The International Exchange Program has existed at UW-Platteville since 2001. Sue Price, a professor in the School of Agriculture, has been a part of the program since its conception, and was recently the coordinator of the Dronten Exchange Program.

“The number of students from UW-P that go to Dronten is the same number of students that come from Dronten to Platteville,” Price said.

Craig Pagenkopf, Chris Jefferies, Liz Eck, Noah Threlkeld, and Jodi Marshall visit Paris. The trip was a vacation stop for students taking part in the Dronten Exchange Program.

It is typically a disciplined, one program area, in this case Agriculture. Students had the opportunity in the fall of 2007 to experience the culture in Dronten, which is 45 minutes from Amsterdam. Jodi Marshall, Noah Threlkeld, Craig Pagenkopf, Elizabeth Eck and Chris Jefferies were involved in the exchange program in 2007.

It is common among students returning to say that it was a life changing experience, Price said.

Marshall, a sophomore, wanted to experience diversity and gain independence, and certainly did just that.

“It was definitely hands on and we went on several fieldtrips with the university farm and gave advice to local farmers,” Marshall said. “We also traveled all around Europe and went on holidays. It was easy access to travel once in Dronten.”

At Dronten, students stay in flats which are like a dormitories.

Students are allowed to speak English but are encouraged to experience the Dutch culture as much as possible.

“It’s neat and a real life experience,” Marshall said.

Students from 26 countries go to Dronten and there is a constant mix of cultures. Marshall chose to go to the Netherlands because she could take classes there that would apply to her degree and credits would transfer. She also made connections with students from other countries that will be helpful when she graduates.

Threlkeld, a senior, was also on the trip to Dronten. He chose Dronten to go outside his comfort zone and see the rest of the world. One of the classes Threlkeld chose was Intercultural Management.

“I learned how to work well with people with diversity,” Threlkeld said.

Rather than study abroad, Threlkeld chose to do the International Exchange Program to take similar classes that would apply to his major, rather than just taking classes.

“I encourage students to study abroad or study somewhere because you benefit not only for your career, but you gain experience,” Threlkeld said.