This program is not planned to run in Winter 2025-2026.
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Mexico, Multiple
The UW International Field Study in Animal Agriculture and Sustainable Development program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) in partnership with IAP.
During the 2-week field program, students will visit a wide range of agricultural producers and processors, see their products, analyze the economic, environmental and social dimension of their production system, and understand their respective roles in contributing to food security in a country where extreme wealth and poverty coexist. Site visits include:
- Visits to subsistence farmers with small (1-10 animals) herds of cows, sheep and/or goats. Students will see how livestock fill a local need and discuss the importance of small-scale agricultural production in relation to providing animal protein and calories to rural communities who, for the most part, cannot afford commercially available products.
- Visits to large scale agricultural production sites where “factory-type” farms produce inexpensive products that are shipped all over the country, filling the needs of the more affluent urban populations.
- Explore the hidden costs and benefits of both small and large-scale agricultural systems in relation to carbon footprint, immigration, building infrastructure, setting government policy, contribution to human nutrition and health, and alleviating rural and urban poverty.
- Understand the need for both small and large-scale systems in feeding a diverse population, and respect the contribution each makes in enhancing food security.
There is no language requirement for this course, however having some knowledge of Spanish will be helpful to participants.
In addition to the information on this webpage, you can learn more about the program and read about past students' experiences here.
Learning Objectives
We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:
- Develop an awareness of the multi-dimensional aspect of dairy production and how it intersects with: poverty alleviation, gender issues, household income, human health and environmental stewardship
- Gain first-hand experience with the biophysical, social and economic diversity of food production systems that serve distinct populations
- Interact with smallholders who are part of the livestock revolution in the context of Mexican social, environmental and agricultural development
- Interview university professors involved in agricultural development research in Mexico ranging from those working with subsistence farmers (resource-poor, rural populations) to those involved in industrial-scale production systems (resource intensive, urban populations)
- Understand the historic, social, economic and political forces that shape changes in agriculture and determine the food supply, food security and ultimately human health
- Build an awareness of the increased interdependence of agricultural industries around the world and how that affects local food supply
- Produce scholarly documents (portfolio entries) to post on a public website to document your multi-dimensional learning
- Demonstrate critical thinking and comparative perspectives with respect to experiences or cultural approaches to international challenges
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.
Sustainability
We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.
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Eligibility
Preference given to students who have completed or are enrolled in Dairy Science/Inter-Ag 471 (3 credits) or Dairy Sci/Animal Sci/Food Sci/Soil Sci 472 (1 credit)
Freshmen eligible only with instructor's consent.
- 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
- Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
- At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution
Advising Location
Program Structure
UW Signature
Subjects
Agriculture, Animal Science, Dairy Science, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Climate Change, Food Systems, Nutritional Science, Soil Science, Sustainable Development, Public Health
Classroom Language
English
Housing
Hotels
Program Duration
Summer: Mid May - Early June
Winter: Early January - Late January
Application Deadline(s)
Future durations will be posted at a later date.
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Using Mexico as a “case study”, to better understand the situation in our own country, students will gain knowledge and understanding of important agricultural issues and its contribution to the dimensions of sustainable development, including but not limited to human health, economic growth, social stability, environmental quality.
The study abroad program is approved as a field experience for the Global Health Certificate. You will have the option of earning either two credits of Dairy Science/Animal Science/Soil Science/Food Science 473 or two credits of Nutritional Sciences 421.
A pre-departure course in addition to the study abroad program fulfills the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences International Studies requirement.
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents
Program Leader
Michel Wattiaux and Dante Pizarro