About this study abroad experience
Through experiences in Madrid, Toledo, and Valencia, students will examine Spain as a living laboratory where biological processes, cultural practices and cuisine are closely connected.
Spain’s location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean has helped create diverse climates, landscapes and ecosystems. These environmental conditions directly influence the foods produced throughout the country, including olives and olive oil, grapes and wine, seafood, cured meats, and regional tapas. Through academic site visits, cultural activities and culinary experiences, students will examine the relationships among biology, nutrition, agriculture, food production, sustainabilit and Spanish culture.
Trip dates: May 17-26, 2027
Ready to experience life abroad?
Program highlights
- Examine how Spain’s geography, climate and biodiversity influence regional food production.
- Visit an olive oil production facility and learn about olive cultivation, harvesting, processing and production.
- Visit a traditional vineyard and examine grape cultivation and wine production, including the biological processes involved in fermentation.
- Examine plant physiology and the relationship between soil conditions and crop development.
- Learn how microbial communities contribute to soil health, agriculture and food production.
- Explore how marine ecosystems influence Spain’s seafood traditions.
- Examine how inland climates and arid landscapes support drought-resistant crops and agricultural practices.
- Interact with local food producers, purveyors and culinary professionals.
- Learn about traditional Spanish foods, including olives, olive oil, cured meats, seafood and tapas.
- Compare regional approaches to nutrition, sustainability, agriculture and food preparation.
- Consider how environmental change may affect food production and agricultural sustainability.
Program details
- Central Piedmont curriculum students with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Curriculum students from other North Carolina colleges or universities with a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Students must be eligible to enroll in an approved biology or culinary course associated with the program.
- This program requires interviews after completed applications are reviewed.
Students must select one or more of the following courses (specific sections TBD):
- Biology courses
- BIO 111: General Biology I
- BIO 112: General Biology II
- Culinary Arts course
- CUL 287 / 287A: Cultural Experience
- CUL 287 / 287A: Cultural Experience
Lauren Jackson – Instructor, Biology: Lauren.Jackson@cpcc.edu
Richie Skaggs – Instructor, Biology: Richard.Skaggs@cpcc.edu
Estimated billable program costs: $5,000 per student. Billable costs are paid to the Center for Global Engagement at the college’s cashier’s office. Billable program costs include:
- Application fee
- Airfare and local transportation
- Lodging*
- Some meals
- Academic and professional site visits
- Cultural excursions and program activities
- Provider and program-related costs
- Travel insurance
*Optional single room additional charge – $1,100
Students are responsible to pay for the following expenses directly:
- Passport and visa fees, if applicable
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities outside the official itinerary
- Transportation or expenses not associated with scheduled program activities
- Tuition and course registration fees (TVL 7880 & MUS 110, HIS 112, or DES 255).*
*Check with the Financial Aid Office to determine if your course registration can be covered with your financial aid.
How to apply
- Choose which study abroad program you will apply for.
- Log in using your Central Piedmont username and password.
- Complete the Study Abroad application thoughtfully and in its entirety, including the video submission and essay questions. Studying abroad is an educational opportunity; your application should demonstrate your commitment to and interest in this program.
- Pay the $100 nonrefundable application fee and follow the instructions to submit proof of this payment on the Campus Community website. This step is required, and your application will not be considered until this application fee is paid.
Note:
You will be contacted to schedule an interview after completing the steps above.
Questions?
Direct questions to the Center for Global Engagement.