With Greece’s diverse and small scale agricultural production, producers in the region are required to become entrepreneurial in their business practices.  Producers must rely on niche markets and the ability to diversifying their business to compete. Greece’s government has recently begun to promote agricultural entrepreneurship and innovation as a means to help grow the Greece economy.   Visits to niche farm businesses, the Ministry of Agriculture, agri-businesses and cultural attractions will demonstrate the growth the country has seen through this entrepreneurial emphasis.

Term: Summer 2010   Travel Departure Date: 5/9/2010  Travel Return Date: 5/18/2010

Pre-departure Orientation Class

Pre-departure orientation class for this travel course will meet on Wednesdays, 4:10-5:40pm during spring 2010 semester. Please mark it on your calendar if you decide to apply to this program.

Tentative Schedule

May 09              Departure from Des Moines International Airport.
May 10              Arrival in Thessaloniki, Greece. Travel by charter bus to American Farm . Lodging  at Le Palace Hotel in town center.
May 11              Travel by charter bus around Thessaloniki.  Meals at local restaurants
May 12              Travel by charter bus to Serres, Greece.  Meals at local restaurants.
May 13              Travel by charter bus to Kalikratia, Greece.  Meals at local restaurants.
May 14              Travel by charter bus to Macedonian area of Greece. Meals at local restaurants.
May 15             Travel by charter bus to Mt. Olympus.  Travel by train to Athens, Greece.  Lodging at Astor Hotel.  Meals at local restaurants.
May 16             Travel by Tram to Acropolis site.  Meals at local restaurants.
May 17             Travel by boat to Aegina Island.  Meals at local restaurants.
May 18             Travel by Tram to Athens Airport.  Depart Athens International Airport for Des Moines, IA.

Activities

May 09              Depart Des Moines for Thessaloniki, Greece.

May 10              Orientation to American Farm School (AFS) and agriculture in Greece with BBQ.

May 11-14         Visits to area farms, businesses and historical sites.

May 15              Visits to Mt. Olympus and travel by train to Athens.

May 16              Tour of Acropolis and museum.  Group meal and attend traditional Greek Dancers show.

May 17              Trip to Aegina Island.

May 18              Depart Athens for Des Moines.

Enrollment Limit: 20

Application Deadline: 12/1/2009

Application Fee: $10

To apply for this program, please go to http://isuabroad.iastate.edu/

Program Cost Description:

Program Fee - $2,580, which includes round-trip airfare, on-site transportation, lodging, service providers, group meals, and entrance fees.
Other Fees - 1) $10 program application fee to the Ag Study Abroad office; 2) $105 study abroad administrative fee charged by Study Abroad Center; 3) tuition and fees for 1 credit during summer 2010
Out of Pocket Personal Cost - 1) passport which costs $100 if you don't already have one; 2)ISIC (International Student ID Card) which costs $25.50; 3) health insurance if you are not covered on your existing policy; and 4) immunizations (varies based on where you go). Of course, there are also other personal costs, such as meals and souvenirs, etc.

Program fee, tuition and fees, and the $105 administrative fee will be applied directly to students' Ubill . 

Specific Summer 2010 Scholarship

Students who participate in this program will receive the College of Ag and Life Sciences Summer Global Scholars scholarship. CALS students will get approximately $480 and Non-CALS students will get approximately $360. Students don't need to apply for this scholarship. It will be automatically applied to students' Ubills. You could be eligible for additional scholarships, so don't forget to check out other opportunities.

Program Contacts

Program Course Numbers:

Econ 496 - 2 credits for spring 2010; 1 credit for summer 2010