Dr. Karla Shelnutt, a passionate member of the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, is an Associate Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist who is dedicated to the missions of the University of Florida, specifically in the areas of nutrition education, family nutrition, and food security.
Shelnutt also facilitates a study abroad trip to Ikaria, Greece, which provides students with an experiential learning opportunity to better understand the lifestyle and community dynamics of one of the world’s five blue zones.
“Blue zones” are geographic areas with lower rates of chronic disease and longer life expectancies for community members. These regions are more than places where people live longer than normal, they are meaningful examples for the rest of the world of the importance of community and belonging. The students who chose to participate and follow Shelnutt to the small island community of Ikaria got a peak into what makes one of the globe’s five blue zones special. Through the study abroad trip activities and curriculum, students explored Ikaria using the lens of firsthand experiences with locals, new diets and dishes, and community events. Shelnutt’s study abroad trip helps students connect how the study of blue zones globally may hold the key to discovering a way to healthier and longer lives.
Shelnutt works to serve communities across the globe using creative nutrition programming to make an impact in her profession. Shelnutt aims to inspire students to take more of an interest in the intersection between health and happiness through hands-on experiences. Her study abroad trip to Ikaria, Greece is just one example of how she’s taking her students out of the classroom to get to the root of our connection with food and community. Studying blue zones like Ikaria, Greece helps us to unlock key habits to longevity, health, and happiness from the communities that succeeded in the journey of longevity over several generations.
“The individuals in the Ikarian community thrive off of each other, which is one of the reasons why it is one of the best places to live a long and healthy life.” – Student Participant
Student participants of “UF/CALS in Ikaria, Greece” are guided by Shelnutt and an Ikarian trip host for a week-long adventure to explore the Mediterranean diet, the importance of community connection, and mindfulness as a tool for wellness.
“It's almost like a flipped classroom, right? But not really, we do the science stuff first. And then we can just experience and discuss it while we're there.” – Dr. Karla Shelnutt
Throughout the trip, students are asked to keep journals to note their experiences over the course of the week. Shelnutt encourages them to keep track of the events of each day, record their days in photos, and reflect on the week independently.
Highlights of the study abroad trip recorded by former students include visiting an apiary, hiking to a flour mill, exploring gardens, and participating in a ceramics class. Former students note the positive memories they have of spending the day at the beach, learning how to cook alongside Thea, one of the trip hosts, and traveling to the local monastery.
The most recent cohort was able to partake in a panigiri, a festival and centuries-old Greek tradition. During this festival, the main saint of the community is celebrated and students on the study abroad trip were able to witness the beauty of the Ikarian community coming together as generations young and old celebrated with food, wine, and dance. These activities showcase the magic of blue zones by demonstrating to students how prioritizing movement, time spent with loved ones, and unique food choices can not only lead to a better life, but a longer one.
“If we could incorporate at least some of the factors that have been shown to be associated with longevity, then you know, even if it doesn't help you live to be over 100 years old, it's one smaller step to being healthier, right?” – Dr. Karla Shelnutt
Participating in the study of these communities through study abroad trips like Shelnutt’s is a great example of how colleges and universities in the United States can assist in research practices to better understand how we can improve our own lifestyles and community practices.
“For these kids who are 18 to 21 years old, they learn to be more independent, they've got to navigate international travel and any issues that come with that. I think it's a good way to help them become more independent and grow up a little bit.” – Dr. Karla Shelnutt
Enrolling in study abroad programs such as “UF/CALS in Ikaria, Greece” allows students to experience new places and cultures and gain a global perspective while earning credits towards their degree. One participant expressed in her journal that she had a transformative experience on the island that gave her a brand new perspective.
“Ikaria opened my eyes to a new way of life.” – Former Participant
All students should push themselves to travel abroad to explore new cultures, landscapes, cuisines, and identities.
If you are interested in studying the wonder of blue zones in Ikaria, contact Dr. Karla Shelnutt or Dr. Anne Matthews for more information. Scholarship opportunities are available through the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the UF International Center (UFIC). For those who want to explore all the trip offerings organized by UFIC, visit their website and explore ways to become a Global Gator!
My name is Libby Putnam, and I am a senior majoring in Agricultural Education and Communication. I will be graduating in the spring semester of 2024. I am pursuing minors in Leadership, Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, Agricultural and Natural Resource Ethics and Policy, and Agricultural and Natural Resource Law.
Following my time at UF as an undergraduate, I will be attending UF Levin College of Law. In the future, I hope to be working in a role where I am able to leverage my skillset to work towards a food secure future. My interest in agricultural communications and community sciences stems from my desire to combine my passion for communicating the issue of food insecurity while working to increase community capacity across the globe.
In my free time, I love to read, spend time with my friends and family, and bake!