Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) recently concluded a transformative study abroad program to the Bahamas. It offered students a unique opportunity to explore agricultural practices in a vastly different environment. This innovative program, which bridged the Agriculture and Natural Resources departments, aimed to deepen students’ understanding of agricultural diversity and sustainability.
A Unique Learning Experience
“The Bahamas offers a unique agricultural landscape,” said Sarah Mills-Lloyd, faulty lead on the trip. “When you think of the Bahamas, vacations come to mind. But it’s essential to recognize the small-scale agricultural production that thrives there, such as small ruminants, pineapples, fish, and stone crabs.”
The Bahamas imports over 90% of its food, making sustainable agricultural practices crucial. The program emphasized the contrast in soil conditions between Wisconsin and the Bahamas, highlighting the challenges and innovations required for farming in coral-rich soils.
Hands-On Learning and Cultural Exchange
Students participated in various excursions, visiting small-scale farms that produce goats, apple trees, vegetables, and unique local fruits. These visits included interactions with local farmers and hands-on learning experiences. “We went to farms where students saw value-added agriculture in action,” shared Mills-Lloyd. “One farmer even ran a restaurant using produce from his farm, demonstrating how integrated and sustainable agriculture can be.”
Students also experienced the unique farming methods required in the Bahamas, such as pothole farming, where farmers dig into coral and amend the soil to cultivate crops. This hands-on approach allowed students to understand and appreciate the different agricultural practices and sustainability efforts necessary in such environments.
Student Feedback and Experiences
For many students, this trip was their first international travel experience, adding a layer of excitement and learning. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, including navigating snowstorms back home, which taught valuable lessons in adaptability and flexibility. The cultural exchange aspect was profound, with students noting the differences and similarities in agricultural practices and everyday life between the Bahamas and the U.S.
Looking Ahead: Costa Rica 2025
Building on the success of the Bahamas program, FVTC is excited to announce its next study abroad destination: Costa Rica in January 2025. This program will continue to offer students from various agricultural disciplines the chance to explore global agricultural practices. Planned visits include coffee and cacao plantations, pineapple farms, and ecotourism sites.
