Abstract
Animal Science programs are increasingly more global in teaching, extension and research. While international collaborations are not new to our field the role of Animal Scientists in the achievement of global food security for the world’s rapidly expanding population have increased the level of international collaboration. These collaborations can and should occur equally between the three land-grant university missions of teaching, research and extension. Regardless of country many scientists are working on common problems, training students to be prepared for a global work force and helping farmers to implement new technology. However, successful international collaborations often face challenges that are different from those that occur within our own institutions and countries. Challenges working on international collaborations may include scheduling, culture, language and technology failures. Identification of collaborators and getting to know them is critical in every setting and should not be underestimated in a global collaboration. Once a relationship is established using technology to communicate and collaborate can be much more effective. However, technology failures in communicating and sharing information can and will occur so a collaborative team must be prepared to be flexible. Building relationships also helps the team to understand and benefit from the inherent cultural and language difference. Collaborators working in different time zones can often lead to incompatible schedules resulting in project delays and will require careful planning to overcome. Even though there are challenges in international collaboration it will almost always provide a benefit that is worthwhile. Global teams should focus on shared goals and recognize that independence amongst the group is beneficial in reaching shared outcomes. Successful international collaboration requires communication, creativity, friendship, flexibility and enthusiasm.
Keywords: international, extension, research, education