Ag One Foundation
Local Generosity for Global Impact: Azores Exchange Program
Since 2016, Fresno State has partnered with the University of the Azores to offer students from both universities the experience of a lifetime – to study agriculture abroad through a highly impactful and unique exchange program. Students from the Jordan College at Fresno State arrive in Terceira, Azores for a month-long internship each summer, and vice versa.
When students from the Azores arrive in Fresno, their itineraries reflect their interests and areas of study – to ensure they make the most of their time in the Valley. This summer, all four visiting students were pre-veterinary majors, and their program emphasized hands-on learning in large-animal care. Experiences like shadowing at local veterinary offices, one-on-one time with the Dean, and visits to iconic California tourist locations are all made possible through the dedication and generosity of Fresno State’s staff and passionate volunteers, including Alcidia Freitas Gomes, Diniz Borges, Imelda Dudley and many more.
Meanwhile, five Fresno State students – Amanda Avila, David Cobarrubia, Gabby Lucas, Ethan Souza and Jacqueline Machado – landed in Terceira to embark on their own adventures. Jacqueline, a public policy masters student, spent her internship at the Mayor's office in Angra do Heroismo. The other four students, all studying agriculture in the Jordan College at Fresno State, interned at the vertically integrated Quinta dos Acores. The students were warmly welcomed and hosted by Mayor Álamo Meneses and Liliana Borba, whose hospitality has become a hallmark of the program.
The partnership not only provides exceptional learning opportunities for students, but reinforces the collaborative spirit between the United States and the Azores. The strong influence of the local Portuguese-American population in the Central Valley and the American presence in the Azores makes this partnership a natural alliance.
The success of this program is made possible by passionate supporters and volunteers like Helder and Cindy Domingos. Helder, a proud 1980 Jordan College graduate and native of Pico Island in the Azores, and Cindy, the parent of two Fresno State alumni, pledged their support to the exchange program at its inception. The Tulare Angra Sister City Foundation hosts an annual fundraiser dinner for the program, engaging their members and the local Portuguese community to volunteer their time to make the students’ experience a great one. With the help of generous supporters like Aposento De Turlock, the Domingos family, and the Tulare Angra Sister City Foundation, the college continues to engage globally and provide international agricultural experiences for our valley's students – and students from the Azores.
To ensure these transformative experiences for students continue, we need more supporters like these. If you’re interested in supporting the University of the Azores Exchange Program, get in touch with our team to learn more about how you can help.