Studying abroad gives students the opportunity to experience new things, learn about different cultures and cultivate passions. Over the summer, several Tarleton State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources students were able to expand on these three main points through their study abroad trip to Prague. Speaking with College of Agriculture and Natural Resources students Turner Hughes and Mady Horton, it is clear how life-changing and impactful the trip was for all the students who participated.
Hughes, a senior Agricultural Services and Development student, expressed that he chose to take part in the 17-day study abroad trip to Prague because it not only allowed him to make lasting memories, but also gave him the opportunity to “gain more knowledge about the agricultural industry around the world as well as gain more intercultural sensitivity”.
Horton, a junior agricultural communications student, mentioned that she chose to study abroad in Prague because she knew it would allow her to expand on her passion for travelling, while also providing her with the unique opportunity to “specifically study agriculture” while having the opportunity to learn about what she loves, “just in a different location”.
Hughes and Horton claim that during their trip they were privileged to experience family-run farms and dairies, as well as visiting various factories that play an important role in supplying the Czech Republic’s agricultural industry. Both students speak highly of their experience of exploring the agricultural economy of the Czech Republic with the help of some of the professors at their host school, the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague.
Both students express that the study abroad trip provided a wide variety of opportunities, allowing each student to experience something of interest to them.
Horton shares that her favourite experience from the trip was visiting a dairy in the Czech Republic. She states that she loved the opportunity to “go to a dairy in the Czech Republic and compare it to a dairy in Texas!”
Hughes mentions that his favourite experience was exploring the city of Karlovy Vary.
“It was such a small, unique town that was buzzing with life. Every corner had a little shop where you could see what Czech culture is like.” Hughes said.
The study abroad trip to Prague gave the students the opportunity to gain more experience in the agricultural industry, as well as broadening their knowledge of the vast world of agriculture. According to Horton, “If you are considering going on this trip, just go for it. It was worth every second and every dollar spent,” she says.
Hughes advises to use the trip to “gain experience and build lasting relationships and memories”. Both students wanted to be sure to thank Dr Frazier for all his hard work in planning and organising their once-in-a-lifetime trip.
