UF in Ghent: Sustainable Food Systems in a Global Economy

Summer A: May 14 - June 3, 2023

AEB4931: 3 UF GPA credits; taught by FRE undergraduate coordinator and senior lecturer Dr. Misti Sharp

Online Info Session: Thursday, February 6th at 6 P.M. ZOOM link: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/93297027995?pwd=bVN2aytySFc2TWg4dEY2UDcxNC9wdz09

This study abroad opportunity will take place at Ghent University in Ghent, Belgium and explores what is meant by sustainable food systems in Belgium, the European Union, and beyond. Through lectures and learning activities, we will discuss issues related to food production, distribution, processing, packaging, marketing, and waste recovery. Consideration is given to the policy process within the European Union and how health, economic, engineering, and environmental considerations influence short and long-term sustainability goals. Excursions and case studies illustrate the journey from field-to-fork based on natural and human systems.

Location

Ghent is Belgium’s fourth-largest city. It’s city center is a car-free pedestrian area that is like a museum to early Flemish architecture, and a testament to the city’s medieval might. Impressive Gothic sites, such as St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Castle of the Counts, inspire awe. The city is versatile, historic, and yet contemporary at the same time

Excursions

Program excursions will include visits to the Parlimentarium (European Parliament’s visitor center); Cacaolab (cocoa and chocolate innovation); CAPTURE (an urban resource recovery center); Brouwerij Huyghe (a sustainable brewery); and more. There will also be day trips to other cities in Belgium, including Ostend, Ypres, Brugge, Brussels, and Liège.

Housing

Students will stay in a hotel close to the city center and Ghent University

Eligibility Requirements

• Open to all majors 
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Must be in good standing
• Will be required to interview with program director Dr. Misti Sharp

Pricing

Undergraduate Program Fee: $6,512

Graduate Program Fee: $6,760

A $425 nonrefundable deposit toward the total cost of the program is due at the time of application. The remaining fees are due no later than 45 days prior to departure. If you receive financial aid, you can defer payment until it disburses. Deferment decisions will be based on the amount of aid to be received

Program cost includes tuition for 3 UF credits, housing, program excursions, airport pick-up, international health insurance, and emergency medical assistance.

Round-trip airfare, meals, additional personal travel, and personal expenses are not included in this price.

Financial Aid

Most financial aid that you would receive on campus can be applied toward the cost of this program. However, all financial aid eligibility is determined by Student Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Scholarships

UFIC offers many study abroad scholarships, with various eligibility criteria. The Summer 2023 scholarship deadline is February 9, 2023. Apply on their website!

Want more info? Contact Dr. Misti Sharp at mistisharp@ufl.edu