Agriculture of Portugal: A Microbial Perspective

Program dates and itinerary are tentative and subject to change

This study abroad course offers students a unique opportunity to explore Portuguese agriculture and culture through the lens of microbiology. Traveling across Portugal, students will visit olive orchards, vineyards, cork oak landscapes, traditional cheese producers, and Iberian pig farms to learn firsthand about the country’s diverse agricultural systems and products.

At each site, the course emphasizes the critical role of microorganisms—whether as pathogens affecting plants and animals, beneficial soil microbes supporting crop growth, or essential agents in biocontrol, fermentation, and food production. Through interactions with farmers, researchers, and industry professionals, students will gain insights into how microbiology shapes production practices, product quality, and sustainability in Portuguese agriculture. Alongside academic learning, students will experience Portugal’s rich gastronomy, history, and cultural heritage.

3 credits of PPEM or FSHN 4960 during the spring 2026 semester

This program was last offered in spring 2022. It is tentatively scheduled for 2026.