Before we can dive into Shasta's I-CAL Adventures I should probably give all you "newbies" some information about the program. As mentioned previously, I-CAL is the acronym for International Collegiate Agricultural Leadership Program. This program began in 2006 to provide an opportunity for agriculture students to apply knowledge gained from international travel to their future careers and further education. The program is a conjunction with the
National FFA Organization,
U.S. Grains Council and
The Grains Foundation. Therefore, the program focuses around grain industries, but is inclusive of all sectors of agriculture and how they play a role in international agriculture and global marketing.
Each year the program chooses a different region to learn about. Regions have varied from Northeast Africa, South America, and this year Southeast Asia. The students complete an application and sometimes an interview process. These students are active members of various agricultural organizations at the collegiate level, not necessarily just FFA. Many universities from coast-to-coast are represented. During the approximately two week trip, participants will tour different agricultural operations and facilities and meet with industry members and leaders. Reflections and analysis are completed to gain greater perspectives of how these international industries and the U.S. interact and will impact the future of agriculture.
I-CAL is a once in a lifetime opportunity, which can apply any career path. Even if one is not interested in specifically pursuing a career in international grain marketing and trade, this opportunity will give participants greater insight to the world around them and the parts played by their own nation and others. If you are involved agricultural clubs at the collegiate level, I highly encourage you to look into applying for I-CAL and possibly changing your life forever!
Keep following Shasta's I-CAL Adventures to learn more about I-CAL and all it has to offer!
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