Mediated Cross-Cultural Learning through Exchange in Higher Agricultural Education

Abstract

This article reports on the long-term impact of an intensive European Union–Australia student exchange programme that took place in 2004 and 2005. The programme, Learning through Exchange about Agriculture, Food Systems and Environment (LEAFSE), was designed to facilitate exchange of post-graduate students on a pilot scale between four institutions in EU countries and four in Australia. Under this programme master's level students in the fields of agriculture, food systems and environment had the opportunity to study abroad. Students from EU studied for a semester at a partner university in Australia, and students from Australia studied for a semester at a partner university in EU. The research shows that LEAFSE appears to have been successful in creating a community of learners and a learning environment that combined resulted in a significant life experience that positively contributed to students' personal and professional development. An important component of both seems to be their enhanced cross-cultural competence in that they are better able to understand and appreciate differences.