Food and Resource Economics (FRE) student Kimberly Miranda-Ramos participated in the UF in Ireland: Internship and Global Culture study abroad program this past summer.  

A six-week long summer study abroad, the UF in Ireland program allows students to complete an internship and gain college credit while learning about the Irish culture.

Ramos first became interested in studying abroad because she wanted to gain work experience and new skills. When determining an option that would be the best fit for her, she discovered the UF in Ireland program to be a perfect fit for her interests. 

“I knew that Ireland is big on agriculture and figured that it would be the best fit in regard to my internship experience and career goals,” Ramos said, 

Ramos, a junior in the FRE department, spent her internship as a data analyst at VisaMilk SFI Research Centre, a company leading in agri-food technology and focused on sustainable dairy production. Her main goals going into the internship experience were to gain data analysis, presentation, and communication skills  

During her internship, she analyzed quantitative data from scientific studies to see what types of milk functioned better under different pH levels and heating times. Ramos also collaborated with other team members to prepare reports and present on how the company could improve in their monthly meetings. 

She had to remind herself that the skills she learned are transferable and can be applied in many aspects. She had to adapt and be willing to ask for help.

But it wasn’t all hard work – Ramos was also able to build connections with her co-workers by going on walks during lunch in the pastures looking at the cows.

Some of the biggest takeaways she had from her study abroad experience was patience, transferrable skills, and improving communication. 

“Ireland has an indirect communication style, so one has to be able to adapt and be comfortable with asking for clarification,” Ramos said. 

While this was her first time visiting Ireland, Ramos said the memories made and she plans wholeheartedly to return to the country in the future.  

 Her advice for those interested in the program?  Apply for scholarships, budget your money during the trip, and, most importantly, make the most out of every experience.   

“Explore, talk to new people, network at your job even with fields unrelated to yours, and balance yourself,” Ramos said. 

For current students interested in this program, reach out to Dr. Misti Sharp, the CALS Program Director, for UF in Ireland. More info can be found here on the website

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