Program Description:

The objective of this course is to learn about the production and processing systems and trade barriers for both plant and animal-based foods, practices in food safety and regulation/detection, waste management, and other current issues in China and Thailand. Students will have opportunity to observe industrial chicken, pork, and rice processing operations of CP Foods, one of the biggest in Thailand. At Dalian Polytechic University of China, students will visit seafood processing plants and investigate aquaculture practices. In Beijing, students will engage with scientists in the various institutions of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and diplomats and agricultural officials in the US embassy in Beijing. Apart from academic learning, we will explore historic and touristic spots and authentic local food around Bangkok and Beijing.


Program Travel Dates:   SUMMER 2019 (05/13/2019-05/31/2019) 

Course Credits: FSHN 496/596 or ABE 496/596 - 3 credits in spring 2019

Program Directors:   Buddhi Lamsal (lamsal@iastate.edu), Tong Wang (tongwang@iastate.edu), and Chenxu Yu (chenxuyu@iastate.edu)

Participant Selection Criteria:

Open to  students who are interested in Food and Agricultural Production, and its impact to human society and environment. Students from COE, CALS, CHS and any other colleges will be considered. 

GPA: 2.5 or higher for undergraduates, 3.0 or higher for graduate

Through their essay and letter of recommendation, students will need to demonstrate mature interactions with others, good communication skills and readiness and openness for cross-cultural experiences. We will be looking for students who can clearly articulate the benefit they can see from the experience for their professional development.





Program Cost Description: The program cost consists of three parts: 1) Program Fee; 2) Other ISU Fees; and 3) Out of Pocket Personal Cost.

Program Fee: Approximately $4500.00

Other Fees: $105 study abroad administrative fee charged by Study Abroad Center.

Out of Pocket Personal Cost:

Passport which Costs $145 if you don't already have one
Incidentals: $300
Meals on own: $200
Vaccines and preventive medicines: $100
Visa and Mailing: $200

If you are an undergraduate student in the College of Ag and Life Sciences and are a first time international traveler and do not have a passport, contact Jodi at jcornell@iastate.edu or Visha Arumugam at arumugam@iastate.edu to find out how you can have the cost of your passport reimbursed.
 
Scholarships:
There are scholarships available to apply for through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (0018 Curtiss Hall, scholarship application due November 1, 2018). Application details are served to CALS students in the learning content section of the program application.

  


Program Itinerary:

Flying into Dalian - one week on Dalian Polytechnic University campus:
Various activities, including aquaculture on Yalu River; Seafood processing investigations; Paired with local students, site visit to Aquaculture production facilities and various study and discussion sessions with local  students and faculty.

Flying to Beijing -  one week on China Agriculture University campus:
Site visits at CAAS  research institutes on safety and processing (Institute of quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro Products, Institute of Agro-food Science and Technology, Institute of Feed Research), ag production demonstration farms; China Ag Univ research labs visit; Wal-mart food safety center in Beijing; Great wall and Forbidden City sightseeing tours. 

Flying to Bangkok- one week program in conjunction with PMI University Agroindustry Department. Students will learn about the major crops of the areas, processing of crops/food into ingredients and products, and the university life and scientific research specific to food production and processing. Students will have opportunity to observe industrial chicken, pork, and rice processing operations of CP Foods, one of the biggest in Thailand. Bangkok and vicinity sightseeing tour will make it additionally exciting.

Note:
Due to international quarantine restrictions service animals cannot be accommodated on our study abroad programs. For more information, please contact the Iowa State University Student Accessibility Services Office.