Scotland: Youth Engagement in Agriculture

About the Program

The CAES Youth Engagement in Agriculture Study Abroad Program is a dynamic international experience designed to prepare future agricultural educators, communicators, and leaders to promote agricultural literacy and youth development on a global scale. Hosted in collaboration with partners in the United Kingdom, this program immerses students in Scotland’s rural landscapes, cultural heritage, and educational systems with a focus on youth engagement in agriculture.
Participants engage with primary school students through hands-on agricultural activities, observe innovative models of agricultural education and youth development, and explore key differences between U.S. and Scottish approaches to agricultural literacy and rural outreach. Through school visits, cultural excursions, and dialogue with local educators, students gain new perspectives on the role of agriculture in community identity, youth empowerment, and sustainability.
In addition to educational components, the program includes enriching cultural visits that bring British and Scottish history to life. Students tour the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, and Culloden Battlefield, providing context to centuries of conflict and cultural evolution. The itinerary also includes time in vibrant urban centers like Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as breathtaking natural landscapes in the Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of the cultural forces that shape rural and urban life in the UK.

This study abroad program supports professional growth in educational pedagogy, intercultural competence, and global citizenship. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, the program offers a transformative experience that equips participants with the tools to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders, at home and abroad.