The course includes a two-week immersive trip to Cambodia. It is intended to provide an overview of the many agricultural issues facing rural communities and how agricultural education and extension services help to address them. The trip will expose you to local agriculture and education initiatives throughout the country, intended to improve the situation of local communities and reduce extreme poverty. It will also provide you with a chance to explore various aspects of Cambodian history and culture.
Course Dates: January 5-16, 2026
Application Deadline: Rolling submission, please reach out to course contacts with further questions.
Course: AGNR 491, 3 credits
Course Description
Cambodia has been described as, “a system in transition” as it moves from traditional subsistence agriculture to a modern commercial sector. The pervasive lowland rice-based farming of Cambodia is frequently characterized by a lack of variety and low productivity. Cambodian smallholders face significant exposure to the uncertainties of a changing climate, globalizing markets and rural-to-urban migration due to the lack of expansion of food systems and sources of income. Poverty and food insecurity persist in parts of Cambodia despite over a decade of strong economic growth. Furthermore, the Cambodian education system has been weakened by the effects of war and genocide in the country as a result of the Khmer Rouge. While interventions and knowledge on sustainable agriculture technologies and practices are readily available, the actual dissemination of this knowledge and subsequent adoption and scaling of these technologies among smallholders continues to be a challenge globally. This course will provide an experiential learning opportunity for students to better understand how agricultural education and extension play a key role in international agriculture development. By visiting agricultural education sites in Cambodia, delving first-hand into Cambodian history, and interacting with Cambodian leaders in the agriculture and natural resource fields, students will gain invaluable contextual knowledge and cross-cultural competence they can bring with them into their respective fields.
Program highlights
- Delve into Cambodian history at the National Museum, Royal Palace, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Collaborate with students and faculty at the Royal University of Agriculture and National University of Battambang
- Explore coastal tropical agriculture with mangrove boat tours, salt flats, crab markets, and Kampot pepper fields
- Visit Agricultural Technology Parks to learn about provincial extension services
- Assist with educational activities at local school gardens and NGO sites
- Marvel at the Angkor Wat Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Course
AGNR 491: International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resource
Academic Information
Accepted students will be enrolled in AGNR 491 for 2 credit hours in second session Fall semester and 1 credit hour during Winter Mini-Term with the embedded study abroad to Cambodia. The class will meet on a weekly basis from October 8th-December 10th. Successful completion of the course includes full participation in the Cambodia abroad experience.
Students should meet with their academic advisors to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and that the course is degree applicable.
- Open to all majors with preference given to students in the Herbert College of Agriculture
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at time of application and until program departure
- At least Freshman standing
- Must be in Good Academic Standing and Good Conduct Standing with The University of Tennessee.
- Must attend all program meetings
2026 program costs are still being determined and subject to change. An estimated program fee based on 2025 program costs is provided at this time.
| Winter Mini Budget | ||
|---|---|---|
| Budget item | Estimated Costs | |
| Program Fee | $1,180 | |
| Global Programs Admin Fee | $175.00 | |
| Billable subtotal: | $1,355.00 | |
| Estimated Roundtrip Transportation from Knoxville | $3,000.00 | |
| Passport | $165.00 | |
| Estimated Additional Meals | $50.00 | |
| Estimated Personal Expenses | $50.00 | |
| Non-billable subtotal: | $3,265.00 | |
| Total: | $4,620.00 | |
