�� - semester long

What are the different types of study abroad opportunities?

nicolerh — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:49:47 +0000

Travel Course:

Typically 8 to 14 days of travel
ISU course with international field trip
Earn academic credits towards your degree
Travel takes place during school breaks
Travel with faculty and friends, class sizes vary from 8-30 students
Enrich your academic learning through field visits, tours and sightseeing

Learn more about travel courses

Semester Long:

One semester, one summer or one year options available
Enroll in courses at a university abroad and transfer those credits back to ISU
Stay on track for your degree at Iowa State by earning credits abroad
Step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in another culture and place
Two different types of programs
- Exchange Cost: Pay ISU tuition and fees
- Semester Long Cost: Pay a program fee

Learn more about semester programs

Individual Internships, Research, or Service-Learning Opportunities

Typically over the summer or during a semester abroad
Some internships/service-learning opportunities offer academic credits towards your degree
Option to participate in ISU and partner university programs or coordinate an experience independently

Learn more about international internships, research, and service-learning

Study USA (Domestic Travel)

Learn about diverse cultures, food and agriculture systems, natural resources, and life sciences within the U.S.
ISU course with domestic field trip
Earn academic credit towards your degree
Travel with your faculty and friends, class sizes vary from 8-30 students
Students of any college and major are encouraged to apply for a program

Learn more about Study USA programs

Learn more about any of these opportunities by meeting with a study abroad advisor!

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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/.

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Department of Agronomy

Tips for Travelers: 5 Ways to Prepare for your �� Experience

mmgrant — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 20:20:24 +0000

So, you’ve decided you are going to study abroad and are counting down the days until your adventure. No matter what part of the world you are traveling to, you will experience new cultures and interact with new people, but what if you are unsure about your foreign language skills?

This was me about a year ago. I was preparing for a semester abroad in Spain, and hadn’t taken a Spanish class in about 6 months. I was nervous that my classmates would be better speakers than me and that I wouldn’t be able to communicate with my host family, but as soon as I arrived in Spain all those fears vanished. I realized that everyone there wanted me to learn Spanish and I had all the tools I needed to be successful.

Before I left the US, I tried to practice my Spanish in several different ways to make the transition to Spain easier. I made this list of ideas to help others be prepared to speak a foreign language abroad. Interacting with a host family, peers, and/or locals while abroad will greatly improve your language skills and make you a more confident, skilled speaker. So let’s get ready to talk!!

Take a Class or Two Before You Leave

If you have never studied a language before or it has been a few years since you last studied it, it might be a good idea to take a class or two to learn the basics and pick up some vocabulary. You will always want to know how to ask to find a bathroom, how to order food, and how to read numbers. Knowing some of these basic phrases will make you more confident in your navigation skills when you first arrive.

Before coming to college, I didn’t think I would end up majoring in Spanish. But after taking several classes at Iowa State University, I decided to study abroad for a semester and it just made sense to do a major. If you are unsure about completing a minor or a major, I recommend taking a few classes first to see if you are really interested, and then studying abroad to help you develop your language skills.
Download a Language Learning App

There are several free apps available to teach foreign languages, and each of them use different methods to teach vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Using a mobile app allows you to study anywhere and anytime, ultimately improving your language skills. I personally use Duolingo to practice my Spanish. I used this app a lot before traveling to Spain and I use it now to continue practicing at home.
Find a Language Partner

Find a native speaker or someone at a higher proficiency level than you and meet up for a conversation once a week. Although it can be intimidating to talk with a native speaker, it is a great way to practice. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because it is easy for someone to correct you in a conversation and you are more likely to learn from the mistake.

I joined a program through my university’s language department that pairs native speakers with language learners for bi-weekly conversations to practice language skills. My partner and I would meet for coffee or lunch and try to complete our whole conversation in Spanish. I learned a lot and at the same time made a new friend.
Research the Culture

Researching the culture and society of the country you are traveling to can give you a better understanding of what life will be like when you are there and give you opportunities to interact with the language. Whether that be visiting an authentic restaurant, local market, or museum, any opportunity to learn more about the culture will benefit you in the long run.

Before hopping on my plane to Spain, I did a lot of research about the city and region I would be traveling to. I didn’t know who my host family would be, but I was able to learn about the foods and history of the place where I would live. When I arrived, it was nice to recognize some of the buildings and locations so that I didn’t feel completely lost in a new place.
Immerse Yourself in the Language

Before you travel to a different country, it can be hard to escape the English language, but by using the resources you already have you can practice anywhere. Watch your favorite movie or tv show in the language you are trying to learn, or read a magazine or newspaper article from the country you are traveling to. Try to find a children’s book translated into the language you are studying, or change your phone’s language from English to the other languages. By practicing this language in parts of your life that you know really well, you will be able to learn new words and become more comfortable with the language before you are completely immersed in it.

One of the easiest ways to practice Spanish is to change the language of your phone or other electronic devices you use daily. I keep my phone in Spanish to help me learn new words and to practice the language daily. Although it is challenging, I can usually decipher all of the messages and have greatly improved my vocabulary.

This list is just a few ideas to get you started on your language learning journey. Learning a language takes time and practice, but studying abroad is the best way to learn about a different culture and practice your skills. Keep an eye out for our next blog post about getting the most out of your study abroad experience!

Adiós for now! -Marta

_{Marta participated in the Semester in Caceres program through the Iowa State University �� Center.}

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