NNF fellows reflect on the impactful experiences they had during a recent study abroad in SE Asia

By Brooke Adams

In partnership with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AREC) and the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications (ALEC), the Smith Center has been involved in a new graduate fellowship program that focuses on international trade and development. This fellowship is funded by the National Needs Fellows Program (NNF), an initiative from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and began in August 2023. Graduates will earn a master’s degree in either Agricultural and Resources Economics or Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications. While these students complete their graduate program of study, they will engage with a core of classes on international trade and development and participate in a global experience together as a cohort. As a part of the fellowship, these graduate students participated in a study abroad experience to Southeast Asia to enhance the skills they have acquired throughout their time in the fellowship. Find out more about this experience directly from these NNF fellows throughout this #StudyAbroadStories series!

Kortni Blalock is a first-year graduate student at the Herbert College of Agriculture majoring in agricultural and resource economics. Originally from Conyers, Georgia, she began working for USDA Foreign Agricultural Service in the summer of 2022 as a part of the USDA 1890 National Scholar program, where she was an intern in the Trade and Economic Analysis Division. In December 2022, she was selected by Howard University to be a part of the first cohort of the USDA FAS International Agricultural Fellowship. The fellowship includes development opportunities and mentorship throughout her internships and graduate semesters. Her goal is to continue strengthening her research skills throughout graduate school and enter the USDA FAS Foreign Service where she can continue her passion for global food security, international trade, and policies that help feed the world.

One of my favorite experiences while abroad was the tour of the Mekong River Delta in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The experience included a boat ride in the river, as well as other fun events throughout the day. First, we were picked up by our cheerful tour guide who took us on a bus to the port where we would depart for the surrounding island. Along the way she gave us a lesson in the Vietnamese language and explained the six tones of the language. She also described some mnemonics to help us remember each tone. For instance, the mark on the letter “á” should be pronounced exactly as it appears, with a high-rising pitch.

After arriving at the port, we boarded a large boat with a lively atmosphere. We danced to Vietnamese pop music and sipped on coconut water from freshly cut coconuts. Upon arriving at a nearby island, we had the opportunity to explore it with our guide before embarking on the Mekong River tour. While on this island, the guide took us to a beekeeping area that had a shop and some tables where we could enjoy fresh fruit, sample fresh honey, try a honey drink mixed with pollen, and savor honey-coated banana chips. The honey tasted fresh and sweet, and the drink was refreshing. I still think about the honey-coated banana chips because they were sweet, crunchy, and had an amazing aftertaste of honey.

We then walked to the riverside where all the boats were parked to welcome visitors to the Mekong River tour. The boats were narrow, so we were all a little nervous while climbing on them, but everything went well. As we were floating down the river, I noticed how the temperature was cooler by the water compared to the city, which was a nice relief. The calmness of the river area was a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the city. I found these contrasts most captivating about the country and am eager to learn more about it. I admire how the country contains such diverse landscapes and environments, each contributing to the rich culture and beauty of Vietnam.