Combining education, travel and opportunity
Unique program combines food, world travel and huge opportunity at Dalhousie’s agricultural campus
Deciding what to do after graduating high school can be quite stressful. You’re on the cusp of adulthood, and every decision you make feels monumental. Do you take a year off and travel? Or do you head off to university to further your education?
The internal debate can feel overwhelming, as these decisions will dictate the next few chapters of your life. But for those who have an interest in business, and are eager to travel and explore the world, the decision is easy — Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture in Truro has the perfect program for you.
The International Food Business (IFB) program combines education, international travel, paid internships and more, and its graduates earn two degrees, from two universities, on two continents. The best part? It all happens within four years.
This unique international business program is a joint venture between Dalhousie University and Aeres University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Students gain an understanding of the global food industry from farm to consumer’s plate, with an emphasis on the business aspect of agriculture and food study. Upon graduation, students are awarded a Bachelor of Business Administration from Aeres University and a Bachelor of Agriculture in International Food Business from Dalhousie.
Katherine Meagher, from Saskatchewan, is a third-year student in the program. She had an interest in agriculture, but was particularly intrigued by the business side of the program. She also wanted to be able to visit the East Coast and travel. The IFB Program presented her with the perfect opportunity.
“I would definitely recommend this program — IFB is so amazing. You really get to explore your different interests within agriculture,” says Meagher, who has already completed her North American internship in northern Alberta, gaining valuable work-related experience.
Students complete two paid internships, both international and domestic, as part of their degree. Typically, they spend their second year studying abroad in the Netherlands and then complete a European internship. In the third year, there is a North American internship. These internships enable the students to gain hands-on work experience and begin to network internationally in a thriving, growing industry. While the global pandemic has altered the schedule, Meagher is excited to attend Aeres University in the Fall and combine her studies with more opportunities to travel, while completing her European internship.
During their final year, students conduct a research project related to their area of interest and are able to choose from a variety of elective courses, refining their specialization.
“You’re able to select what you’re interested in to do your final thesis project on. I’ve been able to take a wide range of classes,” says Meagher. “I’ve learned so much!”
Meagher has enjoyed her time at the agricultural campus in Truro. The smaller campus has a close-knit atmosphere that provides more opportunities, well-established friendships and closer working relationships with her professors.
“I love the community feel of the campus. I find the professors here really make an effort to get to know their students,” says Meagher. “It’s really nice that I’m not in huge classes with hundreds of people.”
Meagher has embraced living in Truro with its extensive recreational activities and leisure opportunities. From Victoria Park, a 3,000-acre natural woodland park in the heart of Truro, to the skating rink in Civic Square, to the Harvest Festival in the Fall, there is something for everyone. Truro’s downtown boasts a thriving business community and many restaurants.
“I would say don’t judge Truro by its size. In reality, there’s no shortage of things to do in Truro and in all seasons too,” says Meagher. “You definitely will not be bored!”
Graduates of the IFB program are set up for success, combining a resume of related international work experience with strong educational and practical knowledge. Whether
they go on and pursue a career, start their own business or continue their studies at an advanced level, they are prepared for it.
There is a wide breadth of programming available at Dalhousie’s agriculture campus in Truro, including engineering and science. Students also thrive in its small campus environment, with tailored instruction that builds a strong foundation for success.
Meagher is excited for what the future holds. “I just really love IFB and all of the great opportunities it has provided me.”
If you are interested in learning more about the International Food Business program available through Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture in Truro, go to dal.ca/studyifb.