A University of Queensland Gatton College student has won a five-month Grainco Limited scholarship to study at one of America's leading agricultural economics and agribusiness universities.
As the first Grainco International Student Exchange Scholarship recipient, second-year bachelor of business (agribusiness) student Amber Field, 21, will begin her studies at Purdue University in Indiana in late August this year.
The scholarship provides a $3000 travel allowance and accommodation assistance of $100 a week for a maximum of 20 weeks.
In announcing Ms Field's selection, Grainco acting chief executive officer Bob Hedges said the exchange scholarship provided an invaluable opportunity to study abroad.
'We are delighted to be able to initiate a scholarship program which will provide an opportunity to study at Purdue University, recognised as the leading agricultural economics and agribusiness school in the United States,' Mr Hedges said.
'A scholarship of this kind helps the next generation of agribusiness managers and assists the future of Australian agribusiness.'
University agribusiness course co-ordinator Associate Professor Tony Dunne said student competition for the scholarship had been intense.
'Grainco has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the education of Australia's future agribusiness leaders. This is indeed a ?once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for students to learn technology and techniques being applied in other markets,' he said.
In accepting the scholarship, Ms Field said it was a positive investment by Grainco which would assist students and the next generation to take a more global perspective.
Ms Field must provide the University with a monthly activity report and on her return, make a presentation to Grainco's executive management team.
For more information, contact Mr Dunne (telephone 07 54 60 1321) or Ms Field (telephone 07 54 654 420).
