Dr. Tom Brumm
Dr. Tom Brumm, the Mary and Charles Sukup Global Professor in Food Security in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. Dr. Brumm is also a visiting professor at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.
Why do you lead a study abroad program?
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience for the students who participate. It causes you to re-examine the many assumptions we all have about life, cultures, business and our place in the world. I wish I had studied abroad when I was a student. I want to encourage students to not have the same regret that I do.
What has been most memorable about leading a program? 
For me it is seeing the personal growth in the students with whom I work. They come out of the experience as different (and I think better) people. I also enjoy developing personal relationships with students, moving from teacher-student to colleagues.
What have you learned by leading a program?
I’ve learned that I’m not as smart as sometimes I think I am. There are so many things to learn, understand and experience. These things make me a better person and a better teacher.
What would you say to faculty who are considering leading a program?
You often get as much or more out of it than you put into it.
Why should students study abroad?
- It makes you a better person.
- It makes you a better world citizen.
- It gives you additional tools that will make your more successful in your career.
- It’s fun and exciting.
- Now is the time to do it (while in college) before the constraints of relationships, family, career etc. that can keep you from these types of experiences.
How would you encourage students to study abroad?
It’s all about stories and relationships. Convey those.
