�� - semester abroad

Agronomy senior, Rachael Voss, is enjoying her spring semester studying in Marburg, Germany at Philipps-Universität Marburg. She chose the study abroad experience because her second major is German and she has known since high school that she wanted to study abroad in Germany. “Marburg was the best choice for me because it offered an opportunity to hone in on my German for a semester while still having the program semester dates align with the U.S. semester,” said Voss.

Some of the sights she has taken in so far in Marburg include Landgrafenschloss Castle, built in the 11^th century, and a famous tower called the Hexenturm, where prisoners were kept after trial and prior to their sentences being carried out. Since Marburg is relatively near German wine country, Voss said she will be taking a trip to Rüdesheim sometime in April. “I’ve truly enjoyed exploring Marburg and its surroundings. It’s a very hilly city, so it has great opportunities for hiking, especially on the way up to historical sites. I am looking forward to our class trip to Dresden. There’s so much history there, and it will be a great opportunity to experience part of Saxony,” said Voss.

She said the food in Germany is a bit different from Iowa, but with similar ingredients. “Lots of potatoes, cheeses, and sausages are used. The region of Hessen has a dish called auflauf, a baked dish made with pasta, rice, or potatoes, cheese, vegetables and/or meat with a cream sauce, which reminds me of a Midwestern casserole,” said Voss. She also noted that the people are more reserved and straightforward than in the Midwest, but kind and friendly once you get to know them.

Original article posted, https://www.agron.iastate.edu/2024/04/11/agronomy-student-spends-spring-...

Tags:

semester abroad

Germany

Author(s):

Kara Berg

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