The CALS Office for Global Engagement recently hosted sixteen students and two professors from Yeungnam University in Daegu, South Korea. The students participated in the study abroad program, "Agriculture and Natural Resources of the US Midwest- Study Abroad Program at Iowa State University." The program was led by Dr. Yong Sun Moon, Dean of the College of Life and Applied Science and Professor of Horticulture and Life Sciences, and Dr. Ja Min Kim Professor of Food and Nutrition.
Our college has a long-time student exchange program with Yeungnam, with several student groups traveling between the U.S. and South Korea since 2003. In addition, approximately 10 Korean students have returned to Iowa State University for graduate programs.
The group's itinerary included several visits to various departments and centers on Iowa State's campus, local businesses, and recreational activities in central Iowa.
Day 1: Orientation with CALS Global Engagement staff, tour of Reiman Gardens, lunch at Hickory Park
Day 2: Visit to the Ames Farmers Market and exploring downtown Ames
Day 3: Iowa Arboretum & Gardens tour and educational information by Dr. Donald Lewis, ISU Professor Emeritus and Extension Entomologist, followed by bowling and a pizza party at Perfect Games
Day 4: Presentation by Christine Cain, Graduate Enrollment Program Manager for Iowa State University Graduate School, meat lab tour with Jacob Manternach, Industry Extension Specialist, a tour and tasting at the ISU Creamery, and a tour of the Biotechnology Outreach Education Center
Day 5: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences campus tour with Jess Shaffer, Undergraduate Recruitment Coordinator, Seed Science Center seminar and tour, a tour of Jack Trice Stadium, and a tour of Red Granite Farm with co-owners and ISU alumni Nicole and Steve Jonas
Day 6: ISU Alliant Energy Solar Farm tour with Ajay Nair, Department Chair and Professor of Horticulture, food science programming with Hannah Hansen, Food Safety Extension Specialist, followed by a tour and innovation activity at the ISU Student Innovation Center
Day 7: Tour of John Deere Des Moines Works and the Fareway Distribution Center in Ankeny, and a tour of ISU BioCentury Research Farm with Robert Hartman, Assistant Director
Day 8: Tour of Barilla America Inc., tour of ISU Horticulture Research Farm with Chloe Henscheid, Farm Superintendent, and a prairie plant identification activity at McFarland Park with Jerry Keys, Environmental Education Coordinator and Ty Hamiel, Vegetation Management Biologist, followed by a visit to RiverRidge Farm, hosted by Dean Biechler
Day 9: World Food Prize Hall of Laureates tour, tour of the Iowa Capitol Building, and time to explore Jordan Creek Mall
Day 10: Kayaking at Ada Hayden Heritage Park led by Justin Stout, ISU Recreation Services Specialist, and a final farewell dinner hosted by the CALS Office for Global Engagement