This year the UF/IFAS Animal Sciences Department (ANS) was presented with the opportunity to join Purdue University and the University of Nebraska on a study abroad trip to Ireland for summer 2022. Dr. TenBroeck, ANS Associate Professor, and Allyson Trimble, ANS Academic Program Specialist, recruited 8 ANS undergraduate students and 1 UF Veterinary Medicine student to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Over the course of 3 weeks, the group traveled across the country of Ireland, spending each day learning about the cultural and economic importance of the Irish equine industry. They visited the Ballydoyle Racing Stable, kissed the Blarney stone at Castle & Garden, explored a water buffalo farm, toured the Irish National Stud and gardens, admired the Cliffs of Moher, and rode horseback on rolling hills, among many other excursions.
When asked what their favorite part of the trip was, most responded with, “visiting Coolmore Stud!” Coolmore Stud is located in Fethard, Ireland, and is the world’s largest thoroughbred racehorse breeding operation.
“It was amazing to see the facilities and learn how their thoroughbred breeding program differed from those in the United States,” said Megan Lee, ANS student. “We also had the opportunity to tour the trophy room and see the Triple Crown trophies from American Pharaoh and Justify.”
“Knowing the caliber of the place and seeing the diversity in their production was what made that stop so memorable,” said Trimble. “The individualized care they showed to each stallion was incredible.”
The students made the most out of their trip by applying their Animal Sciences education to what they were presented with on the industry tours. Both Dr. TenBroeck and Trimble expressed how the students expanded their prior knowledge by asking educated questions to tour guides and industry professionals.
“Our equine courses prepared students to have an opportunity to have more educated and meaningful conversations on this trip,” said Trimble.
Dr. TenBroeck and Trimble are working to create more study abroad opportunities for ANS students in the future—possibly traveling to Australia next summer! They are planning to have a broad-based animal agricultural experience to meet the interest of more students.
Dr. TenBroeck is looking forward to continuing to enhance our students’ undergraduate education.
“Studying abroad allows students to learn about other cultures, develop personal and professional skills, and it also builds character,” said Dr. TenBroeck.
Gustavo Zamora-Vazquez, ANS student, encourages his peers to study abroad.
“Nose-dive in and get out of your comfort zone because you never know the great experiences and people you will encounter,” said Zamora-Vazquez.
Our department is grateful to Purdue University for the generous invitation on this trip.
Students who may be interested in studying abroad should contact their academic advisor or the UF Abroad website.
Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences on our website. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Any questions or inquiries regarding this piece should be directed toward Savannah Linzmaier at slinzmaier@ufl.edu. Read more stories like this one here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.
0
