At A Glance
04 Weeks | 04 Credits
Summer 2023
Jun 2 - Jul 2
Closed
Summer 2024
Jun 3 - Jul 2
Open
Prerequisites
None
Biodiversity and Sustainable Food Systems
Atenas, Central Valley
You’ll never look at a cup of coffee the same way again. Using coffee and chocolate as case studies, explore the relationships between food systems, ecology, conservation, and sustainability. Learn how different agricultural techniques have the potential to restore biodiversity and combat climate change. Study the sociocultural history of coffee and cacao, from Indigenous histories to modern production and exports.
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- Visit a chocolate farm, where you’ll learn about local methods of chocolate production and processing
- Visit El Toledo Coffee farm and learn about environmentally friendly methods of coffee production. Discuss the history and impacts of chocolate and coffee production in Latin America
Application deadlines:
Summer 1 – April 1
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
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Academics
You’ll never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.Using coffee and chocolate as case studies, explore the relationships between food systems, ecology, conservation, and sustainability. Learn how different agricultural techniques have the potential to restore biodiversity and combat climate change. Study the sociocultural history of coffee and cacao, from Indigenous histories to modern production and exports.
Where You'll Be Living
The Center is an active small farm overlooking the vibrant Central Valley, where green is the predominant color as far as the eye can see. Dorms and classrooms intermingle with orchards and gardens, while Center dog Hera keeps watch over it all. The friendly town of Atenas is a 10-minute cab ride away, offering restaurants, shops, parks, and cultural events.
- Dorm living with 4-person bunkrooms
- Classroom, library, computer lab, and laundry room
- Open-air porch with hammocks and chairs
- Dining hall with scenic valley views, and on-site cooking staff
- Swimming pool, soccer field, basketball court, and pizza oven
- Outdoor classroom and hiking trails
