University Park, Pennsylvania — Pennsylvania State University Agricultural Sciences students explored the rich culture of Greece and its food while studying abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece this summer.
Providing this opportunity for Penn State students was important to Chris Sigler, Assistant Professor and Academic Advisor in the Department of Food Science. His goal was to help food science students expand their experience outside the classroom and create networking opportunities.
“When students look back on their college careers, they should feel that those classes have broadened their experience and understanding of what they are studying,” Sigler said.
With the support of the university’s Global Office of Undergraduate Education and Agricultural Sciences, Sigler collaborated with Helen Yarennis, the study abroad coordinator for marketing and communications at Perrotis College (part of the American Farm School in Thessaloniki), to help Pennsylvania State University students is now able to earn credits while participating. In a 6-week study abroad program organized by Perrotis.
Students can take two courses, ‘Mediterranean Diet’ or ‘Greek Wine Business’, or participate in internships and research. They also learned about Greek culture and language and visited historic sites such as Mount Olympus and the Parthenon, as well as traditional sites such as a mussel farm and the Cherry Blossom Festival. And of course, I learned how to cook traditional Greek dishes.
Sophomore Lauren Wolf, a food science major, chose the Mediterranean diet course. She said going on excursions and field trips across Greece helped her gain her hands-on experience.
One of the most interesting things Wolf learned during her travels abroad, she said, was the importance of the agricultural industry in Greece. Additionally, she learned about the health benefits of seafood and its role in the Mediterranean diet.
Spending time abroad also allowed her to connect with her Penn State peers, meet students from other universities, and become more open to new experiences.
“Studying abroad helped me develop my independence through trips to Greece,” Wolfe said. “I also feel that it has helped me become more extroverted and connect with others.”
Catarina Rodrigues, a third-year food science major, has an interest in product development and chose to conduct research at Perrotis with a focus on product development for gluten-free and dairy-free snacks. She and her partner baked the food and analyzed its water activity, color, texture and other characteristics.
“People would come in for a taste test and tell me what their favorite samples were,” Rodriguez said. I regained my confidence in choosing my major.”
This experience also introduced them to food science majors at other universities, including Ohio State University, Purdue University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Texas A&M University, and Virginia Tech.
“Food science is a very small field, so they can now learn what it’s like to meet other food scientists. You will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with other students from different universities who are highly motivated, and together in the field in the future,” Sigler said.
Sigler plans to work with Perrotis College to expand the program. He also plans to bring a small group of students back to his Perrotis as part of an incorporated spring course, Food Science 460: International Food Production.
Ketja Lingenfelter, Assistant Director of Student Global Engagement at Ag Sciences Global, said: “International immersion and hands-on experience not only allow students to acquire skills not normally developed in the classroom, but also allow them to discover aspects of potential careers on a global level.”
This course supports the university’s sustainable and accessible study abroad initiatives. This initiative encourages students to incorporate sustainable practices into their study abroad experience and makes study abroad accessible to all students.
More information about study abroad opportunities offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences is available by contacting Lingenfelter at ketja@psu.edu or by visiting agsci.psu.edu/students/study-abroad.
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