University of Florida/IFAS Extension International Training Program

P. Vergot III

University of Florida /IFAS Extension, Quincy, FL, USA

ABSTRACT

University of Florida /IFAS Extension began a professional development training program for County Extension Faculty on International Extension. County Extension Faculty were trained during campus based seminars and a ten day international study tour based at EARTH University in Costa Rica. County Extension Faculty have increased their knowledge and competency of international program awareness.

INTRODUCTION

In 2002, University of Florida /IFAS Extension was proud to begin a new international professional development program to provide an introduction to opportunities for County Extension Faculty in International Extension work.

HISTORY

International Extension involvement by County Extension Faculty of University of Florida /IFAS Extension was primarily an individual effort by a few individuals. County Extension Faculty were discouraged by their clientele with concerns that they would be “giving away” information and farming practices seen as advantages to production and marketing of crops and livestock.

EDUCATIONAL IMPORTANCE AND EXPECTED BENEFITS

For Extension Personnel  An exciting opportunity to grow personally and professionally  Contact with international issues and programs  A chance to view work and career from different perspectives For the Extension System  County Extension Faculty better prepared to respond to international program involvement  Professionals with commitment to improve Extension efforts domestically and internationally

For the People of Florida  Professionals better prepared to serve local needs  Increased understanding of how global issues affect daily life

METHODOLOGY

Funding and Models

University of Florida Extension administration approved funding to begin the first international training program for University of Florida/ IFAS Extension. A proven model developed at Michigan State University under the leadership of Dr. Mary Andrews1 and guidance from Dr. Frank Brewer2 was followed.

Participants

Eight County Extension Faculty selected were asked to make a strong commitment of time and be involved in a study program. Applicants to the training program were required to have attained permanent status or have six years in Extension. Applicants represented most all program areas of Extension at the University of Florida including agriculture, 4H, family and consumer sciences, sea grant, environmental horticulture and community development.

Training Model

The Extension International training began in January and continued through May of 2002. The author, the IFAS International Programs department director and staff shared their expertise. Campus faculty assisted in the teaching and training during the orientation and training sessions held on the University of Florida campus. The sessions on the University of Florida campus provided:

 An overview of international program activities  Preparing for travel abroad  Education of Costa Rica – culture, government, and the Extension system  How faculty will use their new knowledge

The International Experience

A ten day international field experience included an international study tour in Costa Rica during April of 2002. Earth University served as the “host” providing a base of operations and as facilitator of the logistics. The study tour provided the faculty a vision for extension and new skills to help their clientele in Florida. The faculty leaped cultural barriers and learned about the people, language and culture of Costa Rica. As part of the experience County Extension Faculty were immersed into the culture of the community, living with a host family for a 24 hour stay.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The International Extension Training Program has increased global awareness and activities with administrators and faculty of the entire University of Florida /IFAS Extension program. This new perspective has legitimatized International programming in Florida.

Benefits and Comments from Faculty

The County Extension Faculty participating in the training program stated the benefits they received:

“The training broadened our understanding of the family structures, cultures, customs, lifestyles and views of people around the world, allowing agents to recognize similarities we share and to gain an appreciation of our differences.”

“The experience created an opportunity to develop a relationship with co-workers from around Florida in both a professional and personal capacity that would otherwise not have been possible.” “County Faculty now have a strengthened commitment and dedication to our jobs, energized us when we returned home, and deepened our belief in the function of Extension not only in Florida, USA, but in the world.”

“We have many things to learn from others, but we also have a great amount of valuable knowledge we can teach.”

“A rejuvenated group of County Faculty have a greater appreciation of the support system they have within the University of Florida/IFAS program.

The Faculty involved in the international training program developed objectives and a personalized plan for sharing the international experience.

REFRECNCES

1Andrews M.P., International Extension Programs, Michigan State University, East Lansing Michigan, web site, http://www.msue.msu.edu/intext

2 Brewer F.L., (2002), Agricultural Extension Systems: An International Perspective, Erudition Books, Courier Custom Publishing, Inc., North Chelmsford, MA

Corresponding Author Contact Information:

Pete, Vergot III, University of Florida/IFAS Extension, Northwest Extension District, 155 Research Road, Quincy, FL 32351, USA, Phone: 850-875-7137, Fax: 850-875-7189, [email protected]