That question was answered over two weeks in January, as she and 17 other Cornell students – along with a nearly equal number of Indian students – traversed nearly 1,000 miles across India as part of coursework for the International Agricultural and Rural Development (IARD) major. At more than 50 years old, IARD is Cornell’s longest-running experiential learning program.
Students experienced the agriculture systems, rural infrastructure and economic development of the subcontinent.
“This experience was phenomenal,” said Snyder, an IARD major. “Being able to witness what is happening on the ground is a critical first step for us, as students and future professionals, to develop viable solutions that will make a difference in developing countries. That is something that just can’t be found in any book.”
The IARD course launched in 1968 with annual trips to countries around the globe. This year’s trip marked 20 years of partnership between Cornell, Sathguru Management Consultants, the Cornell Sathguru Foundation for Development and universities in India. Since establishing an annual presence in India in 2000, the course has brought together more than 750 Cornell and Indian students for cross-cultural exchange and in-depth experiences on many aspects of development.
“This partnership has endured thanks to excellent partners on the ground,” said Terry Tucker, IARD undergraduate studies director. “India offers a wide range of perspectives and competing ideas in the development sector, which exposes students to a variety of professional track options.”
He said numerous students have maintained contact with partners in India and return for internships and even work opportunities. Program alumni can be found in key positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development and other international development organizations, Tucker said.
This year’s hands-on learning opportunity brought together Cornell students ranging from undergraduates and master’s students to doctoral candidates and Hubert H. Humphrey fellows. In addition, 16 students from four universities in India were sponsored by the Sathguru Foundation to travel to Cornell for a short-term course in the fall, and to take part in the India field trip.
