Hey there! Since this is the first Official post of this new blog I will give a little background and talk a little about the purpose of this blog. This blog is part of the required coursework for Michigan State University's Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources study abroad class International Studies in Horticulture titled "The History and Future of Horticulture in the UK" led by our esteemed faculty Susan Gruber and Kristin Getter. This medium will be used to document my experiences both before and during (since class time will be held prior to departure) my time in the United Kingdom.

I will post the tentative schedule and syllabus as well as the assignments as the come up so that future students reading through will be able to get a full picture of the experience.

I look forward to being a part of the first group for this new study abroad, we will truly be trailblazers and set the tone for years to follow. I am excited that we are taking care of a lions share of the coursework prior to leaving so that when we get to London we are not over whelmed by the culture shock and hours of course work. We have a great group coming with us and I believe that we will have an excellent time while in the UK.

We will be visiting several gardens as well as multiple food producers and floraculture specialists. Our focus will be on learning the similarities and differences between European and American agricultural systems, and how countries deal with the difficulties of "growing plants". I am also personally excited to learn about how international trade relations are going to be affected by the isolationist attitudes associated with Brexit, and how research techniques differ in the UK.

More to come next week! Go Green, Go white, Go MSU!

-AJS

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