Summer Break in Greece:
Food and Longevity - Immersion and Blue Zones 
This program is intended for all Drexel students who would like to explore and learn about the Blue Zones. This experience is designed to provide firsthand exposure to Ikarian culture and its relationship to nutrition, health, and longevity. The program emphasizes the principles of longevity and overall well-being through diet and cultural practices.
Participants will experience the unique lifestyle and cuisine of Ikaria, Greece – one of the five Blue Zones where inhabitants live significantly longer and healthier lives compared to the average American. Known as the place where “people forget to die,” Ikaria boasts a high density of centenarians. The immersion includes hands-on cooking lessons, taste tests, and guided tours of local commodity production such as wine, honey, and cheese.
The program combines a one-week study abroad experience on the island of Ikaria with on-site learning activities. On-campus sessions aim to raise awareness about how lifestyle choices impact longevity and prepare students for the immersive experience. Participants will also attend presentations on research into the health benefits of various ingredients used in Ikarian cuisine, including wild herbs and greens discovered during foraging hikes.
Through this comprehensive program, participants will explore cooking, lifestyle, and community aspects that contribute to the exceptional longevity and health of Ikarian inhabitants.
At the end of this course, the student will able to:
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Assess the effectiveness of the Ikarian lifestyle in reducing disease risk and promoting longevity through evidence-based evaluation.
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Investigate the role of local and regional food production in Ikaria and draw comparisons with food production practices in the United States.
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Cultivate culinary skills and gain foundational knowledge of food preparation techniques characteristic of Ikarian cuisine.
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Analyze and compare the dietary habits, food preparation methods, types and availability of food products, and attitudes toward food and food production in Ikaria versus the United States.
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Create a traditional Ikarian dish by following a recipe at the Karimalis Cooking School.
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Evaluate life expectancy based on current lifestyle practices and draft a report suggesting changes for increased longevity, guided by the Blue Zones True Vitality Test.
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Recognize and appreciate the cultural and culinary differences and similarities between Ikaria and the United States.
Credit/Registration: Students will be registered for HSCI T380: Food and Longevity for 3 credits as a part of their Summer term course load. Students must leave space for these 3 credits in their credit load, or will otherwise be billed for exceeding the 20 credit term maximum.
This program is only for undergraduate students. Graduated students and freshman are ineligible.
Instructor
Instructor: Nyree Dardarian, Assistant Clinical Professor, Nutrition Sciences
Email: dardarian@drexel.edu
Arrival Date: 6/16/25
Departure Date: 6/23/25
Students will need to leave on 6/15 to arrive in Athens on 6/16
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates.
Tentative Itinerary Overview (subject to change)
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Day 1
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Arrive in Athens
Walk to the main attractions: the Acropolis, Parthenon, shopping district, Panathenoc Stadium (home of the Olympics).
Students have the choice to take a guided tour at each site at their own expense.
Dinner and On-site Orientation |
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Day 2
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Depart Athens and fly to the island of Ikaria
Cooking demonstration, dinner, and lecture
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Day 3
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Explore the Museum in Agios Kyrikos
Therma Hot Springs - lunch included
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Day 4
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Tour of Hospital
Nutrition Lecture: The food and communities of the Blue Zones
Debrief and journal time
Dinner
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Day 5
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visit the Monastery of Osias Theoktisti
Cooking experience at Karamalis Cooking School
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Day 6
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Visit beekeeper – seminar on the importance of honey in the Icarian lifestyle including traditional techniques of harvesting honey, uses of honey.
Ikaria Beehive and Honey Factory Tour (Bee suit included).
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Day 7
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Afianes Winery tour (drinking will have strict limitations)
Explore Christo
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Day 8
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Transport to Ikaria Airport
Depart Ikaria to Athens for Return flight to US
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Due March 1, 2025 - $500
Due May 1, 2025 - ~$1700 (second payment amount TBA)
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
- Hotels in Athens and Ikaria
- Round-trip flight from Athens to Ikaria, all transit while in Ikaria
- Tours and entrance fees to all events in Ikaria, some entrance fees in Athens
- Breakfast in Ikaria, several lunches, welcome dinner
- On-Call International Insurance
Not Included in Program Fee:
- Optional guided tour in Athens
- Airport transit in Athena
- Transportation in Athens
- Round-trip flight to Athens
- Food aside from the listed meals above
- Visa
- Passport
ICA Financial Aid: Students may request an Adjusted Cost of Attendance by submitting the ICA program fee and estimated out of pocket expenses listed above to Drexel Central (via askdrexel). Doing so could make students’ eligible for additional financial aid. Students may also be eligible to apply for Drexel's
ICA Scholarships.
- Visa: Visa is not required for US citizens to travel to Greece. All other students will need to check with the Greek Embassy.
- A recommended flight itinerary will be provided. Students are responsible for booking their own airfare.
