International exchange opens doors for students at CAFRE and Michigan State University

Date published: 27 April 2026

This year, CAFRE student Georgia Rogan and MSU student Lauren Gilbert have fully embraced the programme, and their experiences highlight just how valuable the exchange can be.

CAFRE student Georgia enjoys academic and cultural life at MSU

Georgia, who travelled from CAFRE Enniskillen Campus to MSU, describes her experience so far as overwhelmingly positive. She says she: “Loves the experience and making new friends from different places across the country and around the world.”

The familiarity of MSU’s equine classes has helped her feel at home academically, while the campus atmosphere has offered countless opportunities to socialise and get involved in university life.

A particular highlight for Georgia has been experiencing the diversity of the equine sector in the United States. While disciplines such as racing, show jumping, and eventing dominate in Ireland, she has been introduced to 4‑H shows, which are youth‑focused, hands‑on programmes centred on horse care, riding skills, and personal development, along with rodeo events and a wider range of community‑based equine activities. Seeing these first-hand has broadened her understanding of how the industry operates internationally and given her a better sense of just how varied equine life is in the United States.

Her message to any CAFRE student thinking about applying for the exchange is simple: “Do it… it’ll be one of the highlights I’ll constantly look back on.”

MSU student Lauren gains hands‑on experience at CAFRE Enniskillen

On the other side of the programme, MSU student Lauren has been thriving at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus. Coming from a large American university, she has particularly enjoyed the hands‑on learning that CAFRE is renowned for. With no previous experience in the racing sector, she can now confidently tack up a racehorse, read pedigrees, and take part in key breeding and stud practices, which includes foal watch, where she has seen newborn foals.

One of Lauren’s standout moments was joining CAFRE’s BSc (Hons) degree Year 2 stud trip, visiting nine stud and breeding farms across Ireland, including an unforgettable tour of Ballydoyle’s world‑class racehorse training facilities. She describes it as “amazing” and says it offered insight that will benefit her plans to become an equine vet in the future.

Lauren has also been impressed by the layout and how compact the Enniskillen Campus is. With horses located on campus and just a short walk to the three main yards (Equitation, Racing, and Breeding), she has had daily access to practical, real‑world learning. This proximity has allowed her to ask questions, observe day‑to‑day routines, and gain practical experience that she says she wouldn’t have received in a larger university setting.

Her advice to future MSU students is enthusiastic: “Take the opportunity,” she says the exchange has given her new equine skills, and friendships she’ll carry with her long after she returns home.

A partnership that builds confidence, skills, and global perspective

Both Georgia and Lauren’s experiences showcase the strength of the CAFRE–MSU exchange. Whether it’s learning new disciplines in the US or gaining practical racing and breeding experience in Enniskillen, the programme continues to prepare students for dynamic careers in the equine industry, all while giving them memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

If you are considering your next step after school, college, university or perhaps you are considering a change in career direction, CAFRE invites you to visit their exhibitions at Balmoral Show from Wednesday 13 May to Saturday 16 May from 9:30 am. You’ll find us in the Eikon Centre, area EK1 and within the Horticulture Hub pavilion, where our staff will be delighted to talk to you. With courses ranging from Level 2 through to master’s degree, let your next chapter start with CAFRE.