Vietnam

College of Agricultural Sciences Leadership Scholars

Recognizing outstanding students. Developing leaders for the future of agriculture.

The College of Agricultural Sciences Leadership Scholars is a selective, college-wide experience designed to recognize and develop undergraduate students with the potential to lead, collaborate, innovate, and thrive in an increasingly complex agricultural and food system.

Selected Scholars will participate in a semester-long course focused on:

• Leadership
• Workforce readiness
• Innovation
• Entrepreneurship
• Global agriculture
• Intercultural competence

The culmination of the program is in an immersive international summer course.

Spring Semester at University Park: INTAG 499N, 3 credits, Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:05–10:20 a.m.

Summer Semester: INTAG 499N, 0.25 credits - Travel to Vietnam May 13–24, 2027

Vietnam will serve as the learning laboratory for the inaugural cohort of Leadership Scholars. Through interactions with university students and faculty, agricultural producers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and community partners, Scholars will examine agriculture and food systems from multiple perspectives. Experiences are expected to include opportunities to explore areas such as:

• Rice, horticultural, livestock, and aquaculture production
• Agricultural businesses and food enterprises
• Innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture
• Climate adaptation and environmental challenges
• Food markets and supply chains
• Vietnamese history, culture, and society
• University and student exchanges
• Leadership and professional development

Scholars will leave the experience with more than knowledge about agriculture in another country. They will build skills and perspectives that prepare them to work effectively with people, approach complex problems creatively, navigate unfamiliar situations, and contribute as leaders in agriculture and related fields.

Application Process

A College-wide Honor

Participation in the Leadership Scholars cohort is competitive and by departmental nomination. Each academic department in the College of Agricultural Sciences may nominate up to five students to apply for the program. Nominated students will then complete an application for consideration as a member of the 2027 Scholars cohort.

The destination may change in future offerings. The goal will remain the same: developing exceptional agricultural leaders prepared to engage thoughtfully, collaborate effectively, and create solutions in a changing world. 

Cost and Payment Deadlines

• TBD

Eligibility

• All Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences students who are nominated by their department are eligible to apply.
• GPA at least 2.5
• Good academic standing and no conduct record

More Information

• Contact course leaders for information about itinerary, nomination process, and application. Due October 31, 2026. 
• Dr. Elizabeth Karcher, elw152@psu.edu
• Dr. Melanie Miller Foster, mjm727@psu.edu
• or contact Ketja Lingenfelter, Assistant Director for Student Global Engagement, ketja@psu.edu

Sustainable Development Goals: This course is most closely aligned with SDGs 2: Zero Hunger and 13: Climate Action