Faculty-led Program in Greece (Prof. Ratchford/Soliz)

UNI students in Greece

Academic Course

BUSINESS 2100: Global Skills (3 credit hours)
  • UNIFI Human Condition
  • UNIFI Connect elective


Dates & Deadlines

App Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025
Program Dates: Sunday, May 17 -  Monday, June 1, 2026 (Dates tentative)


To get started, click the link below to schedule a meeting with an advisor. During this meeting, we will go over important information regarding academics, day-by-day itinerary, housing, costs, scholarships, and answer any questions you may have at this time.

Schedule First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the winter of 2027 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open.

Study Abroad Waitlist 

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

There is so much “world” out there. Seeing all of the history and impact it has on culture in Greece was very inspiring and made me think much deeper about the things around me.

2025 Past Participant

Course Leaders

Betsy Ratchford, Associate Professor of PracticeBetsy Rachford

Department: Wilson College of Business
Phone: 319-273-2310
E-mail: betsy.ratchford@uni.edu
Campus Address: CBB 254

Betsy Ratchford has been teaching in the Wilson College of Business for over 22 years. She primarily teaches undergraduate classes in the management information systems area but has taught some courses at the graduate level. She has taught overseas in Hong Kong and Shanghai in the Wilson College MBA program and is looking forward to visiting Europe. Betsy enjoys spending time with her family, being outside, playing golf, and traveling when time allows.   

Elisabeth Soliz, Director, Office for Professional Distinctionelisabeth soliz

Department: Wilson College of Business
Phone: 319-273-2144
E-mail: elisabeth.soliz@uni.edu
Campus Address: CBB 5

Elisabeth Soliz has been at UNI for almost 10 years and serves as the Director of the Office for Professional Distinction. In her role, one of her responsibilities is developing global programs, allowing her to travel to China with students on two occasions, as well as throughout Europe and Mexico visiting potential international partners. With most of her professional experience focused in academic advising, she truly loves helping students reach their goals! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pets, working out, and gardening

Academics

BUSINESS 2100: Global Skills (3 credits)

  • This is a UNIFI: Human Condition category course. It can count as a general education UNIFI elective credit under the category of Connect.

Students will study the Greek and Eurozone business environment, including the current state of affairs in the country and historical context of Greece and EU in the global economy. This will include discussions of the current Greek economic environment, the struggles of the Greece banking system, American/Greece foreign relations, Greece's participation in the EU, and more. Students will learn how to conduct business in Greece and will gain awareness of the influence of culture on important aspects of living and conducting business in Greece.

No prerequisites. All majors welcome. Participation in this program requires class meetings during the spring semester, although the course is scheduled as a summer program course. The Study Abroad Center will enroll participants in the course. Please contact the program's course leader for more information on academic requirements.  

Talk to your academic advisor about how this course would work for you!

NOTES:

  • Students planning to participate in the spring commencement ceremony in May can enroll in this summer term program, however, their degree will not be conferred until the end of the summer term and is contingent on the successful completion of the program and all required coursework.
  • Students attending colleges and universities other than UNI are welcome to participate in this program. If you are not currently a UNI student, but would like to participate in this program, please contact the UNI Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application.
Program Activities

Step into the world of global commerce with this 2-week study abroad program in Greece, where ancient culture meets modern enterprise. This immersive program takes students on a journey across Greece to explore international business through hands-on experiences, site visits to local companies, and cultural engagements. Highlights include learning about sustainability initiatives at Dimas Solar, touring Crete’s olive oil and beekeeping industries, and hands-on agribusiness experience at AgrecoFarm. Alongside professional development, students enjoy immersive cultural experiences—from walking tours of historical Athens to Greek cooking classes and island excursions. This dynamic program blends education, entrepreneurship, and exploration, offering students a well-rounded view of international business in action.

Studying abroad offers rich cultural immersion, but it may also involve unfamiliar sensory experiences. You might encounter new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and environmental conditions that differ significantly from what you're used to. These can be exciting but also overwhelming for some individuals, especially those with sensory sensitivities. We encourage all participants to approach these experiences with curiosity and adaptability. If you have sensory sensitivities or specific concerns, please reach out to program staff.

Housing & Meals

Students will stay in hotel or hostel-style rooms arranged by the Study Abroad Center and paid for before departure.  Only a few meals abroad are included in the program cost.  Students are encouraged to try the local foods.

Health & Wellbeing

Accordion content.Health Preparation for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also requires careful planning—especially when it comes to your health. To ensure a safe and successful experience, we strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider Early
At the time you are selecting your study abroad program, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or specialist to discuss:

  • Medication Legality: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that are legal in the U.S. may be restricted or illegal in other countries. Your provider can help you determine if your medications are permitted in your destination and suggest alternatives if needed.
  • Chronic Conditions or Health Concerns: Discuss how your health needs might be affected by travel, climate, time zone changes, or access to care abroad.
  • Mental Health Support: If you are currently receiving mental health care, talk with your provider about how to maintain support while abroad.

2. Schedule a Travel Health Consultation (6–8 Weeks Before Departure)
A separate travel health consultation is essential and should be held at least 6–8 weeks before your departure. During this appointment, a travel medicine specialist can:

  • Review your destination-specific health risks
  • Recommend or administer necessary vaccines
  • Provide guidance on food and water safety
  • Prescribe medications for travel-related illnesses (e.g., malaria, traveler’s diarrhea)
  • Offer tips for managing jet lag, altitude, and other travel-related challenges

These appointments can be held at the UNI Student Health Clinic. For more information on their services, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Study Abroad: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience

If you are a student with a disability or accessibility concern—whether related to mobility, learning, mental health, chronic health conditions, or other needs—we encourage you to connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early as possible, ideally during the program selection process. Early communication allows our team to understand your specific needs and preferences and explore available accommodations in your host country.

Accessibility resources and standards can vary widely by country, so advance planning is essential to help us advocate for your needs and create a positive, inclusive experience abroad.

Reach out to Student Accessibility Services to start a conversation. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you.

Important Information to Review

A faculty-led study abroad program combines academic learning with cultural immersion, guided by university faculty. Students earn credit through hands-on experiences and site visits tailored to the destination. The program fosters a strong sense of community through shared housing, group activities, and cultural events, creating lasting bonds among participants. This type of program has limited individual free time and days will be spent primarily with other group members. If you are interested in a more individualized program experience, we encourage you to check out our partner university summer school opportunities.

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Meet Your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Scotland, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Jamie will help you every step of the way. 

Identities Abroad

The Study Abroad Center (SAC) wants to support you as you prepare for your study abroad experience. In addition to course planning and arranging accommodations, it is also important to engage in personal reflection before your departure. There may be certain aspects of your identity that could potentially impact your international experience in ways that you have not faced or thought about previously. As we are here to help guide you, you may want to consider meeting with the SAC staff to discuss this as you plan your abroad experience. Please visit our Identities Abroad page for more information and help.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

  • Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to the Greece

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost: $4,935 - $5,435

*estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors

Estimated Program Cost
Estimated Total Program Cost$4,935 - $5,435
Estimated U-bill Charges $2,714 - $3,014
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs$2,221 - $2,421

 

Greece Cost Estimate for 2026 - NON Business

Greece Cost Estimate for 2026 - Business

Click here for additional scholarships for your program.

What's Included

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

housing and meals

Housing and Meals

program activities

Program Activities

pre-departure advising

Pre-Departure Advising

travel health insurance

Travel Health Insurance

transportation

Transportation

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). View eligibility requirements.