A golden opportunity awaits undergraduates from Kansas State University (K-State) keen on diving deep into the world of agriculture. The 2023 Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program, slated for November 17–25, is opening its doors for applications.
This stellar initiative is the joint effort of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, K-State's College of Agriculture, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver. All of this is part of a wider exchange program bridging K-State and Taiwan's National Chung Hsing University.
The program has room for six K-State undergraduates. Selected students will embark on a journey through Taiwan's agricultural infrastructure, gaining valuable insights into the region's farming practices and rich culture. And there's more good news! Dr. Dan Moser, Associate Dean of Academic Programs at K-State, shared that each participating student will be the beneficiary of a $1,000 scholarship.
He voiced his enthusiasm about the program, emphasizing its significance in offering students a global agricultural perspective.
Past participants like Sage Collins speak volumes about the program. For Collins, the experience was transformative, shedding light on Taiwan's unique agricultural landscape and cultural ethos.
Beyond just a cultural exchange, this program underscores the value of exports. In 2022 alone, Kansas' agricultural exports to Taiwan touched a whopping $225 million, securing Taiwan's position as the state's sixth-largest trading partner. Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, the international trade director at KDA, highlighted the program's ability to foster a deeper understanding of international agriculture.
A notable development awaits in 2024 students from National Chung Hsing University will visit Kansas. Ryan-Numrich expressed her optimism about the future of this exchange, particularly after overcoming pandemic-induced challenges.
Eligibility criteria include current enrollment at K-State, a strong agricultural foundation, possession of a valid U.S. passport, and the capability to shoulder some travel expenses.
The last date for applications is September 5, 2023. For any queries, Dana Ladner, KDA's outreach and education program manager, is available at Dana.Ladner@ks.gov or 785-564-6660.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luc-pouliot
Categories: Kansas, Education