Greece Trip — Comments of Participants

A study group of UA students and Professor Donna Graham, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, visited the American Farm School (AFS) and the Dimitris Perrotis College of Agricultural Studies in Thessaloniki, Greece to gain knowledge on Greek agricultural educational and research programs. The 10-day study visit also included a visit to Athens.

The Perrotis College is a two-year institution and a division of the American Farm School. The 350-acre campus and demonstration farm includes academic and boarding facilities, a large dairy and poultry unit, greenhouse, horticulture and arable farming units. The language of the College instruction is English. The AFS is an agricultural and technical school founded by an American missionary in 1904. Graduates receive a high school diploma accredited in Greece.

During the study tour, the students visited a variety of local agricultural enterprises, including a plant propagation unit, poultry production and processing plants, a horse breeding ranch, mushroom production and a winery. The group also visited small villages in the mountains of northern Greece, an agricultural technical school, a farm being managed by a AFS graduate, as well as archaeological sites.

Cynthia Lynn Morris, a senior from Mountainburg, said she found the study visit to Greece to be very rewarding. She said the visit broaden her own ideals and purposes and allowed her to experience Greek culture, customs and food.

"I have laughed, learned and cried and would not trade this experience for the world," Morris said. "I have met people that I would consider lifelong friends."

Morris said the experience in Thessaloniki gave her insights into local Greek agricultural production and farming practices. She said the American Farm School does a good job of teaching students practical ways to use new technologies in agriculture.

"Farmers are using some modern technologies," Morris said, "but many farmers in the mountains and rural areas still use older equipment, such as the scythe."

Lance Wright from Quitman,Arkansas agreed that agricutlural practices were different from those in the U.S. He said the farms are mostly small scale, and most types of equipment used seemed less advanced. Through cooperatives in small towns, many farmers share equipment and combine crops at market time.

"What I gained in this experience could never be gained in the classroom," Wright said. "The experience has given me a different outlook on cultures and lifestyles."

Georgia Beth Oldenstadt, from Paris, Arkansas, agreed with Wright about the value of the study tour. She said the visit to Thessaloniki and northern Greece was an experience she will never forget. 

"It is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity," Oldenstadt said. "I now know more of who I am after being in culture shock and withdrawal for 10 days. I realize now just how hard it is to go to a whole new culture and try to feel like you belong."

Kylie Pettay from Rogers said she learned a lot about the local culture and had the opportunity to learn about the history and everyday life of the people.

"I now have a greater appreciation for Greece, since I have experienced their culture and heard stories of what they are going through," Pettay said.

Katy Rose, a senior from Little Rock, said the visit to Greece was a wonderful experience and a good way to learn about another culture. She said it was very interestng to learn about the agricultural programs in Greece and compare them to those in the U.S.

"Everything was exciting on this trip," Rose said. "It is very benefiical to visit other places and gain a better understanding of how life is outside the U.S."

R. Keith Warner, a senior from Pine Bluff, said the educational benefits of this experience were immense. He said he not only learned about the agricultural education and the farming practices of the central region of Greece, but also gained a better understanding of the people, their culture, history and politics.

"I highly recommend the Global Studies Program to other students. It allows students to experience other cultures in an educational atmosphere at an affordable price."

9/23/2004


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