By Dr. Stephan Tubene
Students learned about research and environmental education at Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education. Photo courtesy Stephan Tubene.
Skilled personnel, educators, practitioners and the professional workforce in today’s agriculture are required to go beyond the understanding of cross-cutting sciences of agriculture, food and environment. They must be willing to explore and develop their teaching skills and experiences based on successful practices in other countries.
The Global Orientation to Agricultural Learning program is a collaborative effort to significantly change the preparation of future agricultural educators by providing immersive, high-impact experiences in global food security as a vehicle to increase teaching skills and global competency.
In summer 2025, the GOALs team embarked on an international experiential learning adventure in Belize. The team included students and faculty from Penn State, the University of Idaho and the 1890 universities (i.e., Tuskegee, Alcorn and University of Maryland Eastern Shore).
Students watch a demonstration of chocolate processing. Photo courtesy Stephan Tubene
The weeklong learning visit to Belize was packed with activities from tropical farming systems to immersion learning about the way of life in Belize.
The GOALs team participated in:
- Tropical animal education at the Belize Zoo in La Democracia.
- Maya civilization at Xunantunich, Cayo District, and Maya experience at the Benque House of Culture, Cayo District.
- Garifuna drumming and immersion at Gulisi museum, Stann Creek District.
- Traditional Maya farm at Laguna Village, Toledo District.
- Permaculture farming and chocolate processing at IXCACAO, Toledo District.
They also visited the University of Belize, Belmopan, and learned about research and environmental education at Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), and Independence Junior College, Quebrada.
For participating students, it was an eye-opener. Nathaniel Sharp, a UMES Agribusiness Management student, said he gained knowledge in global agriculture, environment and economic factors that influence agricultural systems.
“Visiting local farmers and learning, for example, how chocolate is produced from the cacao bean to the finished product, provided valuable insight into farming practices and value-added production. Experiencing the food from Belize, such as fish, chicken and interacting with local farmers, broadened my knowledge of how agriculture impacts daily life and the world,” Sharp said.
GOALS is led by Penn State under Dr. Daniel Foster. GOALS involves the University of Idaho under Dr. Kasee Smith and the 1890 Universities Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense under Dr. Stephan Tubene.
“Such experience and exposure to the global world is much needed for all students as it opens up new horizons and opportunities,” Tubene said.
This work is supported by project award no. 2023-70003-38776, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
