The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics welcomed two international interns from Zamorano University this fall semester. Sarah Martinez and Jose Martinez are interning with Kimberly Morgan, associate professor and Greever Chair of Agribusiness Development, for three months as part of their studies at Zamorano University.  

Sarah and Jose are currently studying agricultural business. They are both seniors, set to graduate in December 2026. Both Sarah and Jose explained that completing an internship is a graduation requirement for students at Zamorano.  

“The purpose [of the internship program] is to put what we have learned over the last four years into practice,” Jose says. 

When choosing an internship, students are encouraged to look through different opportunities, Sarah explained. They also go through a questionnaire to see what program may fit them best. After looking through the programs and working with their internship advisor, Sarah and Jose decided the University of Tennessee internship fit their future goals best. Sarah explained her research goals aligned with the faculty members she would work with at UT. For Jose, the idea of networking and the chance to learn about agritourism in Tennessee sold him on the program.  

While in Tennessee, Sarah and Jose have specific projects related to their agricultural business degrees and research topics of interest. Sarah, an El Salvador native, is exploring the application of new technologies and how they can prove beneficial to generational challenges producers may face. Her project also explores how gender roles can affect generational differences in agricultural operations.  

Jose, originally from the Dominican Republic, shared that he hopes to own an agritourism operation of his own one day. During his time at UT, Jose is working to adapt an earlier project that looks at the economic impact agritourism has in Tennessee. This adaptation will consider recent technologies and economic shifts. Jose will also explore the seasonality challenges agritourism operations may face.  

During their time at UT, Sarah and Jose expressed they are excited to learn as much as they can. Both mentioned they have found it eye-opening to experience lectures taught fully in English.  

“My education has always been in Spanish, so I want to have that new perspective of what it is like,” Sarah says.  

Aside from their studies, Jose noted he has enjoyed getting to experience UT culture and especially the excitement around Volunteer football.  

“[I have enjoyed] learning about the UTK Culture, because I notice that people have this euphoric feeling about football,” Jose says.  

Sarah said she has enjoyed the independence this internship experience has offered. She looks forward to continuing to meet people and build connections during her time at UT.  

With graduation approaching, Sarah and Jose hope to continue their studies by applying for graduate school. Both said they plan to apply to UT to further their education.  

International exchanges are important for UT students, faculty, and staff. Opportunities like this not only benefit the student interns but also our UT community. Becoming global change agents not only means traveling abroad, but also bringing others to Tennessee to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another. Experiences like this give UT students, faculty, and staff a chance to share the Volunteer spirit with others from around the globe and enhance our global partnerships.