The Science and Culture of Beer in Europe
The Science and Culture of Beer in Europe
The Science and Culture 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
Dr. Matt Farber, Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, farberm@rowan.edu
Interested in learning more? Fill out this Google Form to receive updates from Dr. York and Dr. Farber
Table of Contents
Program Description
This 2025 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 11 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
Watch the Informational Video on this Study Abroad
Recording coming soon! You can find slides with more information here.
Itinerary Highlights
Dates of Travel: May 17 - May 28
- Day 1: Depart New Jersey
- 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
- EF 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
- Day 5: Depart Brussels for Bamberg, Germany
- On the way to Germany, finish the Belgian experience at Orval Abbey Brewery & Cheese Factory
- Enjoy EF dinner in Bamberg
- Day 6: Explore Bamberg
- Learn about barley malt during a morning tour at Weyermann Malting
- Spend the afternoon exploring Bamberg, home of the Rauchbier
- Day 7: Depart Bamberg for Munich
- On the way to Munich, explore the cultural impact of hops at the German Hops Museum
- Arrive in Munich and take a tour of the city
- Enjoy EF dinner at the famous Hofbrauhaus
- Day 8: Explore Munich
- While we can’t attend the famous festival, we will visit the Bier und Oktoberfest museum
- Tour and experience the world’s oldest brewery, Weihenstephan
- Free evening in Munich
- Day 9: Depart Munich and stop in Pilsen, Czechia before heading to Prague
- Enjoy food and drink at Pilsner Urquell
- Visit the Pilsen Brewery Museum, while in the home of Pilsner beer
- Continue on to Prague
- Day 10: Explore Prague
- Partake in a walking tour of the city
- Visit the historic Strahov Monastic Brewery
- Free afternoon exploring Prague
- Day 11: Continue to explore Prague
- Enjoy food and drink at Pivovar Bubenec
- Explore Prague for another afternoon
- EF farewell dinner
- Day 12: Depart Prague for New Jersey
Courses?
Depending on your major requirements and subject matter of interest, you can choose from two Spring 2025 Rowan courses:
GEOG 16560: ST: Study Abroad Beer Culture (3 s.h.)
BIOL 01445: ST: Study Abroad Beer Science (3 s.h.)
These courses will engage in the same semester meeting times and same study abroad experience. Your choice of section will dictate the focus of a final reflection project due after the study abroad experience.
During the Spring semester, the course(s) will meet approximately 6 times (every other week) on Zoom on Thursday evenings, from 6:30 p.m. until 7:45 p.m.
**All students will receive university credit for taking the course. Students who are within a major in the Department of Geography, Planning, & Sustainability (GEOG), or the Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences (BIOL) may receive program credit if needed. All non-majors must get approval from their program for program requirement credit.
Planning Partner
Our Partner: EF Study Abroad (Education First):
- Facilitated many study abroad programs across different Rowan University departments, subject matters of interest, and countries all over the world
- World leader in international education
- More than 1 million students experience their programs each year
- 55+ years of experience
- 600+ schools & offices in 114 countries
- Organizes all travel logistics and details for an all-inclusive experience
- Expert in safety, experiential learning, and building incredible study abroad programs
- Proven safety record during COVID
- Committed to DEIB, sustainability, and accessibility
Safety
EF is among the first recipients of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Stamp, certifying that EF adheres to strict safety and hygiene protocols. EF provides our group with:
- 24/7 Personal Tour Director
- Local presence and safety teams in country
- 24-hour emergency line & real-time incident response
- Enhanced safety measures and protocols to align with COVID standards
- Peace of Mind policy included for all travelers
- Additional support and safety policies
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*: $4549 with flights, $2959 no flights
*based on 30 students; price may vary depending on enrollment
- Covered: flights (optional), shared hotel rooms w/ breakfast, all scheduled tours/sponsored tastings/museum visits, transportation to excursions and between cities, EF sponsored dinners, local guide
- Not covered: most beer, most meals, free time excursions, souvenirs etc.
Scholarships
There are scholarships available through both Rowan University and EF Tours. Please follow the links below to learn more about scholarships:
Next Steps
Make sure to sign up for more information from Dr. York and Dr. Farber 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 Dr. Farber about how to enroll. Dr. York and Dr. Farber 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:
Tuesday, Sept 24th @ 6:30pm at BONESAW (in person)
Monday, Oct 7th @ 8:00pm on Zoom (remote)
Wednesday, Oct 23rd @ 5:00pm at Axe & Arrow (in person)
Thursday, Nov 7th @8:00pm on Zoom (remote)
Friday, Nov 22nd @1:00pm at BONESAW (in person)
Thursday, Dec 5th @12:30pm on Zoom (remote)
Alternatively, feel free to stop by our Office Hours for one-on-one advice!
| Dr. Ashley York | Mondays, 3:30-5pm | Discovery Hall 125 |
| Dr. Matt Farber | Tuesday & Thursday, 12-1pm | Science Hall 256D |
When you are ready to commit to the trip…
FIRST - Register with Rowan Study Abroad Office
Rowan Phase 1: “Apply Now” button on Study Abroad website. Due 1/20/25
Rowan Phase 2: Due 3/15/2025
SECOND - Register with EF Tours
Available 11/1/2024; Due 2/1/2025
THIRD - Register for Special Topics course in Spr ‘25 AND Study Abroad Course
BIOL 01445 ST: Study Abroad Beer Science
GEOG 16560 ST: Study Abroad Beer Culture
FAQ
Coming soon!