By Sydney Friedman
As I stepped into a lush rolling pasture at the base of a mountain, I was greeted by a herd of dairy cattle gently approaching me, as if to say hello. The curious beasts slowly surrounded me, along with my fellow agricultural communications students. There, we stood discussing the realities of Ireland’s dairy production with Irish dairy farmers. That moment, when learning and experience came together, is one I will carry with me forever.
Early in the summer, a group of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students and I ventured abroad to Dublin, Ireland, to deepen our connection and understanding of agricultural communications. We were led by Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications faculty member Owen Roberts, who emphasized the importance of global perspectives through the Irish agri-food sector.
Not only were we successful in creating this connection, my peers and I found ourselves enveloped in international agriculture and Irish culture in a variety of unique ways.
We were immersed in the Irish way of life from the moment we arrived, welcomed like old friends with genuine hospitality. Naturally, I was shocked by the inviting nature of the locals. Known as the "the land of a thousand welcomes,” I never felt anything but warmth and acceptance, even as a tourist. From a quick chat with a store owner, directions from someone on the street, or a friendly conversation in a pub, I never felt like a stranger.
Source : illinois.edu