Hello blog readers and welcome back!
It’s officially been one week since I arrived in Belgium and so far, I have been having the time of my life. Belgium is a gorgeous place to be and it’s crazy how fast it’s gone by already; but hey, time flies when you’re having fun!
 |
| Bruges, Belgium |
In the past, week, we have learned a lot about sustainability including the circular economy, aquaculture, environmental technology, local Food Teams and more. We also visited many places including Ardo, INAGRO and ILVO. In our presentation about the local Food Teams here in Belgium, we learned about the business model used to connect farmers with consumers to promote sustainability and healthier eating habits for customer models. The business model includes a group of farmers who produce and deliver food, crops, dairy and more to a kitchen from which members of a local food team can pick up their groceries. The business model is very like models in the United States, one in which is offered in Tulsa, OK, except the goods are delivered directly to the consumer. Many of the food systems in Belgium are comparable to the food systems in the United States in which large acres of land are used to plant and harvest crops for their consumers. Many large production facilities are use downstream processes to clean, cut, and package the products after the food has been harvested. These production facilities maybe a bit smaller in size compared to the U.S., the efficiency and logic of each facility are comparable. Just like in Arkansas, the amount of poultry being produced in Belgium is also increasing, while the amount of beef and pork being produced is steadily declining. In class, the aquaculture was my favorite as it was very interesting to learn about the process and reasons for the need of aquaculture. While aquaculture may not be largely known, or used in America, the use of fish farms is still prevalent in the U.S. However, being here in Belgium isn’t only about the technical education but also about the cultural experiences.
 |
| Antwerp, Belgium |
This past weekend, we had a few days to travel around and see different cities in Belgium. Friday afternoon, we spent the afternoon in Gent; Saturday I took a day trip to Antwerp, and Saturday and Monday, we visited Ypres, Oostende, and Bruges. Each city is similar yet different from each other. The city of Gent brings many college students to the city, so it feels like the atmosphere is geared more toward the younger crowd. While the city of Gent is very large, the town has a smaller feeling to it since most places are relatively close to each other, much like the feeling of the campus of the University of Arkansas. Antwerp was much larger and although many places and attractions were also relatively close together, the area still felt much more spread out resulting in many miles walked that day (almost 9 miles!!). Antwerp definitely had many more tourists than in Gent, but the general culture did not differ from Gent. To me, the atmosphere reminded me of New York where there are many crowds with a fast-paced environment. Sunday morning, in Ypres, we visited a World War I museum and the Tyne Cot Cemetery, both very eye opening and an honor to have visited. Afterwards, we made our way to Oostende to see the coast which was much colder due to the North Sea. Oostende was also much larger with some tourists but not as many crowds as Antwerp, and the cultural behaviors remained the same where strangers were strangers, only those strangers had lots of dogs (big ones too!). Lastly, Monday (today) we went to Bruges, the most beautiful place I’ve seen so far! The canal is gorgeous and the architecture is amazing! This town, while resembling Gent a lot in my opinion, felt like it was a scene geared less toward the younger crowds. There were many tourists, but a lot of locals also enjoying the win of the local soccer team. The people in Bruges seemed a bit friendlier with the waves and smiles of passing strangers. Bruges looked like scenes from movies and seemed to have a romantic and peaceful environment. Every place we visited had beautiful architecture each with its own clock tower and many conservative people, and my favorite place visited was Bruges because of its peacefulness and beauty, but Gent will always be my most favorite.
 |
| Monteberg Vineyard |
More to come later!
--
My name is Dasher Smith and I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am a current junior at the University of Arkansas studying
Industrial Engineering. I am one of seven children in my family and the first to study abroad!!!
--
Industrial Engineering major Dasher Smith is spending the May intersession 2018 in Belgium with our
U of A Faculty-Led: Sustainability in the Euro Food System with the help of our our
Office of Study Abroad Scholarship and the
College of Engineering Study Abroad Grant.
Read more from Dasher at
sites.uark.edu/ds021Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at
http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
