Rationale - Organizational Context

Internationalizing extension has been identified as a national initiative for USDA-CSREES, and many state extension systems have also embraced this issue.  There are numerous reasons that this is occurring.  Because of advances technology, communication, travel and product availability the world is becoming ‘smaller’ and more interconnected.  Research has shown that the public’s fundamental attitudes about international involvement is favorable and aligns with broad interpersonal relationships, such as those with family and community members.  However, there are misperceptions and confusion that undermine public support for effective US global engagement.  As a grassroots organization, extension is exceptionally poised to integrate an international dimension into its ongoing educational programs that will lead to better global understanding and involvement. 

University of Florida IFAS Extension is proud to enhance and continue a program to provide professional development opportunities for extension faculty in international extension work. The international extension training program will build stronger relationships with extension, local government and graduate education at the University of Florida.  

The training program will prepare county extension faculty, local officials and graduate students and instructors:

• to develop international outreach programs for local clientele.
• recognize the interdependence of the U.S. in global economic, social and political developments and issues.
• be better able to respond to the needs of individuals and communities impacted by cultural diversity and global interdependence.
• recognize ways to provide international trade and development education programs to extension clientele.
• Improve local county programs by helping county extension faculty and local officials apply their expanded knowledge and increased cultural sensitivity to local problems and programs.
• prepare future extension educators and leaders for careers and to instill an international dimension into extension programming.
• involve extension clientele in understanding how international linkages/interdependencies affect our daily lives.
• improve local county programs by helping county extension faculty and local officials apply their expanded knowledge and increased cultural sensitivity to local problems and programs.
• provide county extension faculty, local officials, students and instructors with the opportunity to become involved in overseas projects and U.S. development education efforts.

 

• Back to Internation Extension Training Program 2004

• 2010
  • Costa Rica FCS/4H 2010
• 2009
  • Ecuador Horticulture August 2009
  • Mali IPDN Report 2009
  • Mali IPDN Pictures
• 2008 
  • China DDIS 2008
  • Brazil Biofuels 2008
  • LaFlor Horticulture 2008
• 2007
  • Zamorano 2007
• 2005 
  • Costa Rica Laflor Project Pictures
• 2003-2004
  • Internationalizing Extension
  • Costa Rica Pictures
  • Dr. Hiram Larew, Director, International Programs, CSREES/USDA: May 19th & 20th, 2003, Pictures
  • Iraq Project Pictures
• 2002
  • International Extension Training Program
  • Costa Rica Pictures
  • FAS Report Information