The goal of the program is to enhance the participant's skills for future advancement and to foster international understanding in the American host communities and abroad. Dr. Charles Schaadt, assistant professor of wildlife technology at Penn State DuBois, invited Ralaivelo to address his class so students could hear about land management practices in another country. The visit was part of ongoing efforts by the campus to acquaint students with diverse cultures. Ralaivelo said he believes exchanges such as this are important. Talking with students helps them to have a broader knowledge of contemporary world issues.
Globalization requires the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and views.
It helps everyone understand the common problems we all face and aids in developing solutions. The students learned that the Malagasy government has implemented soil conservation and watershed management projects and established 50 national parks surrounded by conservation zones to help stem its environmental problems. Following his presentation, Ralaivelo was submerged in questions from the students, who wanted to know more about the culture and land-use practices of the country. Change is occurring there, he said, but slowly. Our population, though attracted to modernity, is not willing to ignore completely their cultural identity, he observed.