American students visit Leeuwarden

Last week a group of students of Food and Environmental Sciences at the University of Wisconsin (UWRF – River Falls Campus) visited VHL University of Applied Sciences (VHL) in Leeuwarden. Here they attended a programme befitting their own academic course. 

The programme mainly focused on the use of modern, safe and sustainable processes in the food industry. Part of the programme was executed in the food technology hall. The students were also informed about the yet to be built innovation centre (the Food Application Centre for Technology, FACT). Additionally, they visited companies like the Dairy Campus, GEA Farm Technologies and A-Ware.

The two knowledge institutes maintain a warm relationship and have previously met at last month’s International Dairy Expo in Harbin, China. This past week the students and teachers of UWRF were introduced to VHL and the bond between the two institutes was reinforced. The aim is to create chances for students of both countries to follow their courses or do an internship there.

International ambitions

The cooperation with UWRF fits the international ambitions of VHL. America is one of VHL’s focus counties, which is why the institute wants to build a long-lasting relationship with American institutes and companies. Student and teacher exchange programmes, joint research programmes and final placements are all part of building this relationship.

Wisconsin is also known as the ‘Dairy State’ of America and the University of Wisconsin is one of the two best Universities when it comes to dairy and agrifood (the other one being the University of California, Davis). VHL is very proud of the cooperation, which will enhance the international competences of students, teachers and professors even more.

Elite Cattlemen Programme

The UWRF is partner in the Elite Cattlemen Programme, where students of universities of applied sciences from China, United States and the Netherlands can take part in joint training programmes and competitions, and share each other’s education and research programmes. In 2018 an international project week with students from all three countries will be organized.

The American students had a great time in the Netherlands. VHL is looking forward to a pleasant and long-lasting relationship with UWRF in the future.

Want to know more?

Please contact Marike Postman: [email protected]