Universidad EAFIT, located in Medellín is one of CPI's strongest partners. This October, a group of 15 EAFIT students spent five busy days on Purdue's campus in a "short study abroad in the US".
Catalina Gomez Toro, lead faculty in this study abroad, explained how EAFIT chose Purdue for this program because of Purdue's demonstrated interest and dedication in collaborating with the Colombian institution. The goal of this program was to give these students an opportunity to experience and learn about an American university such as Purdue, in order to explore the possibilities of internships or graduate study in the US. Being that most of the visiting students (13) were economics majors, Ms. Toro noted how the current Cacao for Peace program drew specific interest from EAFIT and the group wanted to learn how this collaboration could connect scientifically with Colombia's agricultural economy. The group participated in a facilitated discussion with Carmen DeRusha, Kris Parker and Tamara Benjamin about how agriculture might be an avenue for peace in Colombia. They envisioned how they would like to see the future, talking about community capitals as forms of assets that Colombia has right now and discussing action steps the country will need to make to support agriculture as part of the peace process.
This "short study abroad in the US" program is the first of it's kind for EAFIT and they chose Purdue for the pilot. The participating students were sophomores and juniors within Economics and Management majors at the Colombian University. Thanks to collaborations with CPI and Purdue's Colleges of Agriculture, Management, Technology, Health and Human Sciences, the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship and Discovery Research Park, these students were able to enjoy an enriching and exciting visit in West Lafayette.
Their week started with the group traveling an hour from West Lafayette to the Fair Oaks farm in Fair Oaks, IN for a morning of adventure at the popular Indiana attraction. Here they learned about modern faming efforts, protecting the environment, and the care of farm animals. The group most notably visited the "Birthing Barn" within Fair Oaks farm, where they witnessed the birth of a calf.
With a taste of the farm life, the group traveled south to Monon, IN to visit the Holy Cow Fresh farm, a small family farm that raises and sells organic meats. Here they were given a farm tour and saw the farms laying hes, pigs, cattle, turkeys, crops, pastures, hay and the farm meat storm. To end their visit the Mosher's grilled burgers for the group from their very own farm fresh meats. "Our family thoroughly enjoyed all of the students … They were so polite, enthusiastic, and appreciative. They are always welcome…Thank you so much for such a wonderful opportunity…." Joanne Mosher of Holy Cow Fresh Farm commented.
This ended their first day in Indiana and all were delighted to have experienced this part of American farm life. The remainder of their stay consisted of university and Discovery Park tours along with visits with faculty and staff.
Catalina Toro expressed how the group's visits to both farms were of great benefit being that the Fair Oaks Farms is a large industrialized farm, the group was able to learn about their processes and new farm technologies that are still rare within Colombian agriculture. Visiting the small Holy Cow Farm gave the group insight into how a small family farm can operate and thrive. "This short study abroad exceeded all of our expectations and we plan to return to Purdue next year for the same program", Ms. Toro said.
"We were impressed that the head of agricultural economics, Dr. Kenneth Foster took the time to meet and present to our group. This demonstrates an interest in our students and institution." said a student participant.
EAFIT students at the Purdue Schowe house during their facilitated discussion on the Cacao for Peace project.
EAFIT students enjoying farm fresh sandwiches at the Holy Cow Fresh Farm.
EAFIT students at the Holy Cow Fresh Farm with the Mosher family (owners and operators of the farm).