By Andi Anderson
A group of students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign travelled to Ireland to explore global agricultural communications. Guided by faculty member Owen Roberts, the program aimed to link classroom learning with real-world experience.
Upon arriving in Dublin, the students were warmly welcomed by locals. Known as the “land of a thousand welcomes,” Ireland offered them kindness and openness, making their experience even more meaningful.
Staying at University College Dublin gave them a true taste of Irish campus life, while learning about the agri-food sector helped connect agriculture to everyday people.
One memorable visit was to Airfield Estate, a 38-acre green space in the city. It offered gardens, farm animals, and fresh food experiences, showing how agriculture and sustainability can be made fun and understandable for the public. Students saw how farms can be teaching tools, especially for families without access to rural life.
The highlight of the trip was attending the Bloom Festival, Ireland’s largest gardening event. Organized by Bord Bia, this festival blended food, flowers, and fun to promote agriculture. From delicious tastings to hands-on exhibits, visitors learned about farming in an enjoyable way. It showed how stories and branding help connect consumers with farmers.
For one student, the journey confirmed her desire to blend writing and agriculture in her future career. She realized that good communication is key to helping people understand where their food comes from.
The experience also emphasized the importance of international learning in shaping professional goals.
This educational trip to Ireland made agriculture feel alive, turning theory into practice. It inspired students to pursue careers that help bridge the gap between farming and the public, using storytelling, education, and creativity.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Education