Imagine exploring picturesque canals and historic landmarks, savoring freshly made Belgian chocolate and learning about sustainability while earning academic credit. The University of Arkansas' Sustainability in the Euro Food System study abroad program offers undergraduate students a transformative two-week experience in Ghent, Belgium, combining hands-on learning with cultural immersion.

This faculty-led summer program, guided by Ben Runkle, professor of biological and agricultural engineering in the College of Engineering, and Vicky Watkins, director of curriculum management and international programs in the College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, immerses students in Europe's cutting-edge approach to sustainable agriculture. Students visit urban farms, breweries, vineyards, food processing facilities and research institutes while earning a technical elective credit.  

"Sustainability is at the heart of so many majors. Yet our curriculum doesn't offer too many opportunities to live and breathe these topics, so the Ghent course really fills a gap. Ghent is an old and lively city that showcases sustainability at every turn and in every innovation. We learn from experts who connect lecture materials to site visits, all while helping us imagine how to thrive on a lighter footprint," Runkle said.

Emma Whitaker about to bike to the University of Ghent's campus.

Plants from the high-tech greenhouse Tomato Masters.

Students navigate the picturesque canals of Bruges by boat, with a swan gliding nearby.

Emma Whitaker, Gisela Cubero Perez, Turner Siebert and Olivia McClelland enjoying a soccer match between the local Ghent team and a nearby city.

For biological engineering students Turner Seibert and Emma Whitaker, part of the 2025 cohort, the trip was transformative.

"This trip opened my eyes to how interconnected engineering and sustainability are," Seibert said. "It was both inspiring and so much fun!"

"It was neat to see the different ways that Europe does things, even little things like bottle cap lids, to be more sustainable," Whitaker said. "It gave me more ideas, engineering-wise, that I can use in future projects."

Academic Excellence Meets Real-World Application

The program's unique structure combines morning lectures at the University of Ghent with afternoon excursions to cutting-edge facilities.

"We would wake up, have breakfast at the hotel and then ride bikes to campus. It was really cool because over there, bikes are the main mode of transportation, so that was super fun," Whitaker said.

After morning lectures, the group would have lunch at the university and then head out on their afternoon excursions. Seibert appreciated this balance between classroom learning and field experiences.

"I was expecting a lot more classwork, but I was pleasantly surprised by how many field trips we went on," Seibert said. "We basically went to a different place every day."

Hands-On Learning and Cultural Discovery

Students experience sustainability concepts firsthand while comparing them to U.S. practices. "We went to a brewery, vineyard and cheese factory, and they all reused rainwater," Whitaker said.

A standout visit was to Tomato Masters, a high-tech greenhouse using bees for pollination and robots to harvest GMO-free tomatoes. "It was really cool to see how they work organically," Seibert said. "We got to try their tomatoes. It was amazing."

"It was inspiring to watch our students experience sustainability in action," Watkins said. "Through the program, they had opportunities to get hands-on with sustainable food systems—visiting local farms and small businesses they likely wouldn't have discovered if they were exploring the city on their own."

She shared how the experience translated back to campus: "Seeing them connect what they had learned in the classroom to these real-world practices really broadened their perspectives. I know they brought those lessons home to share with others, sparking new ideas and conversations across our campus community."

Cultural experiences proved equally memorable for the students. "If I could relive a moment, it would be Bruges," Whitaker said. "The canal was beautiful; I saw my first swan, and we got a stunning view from the belfry."

Seibert's highlight was attending a soccer match between the local Ghent team and a nearby city "I had never been to one before... The atmosphere and just seeing a game in person were really cool."

The faculty's expertise also enhances the experience. "This was Dr. Runkle's like 10th time to Ghent. He knew everything and told us all the cool spots to go," Whitaker said.

Secure Your Spot for 2026

The 2026 program runs May 9-23. With rolling admissions open to all majors, early application is strongly encouraged before the Feb. 1, 2026, deadline.

"Don't wait," Seibert said. "This trip will change how you see your major and the world."

Multiple funding sources make the trip accessible. Whitaker utilized honors grants, departmental scholarships and study abroad scholarships. "It's really accessible, and it counts for a class, so it's almost like you would pay for a class, except just you're studying abroad for it," she said.

"Just take the chance!" Whitaker said. "It's really good to explore somewhere different, meet different people and put yourself out of your comfort zone. It's an amazing trip."

Learn more at hogsabroad.uark.edu.