Biology & Ecology of Food in the Mediterranean: Italy and Greece. This study abroad will have a dual focus on the impacts of our food choices on human health and the sustainability of Earth’s ecosystems. The Mediterranean region is a compelling case study because of the well-documented health benefits of the Mediterranean diet common in rural village life (farm to table) in contrast to the western diet linked to poor health that is common in the larger cities. We will study gardening and cooking practices in rural villages in Italy, Greece, and the Greek Islands and compare them to industrial farming, food distribution, and eating culture and practices in Rome and Athens.
In our studies, we will link how the kinds of food we eat affect our biology: overall health, sleep patterns, immune system function, and digestion. Furthermore, we will examine how food choices and traditional versus modern farming practices impact the environment. In addition to studying traditional and modern farming practices on land, we will also compare traditional and contemporary fishing practices and seafood diets. This will be an active study abroad and will include hiking through rural village communities and snorkeling to study the food web of the Mediterranean Sea.
DATES
18 May–13 Jun 2019 (approx)
HOUSING
Hotels in Italy, Greece, and the Greek Islands
COURSES
PWS 150 Environmental Biology (3 credit hours): Satisfies both Science and Global and Cultural Awareness GE requirements
PWS 250 Field Ecology (3 credit hours)
PWS 494R Mentored Research (3 credit hours): Develop your own project with mentoring from Professor St. Clair
Participants may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
COST
$5,400–5,900
Includes Latter-day-Saint undergraduate full tuition (increased cost for graduate and Non-Latter-day-Saint students), housing, in-country travel, entrance fees, and international health insurance coverage.
Does not include international airfare or personal expenses. Many but not all meals will be included in the program cost.
PREPARATION
No prerequisites required. This study abroad is for students in any major.
Students are required to participate in an international, cross-cultural preparation course (IAS 201R, 1 credit hour). This evening course will be held during the second block of winter semester 2020.
Part-time and non-BYU students will need to pay an additional tuition fee for enrolling in the preparation class.
Accompanying spouses need to be credit-bearing participants on the program. Spouses will also need to apply online and take the preparation course.
FUNDING SOURCES
University funding is available to help fund study abroad experiences. Contact St. Clair for details.
Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell Grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to study abroad programs.
Students who submit the financial aid section of the ISP application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office (A-41 ASB) will be considered for a study abroad scholarship.
Academic departments and colleges may assist with scholarships and grants.
Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may also assist (see kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete the online application at kennedy.byu.edu/apply. The application requires a $35 fee.
Applicants will be interviewed once the application is complete.
Students will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance into the program.
The first payment is due upon acceptance. Please refer to the 2020 Payment Information document for payment schedule (see kennedy.byu.edu/isp-forms/ISPpaymentInformation2019.pdf).
Application deadline: 15 Dec 2019
FACULTY
Sam St. Clair is the faculty director of the program. He is a professor in the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences at Brigham Young University. Feel free to contact him with any questions you have.
(801) 717-7829
stclair@byu.edu
INTERESTED STUDENTS CAN ALSO CONTACT
International Study Programs
101 HRCB
801-422-3686
isp@byu.edu
kennedy.byu.edu/isp
PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS
ISP reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost estimates due to conditions beyond its control.
