Have you ever had an interest in studying abroad but did not want to go away for a whole semester? If so, you’re in luck! The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the University of Illinois offer a wide range of short-term study abroad programs.

Mira Laroyia, a junior agricultural and biological engineering major and ACES study abroad intern, has taken part in one of these experiences. Through the Global Sustainability Scholars program, she traveled to Trinidad and Tobago during winter break of her freshman year.

Spending spring break in Washington, D.C. with my ACE 291: Agricultural Policy & Leadership class was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of the intersection between agriculture, policy, and leadership. While I expected to learn about how policies are shaped and implemented, what truly stood out to me was the dynamic nature of policymaking and the diverse career opportunities in this space.

Bridging Policy and Agriculture

Over spring break, I had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. as part of ACE 291: Ag Policy & Leadership. I knew going in that it would be a packed week full of meetings, tours, and panels—but what I didn’t expect was just how much it would shift my perspective about what a career in agriculture and policy might look like.

Ben Riseman, a marketing intern for the College of ACES, covers student life from a student’s perspective. In this piece, he highlights one of the college’s most immersive experiential learning opportunities: The Spice Box is a capstone project that gives hospitality management students full creative and operational control of a fine dining restaurant.

In September 2024, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) held their annual Next Generation program.  A cohort of 14 students from 8 universities travelled to Indianapolis for committee meetings, trainings, and networking with NASDA members, state staff, and industry professionals. Two public policy and law students, Kirby Miller and Viktoriya Dragnevska, who were nominated by their professors, represented the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the College of ACES.