Central ND News

Dickinson State University (DSU) has facilitated an educational exchange program, sending three agriculture students to China. This initiative was designed to expose U.S. students to Chinese agricultural practices and foster international collaboration.

The trip included Lorelei Jarrett, a senior focused on international agriculture business, and Nathan Unruh, another student in DSU’s agriculture program. Both participants described the experience as transformative on multiple levels.

“We stayed in the cities of Beijing and Zhengzhou,” Unruh noted. “We traveled around those to different places for tours of production and processing facilities, research and development centers, cultural tours, etc.”

The group visited various sites including two universities, the North to South Water Project, the Henan Modern Agricultural Experimental Demonstration Base, and Muyuan Foodstuff Co., a significant pork producer in China.

“The primary goals of the trip were to learn about agricultural production and other processes in China," Unruh explained, "and to communicate with ag leaders in order to foster meaningful relationships across our two countries.”

Jarrett emphasized how the trip aligned with her academic and career objectives. “My biggest takeaway was the parallels as well as the differences between China and the United States,” she said.

Unruh highlighted the importance of agricultural diplomacy: “Agriculture is the backbone of our relationship with China... I think that it is of paramount importance that we work together with China."

Both students reflected on how classroom learning aided their experiences abroad. Jarrett mentioned skills like effective questioning and note-taking while Unruh spoke about communication skills facilitating discussions on complex topics.

When considering future impacts, both pointed towards long-term benefits from this experience. Jarrett sees it shaping her understanding of foreign trade and global markets while Unruh values lifelong lessons learned during the visit.

Their memorable moments varied but shared a common theme of connection—Jarrett cherished walking the Great Wall of China whereas Unruh valued dialogues with top ag leaders.

Expressing gratitude for this opportunity, Unruh stated: “I would like to add that I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the delegation.”

Holly Gruhlke from DSU highlighted these experiences' significance: “Opportunities like this are essential for preparing students to lead in a globally connected world.”

For further details on DSU’s agriculture programs visit their website or contact them via email.