The USPOULTRY Foundation International Student Program is an important component of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). Held in conjunction with the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program, the International Student Program brings Latin American and other international students to the IPPE each year where they are treated to a specialized program designed especially for them, in addition to being able to visit the exhibit floor to see the most current technology used in the poultry, meat and feed industries. The students will have the opportunity to visit with employers who have poultry operations throughout the world, including Latin America and Mexico. Students from seven Latin American universities attended the 2016 IPPE, and a couple of dozen students are expected in the International Student program for the 2017 IPPE.
“Traveling Latin America, I have obtained very positive feedback regarding the International Student Program. The students that have been able to attend are now an active part of the industry and are working strongly,” remarked Dr. Rafael Fernandez, director of technical services for Latin America, Merial, and USPOULTRY International Committee member.
“Bringing international students and their professors/supervisors to take part in this impressive exposition is huge, and the effects are far-fetched. My students are always truly delighted to be able to live this experience. Employment interviews and exchange, integration with other research and common interest groups were made possible. The results of these experiences can be seen in my students’ professional lives. Many them are now employed in the poultry industry in Brazil or took part in internships and training programs in poultry. All of these opportunities were obtained from contacts made at IPPE. This program represented an enormous gain for our students, reinforcing their decision to stay with the poultry area and also giving the opportunity for them to know more about the U.S. poultry industry and the world poultry market,” remarked Vladimir Pinheiro do Nascimento, vice-president for postgraduate studies, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
The International Student Program is sponsored and funded by the USPOULTRY Foundation.
