SETU – Signature – Educators - Learn International

Expand your students’ global perspective and experiential learning with hands-on fieldwork, laboratory learning, and meaningful cultural immersion.

Provide students with an academically rigorous summer experience in Waterford, a destination known for its strong agricultural sector and applied learning opportunities. Designed for students in animal science and agriculture, this four-week programme combines classroom instruction with field-based experiences to deepen understanding of agricultural livestock, animal nutrition, and sustainable farming practices from a global perspective.

Based at South East Technological University (SETU), students learn under the guidance of experienced faculty and benefit from contributions by guest speakers and industry professionals. Two core academic courses are complemented by structured site visits and professional engagements, allowing students to connect academic content with practice in meaningful and relevant ways.

Through visits to local and national farms, food producers, equine centres, and veterinary facilities, students gain first-hand insight into the real-world applications of their coursework. They also explore Ireland’s role in sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry, observing approaches that connect animal health, food systems, and environmental stewardship.

Set in Ireland’s agriculturally rich southeast, Waterford offers an ideal environment for academic exploration, career development, and intercultural engagement. The programme is designed not only to strengthen disciplinary knowledge, but also to support students’ broader personal and professional growth through immersive international study.

About South East Technological University (SETU)

Established in 2022, SETU is Ireland’s newest university, combining academic excellence with practical, career-focused learning. SETU’s welcoming environment and modern facilities make it ideal for students eager to explore Ireland’s agricultural industries.

With its close industry links, hands-on approach, and supportive international community, SETU offers a unique opportunity to experience sustainable agriculture and innovations in animal science at the heart of Ireland’s southeast coast.

As one of Ireland’s most historic coastal cities—known for its medieval architecture, lively markets, and scenic countryside—Waterford is a winning destination for students. With its mix of tradition and innovation, it’s an inspiring place to study sustainable farming, livestock management, and animal nutrition.

Students will gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, lab sessions, and cultural excursions. Along the way, they’ll discover how Ireland leads the world in sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry initiatives.

Programme Highlights

4-week summer programme at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford, Ireland
6 US academic credits, with a transcript issued by the University of Wyoming
Fieldwork and laboratory sessions integrated into the academic experience
Exposure to global practices in animal science, agriculture, and sustainability
Housing, transportation passes, and 24/7 support included

Academics

COURSE 1: Principles of Animal Nutrition – 3 US academic credits – 45 Contact hours

Students will develop an understanding of the principles that underpin animal nutrition through a combination of classroom sessions and real-world experience. They will learn how nutrients fuel metabolism, growth, reproduction, and performance in domestic and agricultural animals. Case studies, ration formulation, and feedstuff analysis, will explain how nutrition influences animal health, productivity, and sustainability.
Field visits to Irish farms will bring concepts to life, showing how informed feeding choices support efficient and sustainable livestock production while promoting health and welfare standards.

COURSE 2: Agricultural Animals of the World – 3 US academic credits – 45 Contact hours

Explore a diversity of domesticated animals and global production systems with a focus on Ireland’s agricultural heritage and evolving farming practices. Students will examine the biological, cultural and economic roles of livestock production – including cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, and equine species – while evaluating how management systems must adapt to different climates and changing market needs.
Farm visits and industry engagement will foster an appreciation of Irish and international models, while discussion of livestock’s role in sustainability and food security will develop a global perspective on the future of animal agriculture.

**Transcript from the University of Wyoming

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is key to both courses and combines fieldwork, industry engagement, and cultural experiences. In addition, three guest lectures will be delivered to underpin topics covered within the programme.

Farm & Industry Engagement (15-20 hours):

Students will visit local dairy, beef, and sheep farms across the Waterford region to observe animal nutrition practices, pasture management, and welfare in action.

Tour a feed mill or feed analysis laboratory to understand ration formulation, quality control, and nutrient balancing. Along with networking opportunities with agricultural cooperatives and food producers to understand Ireland’s farm-to-market systems and how local produce reaches global markets.

Applied Animal Science Activities (10-15 hours):

Hands-on experience in ration formulation and feedstuff evaluation using real case studies and farm data. Take part in interactive sessions comparing breed characteristics and production systems.

Their learning will be enhanced with a field trip to an equine breeding or training facility, where they’ll experience Ireland’s world-famous horse industry up close.

Global Perspectives & Cultural Context (10–15 hours):

Explore global perspectives and cultural context through a range of engaging activities.

Students will discuss livestock’s role in sustainability and EU food systems with Irish agricultural policy specialists. Irish and U.S. farming practices will be compared in interactive sessions with SETU faculty, linking course concepts to your own studies.

Cultural Activities

Students will also, experience Waterford for themselves to appreciate how agriculture, community, and Irish heritage are closely intertwined. Typical visits include: