Berkeley Summer Abroad Info Session - Chios, Greece: Mediterranean Nutrition and Food Systems

Join us for an info session for our Berkeley Summer Abroad Program in Greece!

Discover the importance of traditional foodways by examining key elements of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, discussing how various factors promote human and planetary health, and experiencing Mediterranean food culture. Study food systems through specific ingredients produced in Chios, Greece and explore Greek and Mediterranean dietary habits with a globally-inclusive perspective.

The Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Studies consistently demonstrate that the Mediterranean dietary pattern reduces the risk of many chronic diseases and that adherence rates are higher compared to other diets prescribed to promote health. It does this all while having a lower environmental impact than the common dietary pattern in most industrialized nations. This program will examine the key elements of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, including food culture in the Mediterranean, and discuss how the various factors combine to promote health.

This is an interactive summer study abroad program in the beautiful and culturally rich island of Chios, Greece. This program offers a balanced approach of theory and practice, with experiential field trips to local producers who incorporate both traditional and innovative methods. Classroom instruction, shared meals, discussion, reading, assignments, presentations, and experiential learning will contribute to a memorable experience.

The foodways of Chios and Greece in general will be used as a home base for exploring and analyzing Mediterranean ingredients and food customs, as well as comparing other Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean dietary patterns. We will study food systems through specific ingredients produced in Chios such as honey, citrus, wine, olive oil, herbs, and mastic, an evergreen tree grown only in Chios for its culinary and medicinal properties.
 

Highlights include:

• Explore traditional foods and understand their benefits through the Mediterranean diet by visiting olive farms, fisheries, traditional honey producers and integrating Mediterranean foodways into daily life.
• Experience the local cuisine through meals featuring the healthy and delicious foods that you are studying.
• Participate in an expert-led foraging walk to experience aromatic wild herbs that were discussed in class in their natural habitat.
• Participate in a hands-on cooking class using ingredients typical to Chios and the Mediterranean.
• Travel to the coast of Turkey and explore an incredibly diverse and bustling farmers’ market.

Program dates: June 14 - July 10, 2026