ASI Abroad

By Hanna Bailey, Junior in Animal Sciences and Industry with additions from Haley Phillips, Senior in Agricultural Communications and Ainsley Pecenka, Senior in Animal Sciences and Industry

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Horseback in a pasture, walking through a commercial swine farm, studying vaccines in the lab or standing ringside bidding for your operation; animal science can take you anywhere. But what if experiencing agriculture in other cultures was an opportunity right in front of you? Over the last few months, Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry students have taken that opportunity. From Eastern Europe to South America, my peers and I have checked off bucket-list destinations while gaining a broader understanding of agriculture and animal science on a global scale.

From May 23 to June 1, 2026, I had the opportunity to travel to Poland with the Agricultural Education Department. As my first international experience, the trip also marked my first time flying. While in Poland, we visited the cities of Warsaw, Krakow, Zakopane and Wroclaw. Each city showcased centuries of history and culture. As we learned about Poland's history, we were also able to learn how it impacted their agriculture. Along the way, we toured dairy and beef operations, potato and crop farms, and had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service at the U.S. Embassy.

Traveling abroad broadened my worldview, and it also helped me realize how alike agriculture is thousands of miles away. While there are many differences between practices, at some points during the trip, I felt a strong sense of familiarity with our operations in Kansas. Connecting with producers and learning the similarities between the industries was eye-opening.

This experience deepened my understanding of animal science and agriculture on a global scale. I now have a deeper appreciation for American agriculture while being inspired to learn more about agricultural systems around the world. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad to seize it and make the most of the experience. It's safe to say this experience not only furthered my education but also allowed me to grow as an individual.

While I explored agriculture in Poland, junior Haley Phillips of Girard, Kansas, had the chance to travel to Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, with the Animal Science and Industry Department from March 13 to 22, 2026, where she explored agricultural practices in one of the world's top beef-producing countries.

Phillips said, “Coming from a small town, stepping into a city with nearly four million people and touring ranches halfway across the world felt surreal. Through the eyes of a student, it was interesting to see how their cattle operations were both familiar and totally different. Learning how producers in Argentina manage their land, sell their cattle at sale barns and adapt to their environment taught me so much.

“One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is how much you learn without even realizing it. Every conversation, every new food and every cultural difference opened my eyes. Two of my favorite parts of the trip were listening to local ranchers and seeing Iguazu Falls. The ranchers we met in Argentina had the best hospitality, and seeing Iguazu Falls in Puerto Iguazú in person is truly unforgettable.

“If there’s one thing I took away from this trip, it’s that every student should study abroad if they have the opportunity. This trip allowed me to get on a deeper level with other students who I’ll be working with in this industry. This opportunity made me realize just how grateful I am to be part of the Animal Science Department at Kansas State University.”

While Phillips explored beef production in South America, senior Ainsley Pecenka of Spring Hill, Kansas, discovered unique learning opportunities in the mountains of Switzerland from May 19 to June 5, 2026. Though separated by thousands of miles, both destinations left a lasting impression and broadened the Animal Science and Industry students' perspectives on agriculture and the world around them.

Pecenka said, “I would recommend studying abroad to anyone, especially through Kansas State University. My experience was unforgettable, especially because it was my first time out of the United States. Not only did I experience the culture, traditions and daily life of Switzerland, but I also formed friendships with locals and the students on the trip. We shared many unique experiences together that brought us closer, and I know many of those friendships will last a lifetime. One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad through K-State was the support they provided. They handled the logistics, planning and organization, which allowed us to focus on learning, exploring and making the most of every moment.

“One of my favorite parts of the experience was traveling to several different cities throughout Switzerland. Something many people don't realize is that Switzerland has four national languages, and the language spoken depends on the region you are visiting. During our three weeks abroad, we had the opportunity to travel through each of those regions, giving us the chance to hear German, French, Italian and Romansh. Every city offered something different, from the breathtaking Swiss Alps to historic architecture and beautiful, crystal-clear lakes. Spending three weeks immersed in such a diverse country taught me so much about the world, broadened my perspective and encouraged me to continue discovering different cultures.

“Some of the highlights of my trip included seeing the famous Matterhorn and jumping into the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. It is uncommon to get a clear view of the Matterhorn because it is often hidden behind clouds. We took a train to a mountaintop over 10,000 feet in elevation, where we had an incredible panoramic view of the Matterhorn and glaciers across the mountain range. Later, we explored Zermatt, the village at the base of the mountain, with traditional Swiss buildings and great walking trails. Another unforgettable experience was spending time in Interlaken, where we had free time to explore the town on our own. A group of us rented bikes, rode along the lakeside and eventually jumped into the crystal-clear, glacial waters of Lake Brienz. Although the water was freezing, it was one of the most memorable and fun moments of the entire trip. Looking back, the experience was filled with laughter, challenges and great memories as we learned to navigate a new country together, making the study abroad trip even more rewarding.”

Not only was Pecenka's experience educational, but she also had the opportunity to take in beautiful landscapes while building meaningful connections with faculty and fellow students. Each study abroad experience left students with new perspectives, a broader understanding and lasting connections. These experiences allowed them not only to advance their education but also to gain new global viewpoints and experience personal growth.

Kathy Huser, Assistant Director of Global Engagement and Student Services, shared, “Study abroad and international experiences encourage individuals to step beyond their comfort zones and engage more deeply with the world around them. Rather than simply visiting a new location, participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves in its history, culture and daily life. These experiences broaden perspectives by exposing individuals to different ways of thinking and approaching challenges. In doing so, they also foster a greater sense of cultural awareness and sensitivity, which are valuable in an increasingly interconnected world.”

These three faculty-led study abroad experiences provide just a glimpse into the experiences of students within the Animal Science and Industry Department. Whether traveling to Poland, Argentina or Switzerland, our experiences studying abroad have been an extraordinary way to advance our education while allowing us to step outside our comfort zones. My experience inspired me to continue exploring the world, not only to visit new places but to learn more about agriculture on a global scale. As Phillips, Pecenka and I have all expressed, studying abroad is truly an experience of a lifetime, and we encourage students to find a program that fits their interests and go for it.