2021 will mark the 34th year of this program!
A month-long study abroad experience offered in conjunction with the École Supérieure d’Agriculture (ESA) in Angers [pronounced (awn-jay’)], France. Each year, a group of 5-10 UW students travel to France with a UW faculty member to study European agriculture for one month. All classes and field-trips are taught in English, but students also get to learn and practice basic French one hour each weekday. Students attend classes during regular school hours (to earn 3 upper-division credits through UW), but also participate in numerous field trips to agricultural operations and agri-businesses, where they learn about the French agricultural system and see it in action.
On weekends, students take cultural field trips to Paris, Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley. Throughout the month-long experience, students live with host families, who speak basic English and are very excited to welcome you into their homes. Many past students keep in touch with their host families long after returning to the U.S., in hopes they might someday get to visit them again.
Classes and field-trips within the AGEC 4280 experience focus on sustainable food production in France. The city of Angers is located in the Loire Valley, which is considered the bread basket of France. A stunning variety of agricultural products are raised there, from beef and dairy to grains and fruit, as well as wine, cheese, salt, and other specialty products.
Field trips include visits to sustainable agricultural enterprises such as dairies, cider-makers, specialty cheese-makers, and vineyards. Classes cover topics such as: wine tasting, bread-making, beginning (or intermediate) French language (to help you interact more comfortably with French-speaking citizens as you explore the city of Angers during your free-time), French culture/history, and the French agricultural system.
Students also complete a group project about the sustainability of one of the French agricultural businesses, based on field trips to the agribusiness and conversations with the business owner/manager.
Our primary audience is students with agricultural majors. However, students with interests in economics and food production/science will also be interested. Students who have not had an international experience will find this program an especially good way to get some in-depth international experience.