�� - Greece

American Farm School / Perrotis College Reunion

mmgrant — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:49:28 +0000

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Location:

142 Curtiss Hall

Join us in celebration of the decades-long partnership between ISU CALS and the American Farm School (AFS) in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Connect with ISU students, faculty, and staff who have visited and learn about future opportunities to connect with this dynamic school in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Dr. Jeff Lansdale, President of AFS, will provide a short presentation about the school, their partnership with CALS, and visions for the future. Since 2001, CALS has sent over 200 students to Perrotis College for semester-long opportunities and short-term programs.

Event Details:

April 29 in 142 Curtiss Hall

5:00 PM Social/Reunion with refreshments

5:30-6:30 Presentation by American Farm School President Dr. Jeff Landsdale

Tags:

American Farm School

Perrotis College

Greece

Thessaloniki

Greece and Italy: Food, Culture and Agriculture - May

nicolerh — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:13:13 +0000

Currently Unavailable

Greece, Italy

Program Director(s):

David Acker

Sotirios Archontoulis

Marta Grant

This course provides students with a guided exploration of food, culture and agriculture in two Mediterranean countries (Italy and Greece). It exposes students to food systems from production to distribution, to marketing.

In Thessaloniki (Greece's second largest city), they will visit farms (olives, rice, grapes, herbs, greenhouses, etc.), a winery, and the American Farm School and Perrotis College. They will travel by bus through the agricultural heartland of Greece, stopping to visit a medieval monastery. In Athens, they will visit the Acropolis and Parthenon.

From Greece students will travel to Naples, Italy to visit the archeological site of Pompeii. The visit to Rome will introduce students to the United Nations Food and Agriculture organizations based there as well as the world renowned gastronomy of Italy.

Overall, the program takes a systems perspective in understanding the interactions among agriculture, food and culture, including an historical perspective looking back over 2000 years. Students will visit at least 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

3 credits for GLOBE 496 or AGRON 496 or AGRON 596

Spring Semester pre-departure course meets 5:00-6:40 pm on December 5, February 6 and 13, March 6 and 27, April 10, 17, 24, and May 1

This program was offered in 2023, 2024, and 2025

Sunday, May 18, 2025 to Thursday, May 29, 2025

Department:

Global Resource Systems, Agronomy

Type of Travel:

Travel Course

Application Deadline:

Friday, November 1, 2024

Semester:

Spring

Learn more!

Year:

2025

Agronomy Students Spending Spring Semester in Greece

mmgrant — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:08:09 +0000

Left: The spring study abroad cohort during campus orientation at Perrotis College, part of the American Farm School, in Thessaloniki, Greece, Right: CALS students Brennan Welch, Abe Dieleman, and Jake Burress with an Iowa State flag in Cairo, Egypt.

By Kara Berg, Department of Agronomy

Abe Dieleman, a sophomore in agronomy, is spending the spring semester studying at Perrotis College, part of the American Farm School, in Thessaloniki, Greece. Dieleman is part of a group of 12 students participating in the ISU CALS �� program, which also includes fellow agronomy student Nali Sanchez Carmona.

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, has a population of about 1 million and is located in northern Greece on the Thessaloniki Gulf, connected to the Aegean Sea. Dieleman’s courses include olive production systems, viticulture, air, water and wastewater treatment, Greek culture experience, and Greek language. Dieleman says, “On campus, there are several olive groves and a vineyard, so I’ve had hands-on experience. We have pruned olive trees and grape vines, planted olive trees, and fermented wine. It has been an eye-opening experience to see how agriculture works here and I have noticed many differences from how we farm in Iowa.”

Dieleman says, “The Greek food, weather, and culture are great! I experienced some culture shock when I first arrived as the Greeks embrace halara, which means take it easy. Schedules are not as punctual and people are laid back. It took me a couple of weeks to adjust, but I now enjoy halara instead of worrying about what’s next on my schedule.”

He says Thessaloniki is known for its food and he has not been disappointed. “The Mediterranean diet is incredible and I have tried many delicious dishes. Every meal features a surplus of extra virgin olive oil and feta cheese. The food is fresh and I still have many new dishes to try.”

The CALS study abroad cohort at the Parthenon in Athens: agronomy students Nali Sanchez Carmona (second from left in front row) and Dieleman (fourth from left in second row).

Original story posted, https://www.agron.iastate.edu/2024/03/05/agronomy-student-spending-sprin...

Tags:

American Farm School-Perrotis College-Thessaloniki

Author(s):

Kara Berg

Program Director Deep Dive- Dr. David Acker

mmgrant — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:20:16 +0000

In just his second year co-leading the Food, Culture, and Agriculture in Greece & Italy program, Dr. David Acker, Associate Dean for Global Engagement and Professor in Agriculture Education, has successfully curated one of the most sought-after travel courses alongside Dr. Sotirios Archontoulis. Their combined expertise in the Mediterranean countries offers students a comprehensive learning experience focusing on the production, distribution, marketing, and regulations associated with the food system while exploring farms and various cultural sights.

Dr. Acker’s love story for Italy began at a very early age when his next-door neighbor moved into town during fourth grade. Although this neighbor didn’t speak English and Dr. Acker wasn’t sure where he was from, they were able to connect through their shared pleasure of soccer, something Dr. Acker recalls him being very good at. The pair’s friendship evolved over the years, and during college, Dr. Acker went to visit him in Italy after his family had moved back. That visit ultimately turned into a European tour that they travelled on together.

Dr. Acker’s international travels were just beginning. He went on to live in both Tanzania and Greece for four years in each country, work in Rome for five summers, serve twice as a Fulbright Fellow in Greece, and in his most recent role, interact regularly with Iowa State University’s campus in Uganda in his position as Director of the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. The ongoing list of Dr. Acker’s travel destinations spans far and wide beyond the aforementioned locations, but Greece and Italy are his countries of choice when it comes to immersing students in a new culture abroad.

“When I thought about places I’d love to take students, I thought of Italy, for sure, because I am passionate about it. The food, the culture, the history- it all comes together in an amazing way in Italy. I volunteered in Greece when I was a freshman in college for about a month on a farm that is also a school, and I fell in love with the place and have returned several times...so I’ve had a long-term relationship with Greece. I actually met my wife there and one of our kids was born there, so it goes beyond just hanging out.” - Dr. David Acker

Establishing the itinerary for travel courses is no easy task, but Dr. Acker and Dr. Archontoulis managed to squeeze in a visit to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, cooking classes, guided tours of Acropolis, farm tours, visits to both the American Farm School in Thessaloniki and the Agricultural University of Athens, and so much more. He recognized the importance of summer internships and wanted to ensure that students participating in this study abroad program could still fulfill those obligations after the conclusion of the travel in late May. The pair of program leaders were also sure to build in free time for students to explore Rome, Athens and Thessaloniki to truly make the most of their experience abroad and teach them skills for how to be independent travelers.

“I like the fact that students become challenged mentally and physically when they go on a study abroad. I also like the fact that they have to question where we come from and our system. It’s so much easier to understand our system when you have something to compare it to, and I love to see that unfold for the students... they’re just becoming more critical thinkers.” - Dr. David Acker

When Dr. Acker isn’t busy being a world traveler, he enjoys running and skiing along with staying in touch with his children and grandchildren who are spread out all the way from San Francisco, CA to Amsterdam.

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Author(s):

International experiences changed graduating senior for the better, Grace Reiss

nicolerh — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:35:36 +0000

By: Whitney Baxter

Growing up in the small, rural community of Ryan, Iowa, Grace Reiss knew she wanted to gain international experience while in college. She has met that goal, and along the way, her outgoing and friendly personality has fostered a welcoming environment at Iowa State University and around the world.

Those efforts earned her the fall 2023 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Council Inclusive Excellence Award.

A double major in nutritional science and global resource systems, Reiss came to Iowa State intending to find ways to fight global hunger and malnutrition.

Her first international experience was a two week-long study abroad trip to The Netherlands and Uganda during her freshman year. The students on the trip visited farms and learned about both countries’ nutrition programs and water management systems.

“That trip changed me for the better, and it was great to travel with other students in the global resource systems major,” Reiss said. “It opened my eyes to the fact that I have so much more to learn about myself and the world.”

Adding to her international travel resume, Reiss spent the spring 2022 semester on a study abroad exchange program in Greece. She attended classes at the American Farm School, Perrotis College, learning about global food systems and sustainable agriculture. Reiss appreciated getting to know the food science professors and building a community with fellow students and other people she met.

While in Greece, she became interested in the Mediterranean diet. That became the topic of her senior capstone research project for her GRS major. She compared how individuals in the U.S. and Greece adhere to the diet and health outcomes that may result from following it.

“Grace’s commitment to fighting hunger and promoting nutrition security and health reaches beyond her academic obligations and motivated this undergraduate international research project, which indeed, reflects CALS’ mission to enhance quality of life in Iowa and around the world,” wrote Catherine Swoboda, associate teaching professor in global resource systems, in a letter of support for Reiss’ nomination for the Inclusive Excellence Award.

In addition to spending time abroad, Reiss participated in several leadership opportunities on campus, including the President’s Leadership Class, Cargill Leadership Academy and GLOBE Leadership Fellows. She co-led first- and second-year GRS students in the GLOBE Leadership Fellows program, providing them guidance, connecting them with resources and helping them grow as leaders.

“Our GRS students are so engaged in learning and developing their own leadership skills thanks to Grace and her engaging instruction,” Swoboda wrote.

Reiss is grateful for all the encouragement and support she has received from the Iowa State community – from faculty to advisors to classmates. She advises other students to find and establish their own support system and know they belong on campus.

“Try not to fall into imposter syndrome,” Reiss said. “You are meant to be where you are at.”

Original story posted, https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/2023/international-experiences-changed....

Tags:

Author(s):

For the Love of Food, Greece, and Italy - May

nicolerh — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 12:33:03 +0000

Currently Unavailable

Italy, Greece

Program Director(s):

Erica Beirman

Lorraine Lanningham-Foster

3 credits of FSHN 4960A

Connect with Greek and Italian food at home and abroad with this spring 2024 study abroad program that features two weeks of travel in May. You will explore traditional foodie neighborhoods, Testaccio, in Rome, agroturismos in Florence all while checking out the touring known sites and embracing the Italian way of life. You will have the opportunity to visit some of the most famous destinations in Italy and Greece, known for their unique cuisine and food products along with their historical sites.

The program goals are to provide students with the opportunity to work with Italian and Greek chefs, to be immersed in the culture and the cuisine of Italy and Greece, and to develop a global network in preparation for a career in the food industry.

The program is typically offered every other year. It was last offered in spring 2024.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 to Sunday, May 26, 2024

Department:

Food Science and Human Nutrition

Type of Travel:

Travel Course

Application Deadline:

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Semester:

Spring

More Details Here

Year:

2024

Credits:

Transportation when Abroad

nicolerh — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 20:41:17 +0000

Whether it be in the country you are staying in or other locations you travel to, traveling when abroad can be a daunting task at first. In this blog, the Student Travel Consultants Courtney and Garhett will discuss the different ways to travel outside the U.S. For travel courses, the trip advisor will coordinate most of your travel, but this information can still help you better prepare for your time abroad.

In most countries abroad, public transportation is much more common than here. That being said, it can be challenging to understand how to get around in a foreign land. We are here to give you some tips we learned when traveling within a foreign country, emphasizing the locations where we spent our semesters abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece, and Dublin, Ireland.

Taxis

Taxis are arguably one of the most common forms of transportation within a foreign city. Almost everywhere you go, there will be taxi options. Taxi services can be found via Google, or you can ask your advisors or friends at the university you are studying (semester-long programs). Uber, Lyft, and other forms of taxi services are available depending on the country you are in.

Garhett: Taxis in Greece may try to rip you off by up charging your ride. Make sure you see them start the mileage counter when you get in the taxi. This is located in front of the car, usually above the radio. This is how they charge you for a ride, and it will say how much it costs. Because taxis can try and upcharge your ride, there are also forms of private taxi services. For Greece, they use "Beat," a taxi service like Uber. I would highly recommend this service when traveling in Greece.

Courtney: Similar to Greece, taxis in Ireland could be waved down as you stand on the road, and mileage would be recorded as you drive. Ireland also had an app called "Free Now," which is extremely similar to that of Lyft or Uber. It helps you see what taxis are available and when they can drop you off at their destination. This app also lets you pay through Apple and Google Pay. I found that taxis were slightly more expensive than the bus service, but were extremely convenient and user-friendly.

Buses

Garhett: When I was in Greece, we used the public bus service a LOT. There was a stop just outside campus that would take us downtown and to other locations. The buses there required tickets or passes to ride. These can be bought at the bus station or other locations throughout Greece. It takes a quick Google search to find the closest location to get tickets. Once you have your ticket, you will see a box on the front and middle of the bus. You put your ticket or pass in this, which will punch the ticket date. Then you are good to go until your next ride.

Courtney: During my time in Ireland, the bus services were my main mode of transportation. The "Transport for Ireland" (TFI) has a variety of public bus services. The bus stops were strategically placed around the city area and used in other parts of the country. At the beginning of the semester, I purchased a "Student Leap Card" connected to an app on my phone where I could add funds. Bus trips cost between €1.00 - €4.00 depending on your travel distance! You scan the card when you enter the bus! I found the bus services in Ireland extremely affordable, convenient, and safe!

Trains

Garhett: Many countries abroad have excellent subway and train systems that allow efficient and convenient travel around the city. In Greece, Thessaloniki does not have a subway system to utilize. Many countries I traveled to have a train or subway system, and they were usually pretty simple to navigate. In many countries, such as London, subway or train systems are the main transportation source. When traveling in London, the subway system is used often. It was all in English, and if we had questions, there were maps that showed the different stops and where you were. Helpful tip: take a picture of the route on your phone, so you know what stations to take.

Courtney: Ireland did have a couple of different train services to utilize. The Irish Rail had a “Dart" service that would take you to other parts of the country. You could buy fairs ahead of time for about €20 and leave your selected train station at the time you chose! It took only two and a half hours to get across the country on this train! There was also a tram system just inside the city of Dublin called the Luas. A red line and a blue line traveled within the city limits, and fairs worked the same way as the bus passes! Similar to London, transportation in Paris was very dependent on a subway system. This is utilized often when exploring places all over the city. This was a little more difficult as the system maps and narrations were in French, but Google Maps was extremely helpful, and we never ran into any issues!

Traveling when abroad can seem stressful at first, but after you get acclimated it is fairly simple. It just takes some time and focus. We hope these tips will help you on your journey!

Tags:

transportation abroad

Greece

American Farm School

Ireland

University College Dublin

Author(s):

Garhett Allen

Courtney Uhlenhake

Attending the American Farm School in Greece

nicolerh — Fri, 20 May 2022 17:41:52 +0000

Agronomy students Tess Kern and Rebecca Johnson traveled to Thessaloniki, Greece to attend the American Farm School Spring semester.

Founded in 1904 by Dr. John Henry House and wife Susan Adeline, the American Farm School offers general and technical education based on the environmental, food, agricultural and life sciences. The holistic and experiential education prepares and inspires the whole person to lead, innovate and contribute to the sustainable future of Greece and the world.

Considerably smaller than Iowa State, the women found the American Farm School a nice change of pace. Their classes met once a week for four hours a day. Topics focused on crops grown in Greece and the local Mediterranean climate.

“We are learning about olive production systems, how to care for grape vines/viticulture, as well as a Greek language class,” said Tess Kern, junior. “We also take classes about weed science and soil and water conservation. There are classes that focus on sustainable ag management, international business, and food science.”

The location provided beautiful scenery and the excitement of additional trips.

“Zagorohoria and Loannina are mountain towns with an awesome history and some of the best views” said Tess. “We also spent time in Athens and some of the Greek islands. We took weekend trips to Paris, Berlin, Ireland, and Austria as well.”

Half a world away and the women felt right at home. The adjustment was a very easy and smooth one, due in part to the terrific people at the school who made them feel welcome. Our program was also fairly big with 18 Americans attending.

“The culture and language has been a big change, but it is very refreshing to experience and be immersed in a beautiful culture,” said Tess. “It’s hard to be homesick when you’re enjoying the culture and sights of gorgeous Greece!!”

Greece wasn’t Rebecca’s first choice in study abroad location, but it worked out in her favor.

“My first choice had strict border restrictions because of COVID and I was not able to go,” said Rebecca. “After meeting with study abroad advisors, I realized this program was a really great fit for the classes I was hoping to take, and my budget.”

The women agree it was an incredible experience full of growth and knowledge.

“Do it! It will change your life.”

Learn more about the American Farm School - Perrotis College - Thessaloniki, Greece program!

Original story posted, https://www.agron.iastate.edu/2022/05/18/attending-the-american-farm-school-in-greece/.

Tags:

Author(s):

Department of Agronomy

Perrotis College - American Farm School - Greece

sfine — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 06:14:56 +0000

Alternate URL:

http://isuabroad.iastate.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=11

Greece

The American Farm School of Thessaloniki, Greece, is an independent, nonprofit educational institution founded in 1904 to serve the needs of Greece and the surrounding Balkan areas. Today major educational divisions include the Primary School, Secondary School, the Perrotis College of Agriculture, Environment and Life Sciences, and Adult Education and Reasearch. The School prepares its graduates for prominent roles in community life and in the agriculture and food sectors by teaching farming and business practices that are economically viable, ecologically sound and socially responsible. The School’s founder, Dr. John Henry House, was a practical idealist who believed in educating the whole individual: the head, the hands and the heart. After more than a century of implementing the founder’s vision, the American Farm School today remains dedicated to the dynamic fusion of theory and practice in all levels of agricultural education that has become the institution’s hallmark.

Perrotis College of Agriculture, Environment and Life Sciences, founded in 1996 through the major gift of Mrs. Aliki Perroti in memory of her late husband, develops leaders for the international agribusiness, food science and environment sectors.

The American Farm School has been a leader in the rural development of Greece throughout the twentieth century. Today, the Department of Continuing Education and External Services offers continuing professional training and adult education programs, lectures, conferences, exchange programs and study visits on topics related to the agrofood sector, the environment, rural tourism, culture, agrobusiness, information technology and education.

The Center for Agricultural Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the American Farm School, operated under the direction of Perrotis College, opened in September 2012, and the Perrotis College Krinos Olive Center began operation in 2013.

**DATES FOR SUMMER 2017 INTERNSHIP ARE ESTIMATED AND WILL CHANGE**

Available Courses
The Greek Cultural Experience, Principles of Precision Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability, Marketing Management, Agrotourism Principles and Practices, Intro to Livestock Sciences, Principles of Food Science, Nutrition and the Consumer, Food Taste and Society, Service Learning, The Greek Palate (Greek Cuisine), Contemporary Nutrition, Agro-Environmental Business Management, and more.

Find information regarding courses at Courses at AFS.pdf

Program Info and Costs for Internship Opportunities
Find more information regarding Internships at Costs for Internships at AFS 2016-2017.pdf

Contact Jodi Cornell jcornell@iastate.edu for more information about this program and the application process.

Monday, May 8, 2017 to Friday, July 14, 2017

Department:

AgBus, FSHN

Type of Travel:

Semester Long

Application Deadline:

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Semester:

Fall

Spring

Summer

Apply Now!

Year:

2025

�������� - Greece

American Farm School / Perrotis College Reunion

Greece and Italy: Food, Culture and Agriculture - May

Agronomy Students Spending Spring Semester in Greece

Program Director Deep Dive- Dr. David Acker

International experiences changed graduating senior for the better, Grace Reiss

For the Love of Food, Greece, and Italy - May

Transportation when Abroad

Taxis

Buses

Trains

Attending the American Farm School in Greece

Perrotis College - American Farm School - Greece

�� - Greece