The Summer International Internship Program (SIIP) )is, as the name implies, a truly international experience geared toward college and university students who want to combine hands-on work at the American Farm School (AFS) demonstration farm with an introduction to Greek language and culture. In the past, program participants have included students from Germany, Turkey, Egypt, Croatia, Bosnia and Albania, as well as the U.S. SIIP interns live on the campus of the American Farm School for the duration of the program, together with regular Perrotis College students who are also doing internships, and so become well acquainted with the AFS community and culture. The group tends to be small (typically no more than twelve to fifteen). As a result, interns bond quickly and make lasting friendships, often traveling together through Greece and Europe in their free time or after the Program has finished.
The focal point of SIIP is the work experience in various departments of the American Farm School and its educational farm, where participants receive a hands-on introduction to modern agricultural practices. It should be noted that the work experience typically involves physical work in the poultry, dairy, cereal, horticulture and landscaping departments, side-by-side with regular AFS employees. SIIP interns may receive academic credit for their participation in the program, though such arrangements always depend on their university's applicable policies.
Another key aspect of SIIP involves introducing participants to various aspects of Greek culture. Most weekday afternoons, interns attend Greek language, history and dance classes, or venture into Thessaloniki in the company of College staff to visit museums and markets, and attend cultural events. Participants also go on weekend excursions to Mount Olympus and Meteora, as well as to archaeological sites and the beaches of Halkidiki. During their spare time, interns also have the opportunity to pursue their own interests, often traveling to Athens or the islands, sampling Thessaloniki's vibrant nightlife, or simply relaxing on one of the nearby beaches.
This year, SIIP will run from June 23 until August 1, for a total of 6 weeks. The participation fee is 1000 Є ($1,400). The participation fee covers lodging in the dormitory for six weeks, free (wireless) internet access, three meals per day on working days (Monday through Friday), four organized weekend trips, a variety of shorter excursions (to museums, markets, and cultural/educational events) and instruction in Greek language, history and dance.
The participation fee is in part offset by the income that students earn while working in the various AFS departments. This comes out to around 700 Є ($1050) for those working full-time, and half that amount for those working part-time. Currently, we have two full-time positions and four part-time positions available, though additional positions may open up within the next few months.
Please click here for an informational poster for SIIP.
Important Information about application:
You need to fill out two application forms, one for AFS, and one for the Ag Study Abroad office.
AFS application form
Ag Study Abroad office application form
Please fill out these two forms and bring them to the Ag Study Abroad office by May 1 , 2008. We will send your applcations to AFS. We encourage all interested students to apply as early as possible since there are only a limited number of positions available.
If you are interested in learning more about Perrotis College or the American Farm School in general, please visit www.afs.edu.gr/perrotiscollege.
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