Students to participate in Ireland study tour

Visit Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and other amazing sites near Killarney and Galway, Ireland during Parkland College's 10-day agricultural Study Abroad opportunity this spring. The supervised course, "Study in Ireland," will take place May 20-29. Designed for students seeking field experience in international agriculture as well as those who want to take in the beauty of the Emerald Isle, the tour features visits to farms specializing in organic dairy, vegetables, beef, sheep, horses/ponies, wheat, barley, sugar beets, and more. Sightseeing to Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Ring of Kerry, and other scenic areas is included in the trip.

Participants will gain firsthand knowledge of agriculture's role in international food production/trade as well as a greater understanding of how cultural and economic diversity influences agriculture.

The program fee of $2,100 includes roundtrip airfare, room, breakfasts/dinners, tours, and ground transportation; tuition for enrollment in the Parkland class, "International Agricultural Field Experience" (AGB 192) is not included. A $300 deposit, along with a completed application, is due by March 12.

Trip participants must be 18 and older; have a valid passport; demonstrate college-level reading, writing, and math skills; and provide proof of insurance. The site tour, as it is part of a course (AGB 192), will include lectures, fieldwork, and opportunities to explore and provides three semester hours of college credit.

Residents needing more information or who wish to apply for this exciting adventure should contact Don Bergfield, Study Abroad coordinator for Business and Agri-Industries, at 217/351-2406 or dbergfield@parkland.edu.