About Us

Mission Statement

We support the globalization efforts of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) by engaging faculty and students in international research, extension, and learning. By employing the land grant model, we work with international partners to build capacity in sustainable agriculture throughout the world and to increase competitiveness for agricultural stakeholders here at home.

History of Our Office

The Office of the International Programs in Agriculture (IPA) was established in 1955 to foster international outreach and engagement in the college. Today IPA continues to promote global opportunities within the CFAES, especially in the developing world.

We accomplish this by assisting with the submission and administration of international grants and contracts; by managing short-term scientific exchange programs for international visitors and scientists, and by implementing degree programs for international graduate students. We assist in the development of international agreements (MOUs) that facilitate collaboration across borders. IPA also encompasses The Ohio Program (TOP), a unique international exchange program specializing in internships for students in horticulture, agriculture and turfgrass. Our key funding agencies are United States Agency for International Development (USAID), The United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service (USDA/FAS), and Higher Education for Development (HED).

 

SOUTH CENTERS CHAT with Dr. Tom Worley and IPA Director Dr. Luis Cañas

 

What We Do

- Leads/assists faculty with proposal writing for global development activities and implements international grants.

- Assists faculty with writing Memoranda of Understanding and other international agreements, ensuring compliance with the Ohio State Office of International Affairs (OIA).
 
- Connects international scholars with appropriate Ohio State faculty for short-term training and degree programs funded by the USDA and USAID.
 

- Assists international students seeking internships in agricultural businesses in the United States through the TOP, and assists Ohio State students with internship placements abroad.

- Provides support for recruitment efforts for the Peace Corps at Ohio State and within central Ohio.