Geography of Beer in Europe

Geography of Beer in Europe

Geography of Beer in Europe

Explore Belgium, Germany, and the Czech Republic!  Meet European fermentation experts and historians!

Dr. Ashley York, Department of Geography, Planning & Sustainability, yorka@rowan.edu
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Table of Contents

Program Description

This 2027 Study Abroad Program will bring you to three European countries and six cities with significant brewing culture and science, as well as unique beer styles, brewing processes and traditions. We will arrive in Belgium, where we will visit Brussels and Antwerp. We will continue on to Germany, where we will visit Bamberg and Munich. We will end our excursion in the Czech Republic, where we will visit Pilsen and Prague. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will introduce students to the European epicenter of beer history, science, and culture.

Over the span of 13 days, students will explore these iconic beer-producing regions with faculty who are experts in the field. Through brewery tours, tastings, and cultural excursions, students will analyze the intersection of beer with geography, culture, science, and history. Participants will have the unique opportunity to visit both modern and traditional breweries, engage with industry experts, and gain hands-on experience in sensory evaluation, all while developing a deep understanding of the environmental impact and sustainability practices in the brewing industry. This program combines academic rigor with real-world industry application, offering a transformative learning experience in the world of beer production. By the end of this course, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of beer production, from raw ingredients to final products, while also expanding their cultural horizons and global perspectives on brewing traditions. Prost!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Analyze the cultural and geographic aspects of society that drive production of beer.

2. Compare American and European / Modern and Traditional brewery operations

3. Compare American and European / Modern and Traditional cultural and historical significance of beer

4. Describe various steps in beer production

5. Develop skills in sensory evaluation and identification of different beer styles, flavors, and aromas.

6. Understand the impact of the environment on sustainability within the brewing industry

 

Itinerary Highlights

Dates of Travel: May 16 - May 28

  • Day 1: Depart

  • Day 2: Arrive in Brussels, Belgium
    • Meet our host and take a walking tour of Brussels
    • Visit the Belgium Beer World Museum and Experience
    • Enjoy food and beverages at Delirium Cafe
    • WorldStrides hosted dinner
  • Day 3: Continue exploring Brussels
    • Get introduced to Lambic beer on a tour of Brasserie Cantillon 
    • Continue with Lambic with a tour and tasting at Drei Fonteinen
    • Free evening in Brussels

  • Day 4: Take a day trip from Brussels to Antwerp
    • Guided tour and tasting at Duvel Brewery
    • Continue the day excursion at the Trappist Brewery and Monastery, Westmalle
    • Have the afternoon to explore Antwerp
  • Day 5: Depart Brussels for Bamberg, Germany
    • On the way to Germany, finish the Belgian experience at Orval Abbey Brewery & Cheese Factory
    • Enjoy WorldStrides dinner in Bamberg
  • Day 6: Explore Bamberg
    • Spend the morning exploring Bamberg, home of the Rauchbier 
    • Learn about barley malt during an afternoon tour at Weyermann Malting

  • Day 7: Depart Bamberg for Munich
    • Arrive in Munich and take a tour of the city
    • While we can’t attend the famous festival, we will visit the Bier und Oktoberfest museum
    • Enjoy WorldStrides dinner at the famous Hofbrauhaus
  • Day 8: Explore German Hops Museum
  • Day 10: Depart Munich and stop in Pilsen, Czechia before heading to Prague
    • Visit the Pilsen Brewery Museum, while in the home of Pilsner beer
    • Continue on to Prague

  • Day 11: Explore Prague
  • Day 13: Depart Prague

Courses?

GEOG 16321: Geography of Beer (3 s.h.)*

Geography of Beer fulfills requirements for:

*Specific meeting day and time will be announced in Summer 2026.

Planning Partner

Our Partner, WorldStrides:

  • 45+ years of providing exceptional support and transformational experiences to students, advisors, and faculty alike
  • 100+partnerships with international universities in more than 50 cities with local teams to support semester, short-term, and custom programs. 
  • 120+ countries with international networks to support short-term, global immersions wherever your curriculum takes you.

WorldStrides offers:

  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Entry Requirement Support
  • Medical Insurance
  • Financial Protection
  • Peace of Mind
  • Team of Experts

In addition, your Faculty instructors are committed to responsible consumption by offering the following safety measures:

  • Mandatory Pre-trip Alcohol Education: All students must attend a workshop before departure to learn about responsible alcohol consumption, local laws, and the potential risks of alcohol misuse.
  • Designated Chaperones and Check-ins: Faculty will conduct regular check-ins with students and be available 24/7 for emergencies or guidance during the trip.
  • Buddy System: Students will be encouraged to travel in pairs or groups during free time to ensure accountability and to reduce the risk of any alcohol-related incidents.
  • Clear Conduct Guidelines: A strict code of conduct will be established, including clear expectations for behavior regarding alcohol consumption and consequences for irresponsible actions.
  • Emergency Protocols: All students will be made aware of emergency procedures and provided contact information for trip leaders and the local embassy.

How much does this cost?

Estimated cost*: $4015 with no flights
*based on 15 students; price may vary depending on enrollment

  • Covered: shared hotel rooms w/ breakfast, all scheduled tours/sponsored tastings/museum visits, transportation to excursions and between cities, WorldStrides sponsored dinners, local guide
  • Not covered: flights, most beer, most meals, free time excursions, souvenirs etc.

Scholarships

There are scholarships available through both Rowan University and WorldStrides. Please follow the links below to learn more about scholarships:

Next Steps

Make sure to sign up for more information from Dr. York by submitting your contact information here. This does NOT mean you are committing to the trip. It just means you will receive announcements from Dr. York and about how to enroll. Dr. York will be holding information sessions on this trip on the following dates and locations. If you have submitted your contact information here, you will be reminded of, and provided the Zoom details for, the following info sessions:

  • Friday, April 10 @ 3:30-5pm at Bonesaw Brewing Company*
  • Wednesday, April 22 @ 5:30-7pm in Discovery Hall 2nd floor lounge
  • Friday, May 1 @ 4:30-6pm at Bonesaw Brewing Company*
  • Coming summer 2026: remote info sessions! (Zoom)
  • September 2026: Rowan Study Abroad Fair!

*Bonesaw Brewing Company is a short distance from campus and is located at: 570 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028. If you need a ride, please reach out to Dr. York. You do not need to be 21 to attend.*

More in-person information sessions will be available in the Fall 2026 semester.

When you are ready to commit to the trip...

  1. Register with Rowan Study Abroad Office
    • Rowan Phase 1: “Apply Now” button on Study Abroad Website Due 10/12/2026
    • Rowan Phase 2: Due 3/16/2027
  2. Register with WorldStrides
  3. Register for the Rowan course - GEOG 16321 Geography of Beer