems) Broaden students’ “global mindedness” or world views Increase student confidence Increase collegiality amongst students Improve student experiences/course satisfaction (marketing spin-offs) but also much incidental learning occurred Younes, M. N. & Asay, S. M., (2003) The World as a Classroom: The Impact of International Study Experiences on College Students. College Teaching, 51

19. Incidental learning outcomes Increased awareness of other cultures made them evaluate their own cultural beliefs Helped clarify career goals/professional aspirations Better thinking skills Multi-disciplinary integration Deeper understanding of complexities & realities Decision making Experienced group dynamics Negotiate their own personal needs Tolerate opposing views Manage difficult personalities Personal growth/self discovery Unearthed new personal insights Gained new perspectives Discovered ethnocentric beliefs Realised their own competence

20. Planning has begun for 2010…