HortTechnology
Volume 27, Issue 5, 2017, Pages 710-717

Assessing a reciprocal international student travel exchange: The Iowa state university and university of Costa Rica intercambio (Article) (Open Access)

Gleason M.L.* , Wong A.W. , Lewis D.R. , Cavallini L.F.A. , Clawson B.C. , Duerfeldt K.R. , Nelson H.M. , Nonnecke G.R.
  • a Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, 351 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA 50011, United States
  • b Escuela de Agronomía, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060 Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, San José, Costa Rica
  • c Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, 339 Science II, Ames, IA 50011, United States
  • d Escuela de Agronomía, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060 Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, San José, Costa Rica
  • e Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, 016 Horticulture Hall, Ames, IA 50011, United States
  • f Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, 016 Horticulture Hall, Ames, IA 50011, United States
  • g Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, 351 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA 50011, United States
  • h Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, 016 Horticulture Hall, Ames, IA 50011, United States

Abstract

The creation and educational impact of a reciprocal travel exchange program for student groups in horticulture and allied sciences between Iowa State University (ISU) and the University of Costa Rica (UCR) are described. The program, called the “ Intercambio,” (“ exchange,” in English), has facilitated group travel for 10-to 12-day periods to farms and agricultural research centers in the host country annually since 1999. The article explores how the Intercambio began and factors that have helped to sustain it, to provide ideas for educators interested in initiating similar exchanges. Analysis of responses to a 2015 written survey of student participants indicated that the Intercambio has exerted a strong impact on academic studies and career choices for 77% of the ISU students and 100% of the UCR students, as well as amplifying interest in the other country and raising cultural understanding and tolerance. © 2017, American Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Undergraduate Graduate Study abroad Global learning Educational impact assessment

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85032813802&doi=10.21273%2fHORTTECH03826-17&partnerID=40&md5=7abcff7190168e8d733d3d97a5c83f9b
DOI: 10.21273/HORTTECH03826-17
ISSN: 10630198
Original Language: English