July 14, 2005
Purdue Extension offers research experience in Costa Rica
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is offering a new program for Indiana residents to participate in an international research opportunity. It is a two-part program designed to increase cross-cultural understanding and agribusiness networks between Indiana and Latin America.
The program is open to graduate students, Extension educators, agriculture teachers in Indiana and those who are interested in the field of agribusiness. The program is funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant and comprises an online spring class and a 10-day summer travel course. There are 25 spaces available for the spring class and 15 spaces open for the summer travel course.
"With this program, we hope to positively impact Indiana's food and agriculture economy," said Kelli Selby, international coordinator for Purdue Extension.
Purdue Extension will use distance education to teach the 2006 spring semester course so participants need not come to campus. Participants will learn the importance of building relationships with Indiana agribusinesses, cross-cultural understanding and market research basics for their 10-day international experience. Although the summer research course is not required, the online spring class serves as an introduction for the trip.
Participants will consult with businesses prior to traveling to Costa Rica and collect necessary information regarding individual companies and their objectives. Each participant will then represent an Indiana business as a market researcher and conduct research for that company using information obtained in the courses.
"Participants will collect data from food and agriculture-related businesses including restaurants and grocery stores in Costa Rica. They will gather information from professionals who are involved with importing goods and investigate the Latino culture through residents and university students," Selby said.
Upon their return, students will compile information in a report and present their company with a market analysis. This will help companies gain perspective about market potentials, barriers and issues surrounding international trade.
"Businesses will better understand the potential for their product in the Latin American market and with Latinos domestically," Selby said.
Participants can choose to earn three graduate-level credits for each course they finish. All participants will receive a certificate of completion for being a member of the spring course and summer travel. Those interested may sign up for the course through Purdue's International Programs in Agriculture office. Contact Selby at (765) 494-9831 or cameronselby@purdue.edu.
Writer: Stephanie K. Miller, (765) 494-8402, millersk@purdue.edu
Source: Kelli Selby, (765) 494-9831, cameronselby@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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