Agronomy Study Abroad in Mexico.

Participation in study abroad programs has several academic and social benefits for undergraduate students. A collaborative effort among Texas A&M University, Auburn University, and the Universidad de Guanajuato is in the midst of developing agronomy-related study abroad programs for US students in Mexico. Teaching students in Mexico has several benefits. First, Mexico and the US are active trading and immigration partners and it is important for students to understand this relationship.  Secondly, many of the same issues that Mexico faces in terms of food security and water availability are emphasized in US college agronomy classrooms. Thirdly, the infrastructure for US students to be safe and enlightened in Mexico is in place and fully functional. Recently the Hacienda Santa Clara center has opened near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Its proximity to the Universidad de Guanajuato allows programs to take advantage of the resources of that institution. The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University has had a study abroad program in Mexico since 2007 and the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University has an existing program in Mexico as well. With the opening of Hacienda Santa Clara, several agronomy teaching programs are now being launched. Programs include ‘Mission-based agronomy service’; UAV data collection and interpretation; and delivery of several existing conventional courses. Students will be able to conduct independent research and have in-country excursions during their stay. Hacienda Santa Clara provides full-service room and board at a reasonable cost, and a nearby airport provides direct flights to and from Houston and Dallas, TX. The facilities are wired for high-speed internet access, which enables the delivery and reception of distance education courses. These programs will be offered to students from any accredited university.