Study Trip in Cameroon

CAMEROON STUDY TRIP

May 9 - 25, 2018

Background

Consistent with SAU mission and vision statement, “to educate students for productive and fulfilling lives in a global environment…” the Department of Agriculture is committed to continue to enrich the education of our students with study trips overseas. Lessons shared by students who participated in the first such trip have created a general consensus across our campus that this trip is a valuable and enriching experience. We therefore strive to promote and make this unique opportunity possible for more students. The theme for this year is “Tropical Agriculture, Culture Immersion, and Outreach” in Cameroon, Africa.

Objectives

The Tropical Agriculture, Culture Immersion, and Outreach study trip is uniquely designed to give SAU students an opportunity to experience international agriculture first hand, and get a better understanding of the global nature of agriculture. While overseas, students will be exposed to different aspects of the agricultural industry, especially for agricultural products imported from Africa and consumed in the US. Specifically, the study trip will serve to:

• Expose students to production methods for cocoa, coffee, bananas, rubber, and palm oil, with tours of plantations and processing plants;
• Create awareness regarding international markets for these tropical agricultural commodities;
• Help students better understand current international trade patterns and cultural issues regarding cocoa, coffee, rubber, palm oil, and bananas;
• Expose students to agricultural education, research, and extension in Cameroon;
• Help students explore potential careers in international agriculture production, marketing, and trade.
• Immerse in and appreciate values in a different culture;
• Participate in outreach and recruiting efforts to promote SAU in Cameroon high schools and colleges.

This is a great opportunity for participant students to be exposed to Africa’s agricultural systems, technology, as well as culture. Most importantly, students gain new insights on the importance of US agriculture in a global context.

2018 Student Participants:

1. Cora Engen
2. Haydyn Johns
3. Leah Nix
4. Nicole Noga
5. Emily Parker
6. Rebecca Stohler
7. Saida Walker
8. Molly Whitener

2018 Faculty Participants:

1. Pierre Boumtje (Department of Agriculture, Advisor)
2. Martine Boumtje (Department of English & Foreign Languages, Advisor & Chaperon)