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Educational Opportunities

Earn a course credit through travel

International travel helps you broaden your understanding of different cultures, governments, management practices and production practices. Students in the Agriculture or Horticulture diploma programs at Ridgetown can explore international learning and study abroad for a credit towards their diploma.

All international opportunities are dependent on a minimum student participation.

Equine Programs Kentucky Trip

  • Date: Thanksgiving holiday weekend
  • Length: 4 days
  • Timing: Year 1 or Year 2, Semester 1 or 3
  • Destination: Kentucky, Illinois
  • Cost: $750 plus personal spending and meals
  • Group: 25-30 students; Open to 1st year Equine Care and Management students
  • Credit: Non-credit

Equine students who have an interest in learning more about the American equine industry will enjoy this 4-day trip. The trip stops at a variety of locations including the Kentucky Horse Park, KESMARC Equine Rehabilitation Clinic, Keeneland Raceway, top barns, and Thoroughbred Park.

US Agricultural Study Tour

  • Date: Summer
  • Length: 7 days
  • Timing: Between Year 1 and 2
  • Destination: 3 or 4 US States
  • Cost: $950 plus personal spending and meals
  • Group: 30 students; Open to Agriculture students;
  • Credit: For Credit (0.5 credit)

Must enroll into the Introduction to US Agriculture Course in the winter semester prior to the trip

Explore agriculture in the mid-west United States through this one-week study tour. You will explore a variety of farm operations and agribusinesses and learn about aspects of business and production you may not otherwise get to experience. Course credit can be earned for participation in the tour and the completion of course assignments.

Experiential Learning (World Dairy Expo) Course

  • Date: End of September/ Early October
  • Length: 4.5 days
  • Timing: Year 2, Semester 3
  • Destination: Madison, Wisconsin
  • Cost: $700 plus personal spending and meals
  • Group: 24 students; 24 students
  • Credit: For Credit (0.5 credit)

This course gives students the opportunity to learn through travel to the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. Students do coursework before and after departure and are involved in the dairy study tour. Students visit dairy operations in Michigan and Wisconsin and attend the World Dairy Expo tradeshow and Dairy Show. This is an exciting way to earn a credit towards your diploma while expanding your horizons in the dairy industry.

Belize Study Tour

  • Date: Mid-December
  • Length: 7 days
  • Timing: Year 1 or 2, Semester 2 or 4
  • Destination: Belize, Central America
  • Cost: $2,750 plus personal spending and meals
  • Group: 10 students; Open to Agriculture and Horticulture students
  • Credit: For Credit (0.5 credit)

Learn about agricultural and horticultural practices through this 7-day study tour to Belize, located in Central America

Pre-departure academic classes and further seminars after your return will help you get the most from this exciting adventure. You can also earn a credit towards your diploma. While in Belize, you will study and tour a variety of agricultural and horticultural sites, including: Citrus Farms, Botanical Gardens, Banana Plantations, Beef/Dairy Operations, S.H.A.R.E. Agriculture Foundation Projects.

British Equine Study Tour

  • Date: February Break Week
  • Length: 8 days
  • Timing: Year 2, End of Semester 4
  • Destination: England
  • Cost: $2,750 includes flights, accommodations, most meals and activities
  • Group: 14-20 students; Open to 2nd Year Equine Diploma students (first-serve) then open to all Ridgetown Diploma students
  • Credit: For Credit (0.5 credit)

The British Equine Study Tour will give students an opportunity to learn more about the roots of modern day equestrianism and broaden their understanding of the equine industry. The trip will provide students with opportunities to participate in the management of international riding facilities as well as the chance to gain a better understanding of the breeding and race industries abroad.

European Landscaped Garden Tour

  • Date: Mid-to-late April
  • Length: 7 days
  • Timing: Year 1 or 2, Semester 2 or 4
  • Destination: TBC
  • Cost: Varies by destination(s) chosen
  • Group: 10-15 students; Open to Horticulture Diploma students (first-serve)
  • Credit: For Credit (0.5 credit)

Students in the Horticulture diploma have the opportunity to travel to Europe with their classmates and tour different botanical gardens and creative landscapes. The destination each year for this trip may change, so the travel and personal costs may vary year to year.