Spain: Biology and Culinary Arts

Study biology and culinary arts in Spain while exploring how climate, biodiversity, agriculture, and regional ecosystems influence the country’s food traditions. 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, sustainability, and Spanish culture. 

Program Highlights

  • Explore Madrid, Toledo, and Valencia through an interdisciplinary biology and culinary arts perspective.
  • 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.
  • Explore the biological adaptations that allow olive trees to thrive in Spain’s climate.
  • Visit a traditional vineyard and examine grape cultivation and wine production.
  • Study 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.
  • Complete guided activities and assignments connecting biological science with culinary traditions.
  • Experience Spanish history, architecture, public spaces, food culture, and daily life. 

Travel Dates

  • Summer: May 17-26, 2027  
  • Program Length: 11 days 

Program Locations

Program Eligibility

  • 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.   

Academics

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 

Program Leaders

Money Matters

Billable Costs

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 - $1,000

Non-billable Costs

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. 

Scholarships

Scholarships toward billable program costs are available through the Center for Global Engagement and several external organizations. Please visit the “Scholarships” page for information about these scholarships. Note the following scholarship deadlines:

  • Gilman International Scholarship (external) & Gilman Stem Supplemental Award (external) - application open:
    • Mid-August 2026 – October 1, 2026
    • Mid-January 2027 – February 25, 2027
  • Gilman-McCain Scholarship (external) - application open:
    • Mid-August 2026 – October 1, 2026
    • Mid-November 2026 – January 7, 2027
  • Central Piedmont Study Abroad Scholarships (internal) - application opens mid-August:
    • October 1, 2026: Priority Deadline
    • December 4, 2026: Final Deadline 

How to Apply

Apply to the study abroad program by clicking the Apply Now button below.  

  • 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. 

Apply Now

Note:

  • You must complete all steps for your application to be considered.
  • Some programs will require a personal interview. You will be contacted to schedule an interview after completing the steps above. 

Questions?

Direct questions to the Center for Global Engagement:  

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