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Gardens and Food of the Alps: Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy

Dates: 6 July–7 August 2025 (approx.)
Priority Deadline: 15 November 2024
Application Deadline: 15 December 2024

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking gardens and landscapes of Europe’s iconic Alpine region, all while savoring local cuisine. Join us as we delve into the design, ecology, and agricultural wonders of France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy—countries renowned for their stunning natural beauty and unique environmental adaptations. This journey will take you to extraordinary landmarks such as the charming Ville de Marsaille near Nice, France, the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany (the inspiration for Disney’s castles), the enchanting Mainau Island Garden, and the picturesque Lucerne in Switzerland where you can indulge in a delightful array of cheeses and flavored milk.

Our program is a deep dive into landscape design principles, where you’ll learn to incorporate distinctive regional features and plants. You'll explore the vital role plants play in making our world not only more beautiful but also more sustainable.

We’ll cover everything from food systems and urban landscape architecture to plant adaptation and environmental impact. By participating, you'll gain the knowledge to make informed decisions about plants and landscape materials, appreciate the artistry of landscaping, and understand the critical influence of plants on both the environment and human life. This program aims to inspire a deeper recognition of the natural world’s divine beauty and the central role plants play in our lives and society.

This is an active and immersive study abroad experience. You'll visit diverse gardens, food production systems, historic manor houses, and natural landscapes. Engage with local professionals, explore historical locations, and develop a profound appreciation for the beauty and importance of plants in our world. Don't miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe's most stunning landscapes.

Click here to apply today!

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Contact Us

Matt Arrington
(801) 422-6209
matt_arrington@byu.edu

Brad Geary
(801) 422-2369
brad_geary@byu.edu

PDF

Program Flyer

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
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More Information

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Courses

Students may choose to take two of the following courses while on this program:

PWS 100—Plants in the Environment (3 credit hours). How plants influence humans.
PWS 103—Residential Landscape Design (3 credit hours). Design and composition as applied to development of residential grounds; fulfills the Arts GE requirement for Arts, Letters, and Sciences, and major requirement for PLS majors.
PWS 320- Sustainable Plant Systems (3 credit hours) Controlled environment horticulture for domestic and global food security.
PWS 331 Science of Plant Pest Control (3 credit hours) management of plant health.
PWS 494R Mentored Research (3 credits) Develop your own project based on your interests.

Students may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU Online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
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Cost

$8,100–8,600

Includes Latter-day Saint undergraduate full tuition (increased cost for graduate and non–Latter-day Saint students), housing, some meals, in-country travel, entrance fees, and international health insurance coverage.

Does not include international airfare, some meals, preparation course tuition, or personal expenses. Some but not all meals will be included in the program cost.
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Funding Sources

University funding is available to help fund study abroad experiences. Contact Professors Matt Arrington or Brad Geary 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 (seek kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
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Preparation

No prerequisites required. This study abroad is for students in any major.

Accepted 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 term of winter semester. Part-time and non-BYU students will need to pay an additional tuition fee.

Accompanying spouses need to be credit-bearing participants on the program; they will need to apply online and take the preparation course.

International study programs are physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing and you must be in good health to participate. These programs often take place in international locations that do not have the same level of safety and services in terms of transportation, living conditions, residential accommodations, food, public behavior, and policing that you may be used to on campus. If you have further questions or concerns on this, please see our travel policy.

Students must meet all country- and program-specific COVID and health requirements for travel.
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Housing

Hotels and hostels France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy.
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Travel

Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from the program sites. Airfare reservations must be made through BYU Travel. Students should contact a BYU Travel agent.

BYU Travel
280 HRCB
(801) 422-6293
travel@byu.edu
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Application Process

Students must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

Complete the online application here. A nonrefundable $35 application fee is required; 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 Payment Information document.

Priority Deadline: 15 November 2024
Application Deadline: 15 December 2024
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Program Adjustments

International Study Programs (ISP) reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost.

If it becomes necessary for ISP to cancel a program, all program payments made to BYU ISP will be refunded to the student’s BYU Financial account.

ISP is the only office authorized to cancel any of its programs.
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Faculty

Matt Arrington and Brad Geary are faculty directors of the program and are professors in the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences at Brigham Young University. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have.

Matt Arrington
(801) 422-6209
matt_arrington@byu.edu

Brad Geary
(801) 422-2369
brad_geary@byu.edu
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Contact Us

International Study Programs
101 HRCB
(801) 422-3686
isp@byu.edu
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ISP Student Handbook

To see the student handbook, click here.
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Payment Schedule

To see the payment schedule, click here.