In an effort to integrate more study abroad options into the curriculum at the University ofom the agriculture department including Associate Professor Harouna Maiga, and instructors Chuck Lariviere, and Terrill Bradford, visited the French National Agricultural Research Institute (INRA) in Paris, France, and its allied agricultural universities.  

While in France from June 23 to July 1, the group made several stops including a visit to Tours, France, where they investigated a variety of options for collaboration and connection with INRA. They had an opportunity to establish contacts and plan to continue conversations in the future.  The trip was funded in part by a grant from the University of Minnesota's Office of International Programs and professional development funds.

Integration of study abroad into the curriculum offers a variety of options for students to gain international exposure, and it moves the Crookston campus toward the University of Minnesota's goal of achieving 50 percent of U of M graduates participating in a study abroad experience.