Last spring, two Florida collegiate AGR brothers, Ron Westover and Josh Brown, went on an experience of a lifetime. They both represented UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences on a study abroad program in Russia. The students lived and studied in Moscow for four months. Ron and Josh lived in a dormitory with seven other Americans from throughout the United States.

In addition, nine Russian students studied side by side with the American students. There was an intense Russian language class that helped them adapt to the new country. The classes were rigorous, but once a week they traveled outside of the city to an agricultural operation. This helped Ron and Josh examine agricultural practices in other parts of the world. During the trip they toured a dairy, an egg laying facility, and an extension office and Monsanto’s Russian branch office. In addition to the educational aspect of the trip, they also got the opportunity to explore the rich culture that is deeply embedded in the country’s history. The brothers went on weekly excursions to various museums and performances. They saw a ballet in Kremlin and toured the Hermitage museum. After classes ended, they had a two-week vacation in which they toured the country-side and Saint Petersburg.

Overall, the experience was a rewarding one that helped these AGRs in their development as better men.
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