A group of South Dakota State University students spent their spring break studying abroad in South Africa March 10-20. The group was made up of students representing a wide variety of academic programs across campus such as animal science, agricultural science, biotechnology, agriculture communications and nursing.
The class was led by Michael Gonda, professor in the Department of Animal Science, and assisted by Bob Thaler, Distinguished Professor and interim head of the Department of Animal Science, and Natalie Hoyes, former academic advisor in the Department of Animal Science.
“Students learned firsthand about agricultural practices as well as the culture and history of South Africa,” said Gonda. “The entire group learned about the differences of the country compared to the United States and learned about problems facing South African agriculture and society. Students also gained more confidence in their ability to travel internationally and interact with people of different cultures and backgrounds.”
As part of their experience, the students assisted in tranquilizing a nyala antelope, treating it and moving it to a different pasture. The class also had the opportunity to work with Afrikaner cattle and study different agronomy methods. After learning about some of the different farming practices, the group then met with emerging farmers. Additionally, they visited the Apartheid Museum, Voortrekker’s Monument, the Cheetah Rescue Center, a native village and a national wildlife park where the students could closely observe elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos and many other wildlife species.
The 14 students in the class included Sydney Sheffield, Emily Gerber, Bailee Anderson, Emilee Schuetz, Erin Schelling, Megan Sievers, Allisyn Baker, Haley Maday, Taylor Stout, Prairie Retzer, Braden Waldbeser, Mackenzie Henning, Reagan Sevigney and Garrett Bailey.
SDSU news release
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