Fifteen Ohio 4‑H teens recently expanded their horizons through the Global Immersion Project to Greece, traveling from April 19–30 for an unforgettable experience focused on leadership, agriculture, and cultural exchange. Youth were accompanied by Steve Brady, assistant professor and Warren County 4‑H Educator; Theresa Ferrari, professor and Extension specialist; and Margo Overholt‑Seckel, program manager for Ohio 4‑H Workforce Development and Pathways.
During their time in Thessaloniki, a city located on the Aegean Sea in northern Greece, participants were immersed in learning at the American Farm School (AFS)—a historic educational institution focused on agriculture, food systems, experiential learning, and leadership development. Upon arrival, the group received a warm welcome from AFS President Dr. Jeff Lansdale, along with high school teachers and students. Youth explored the campus and farms while sharing a welcome dinner and learning about the school’s Ohio roots—discovering that AFS founder John Henry House hailed from Painesville, Ohio. Throughout the trip, they experienced hands‑on activities, educational tours, site visits, and meaningful cultural connections with AFS faculty and students.
Will Novicky, a teen on the trip, shared that “this trip showed that no matter where you are in the world, people are always willing to help and be kind to you.”
During their stay, 4‑H’ers experienced Greek culture firsthand by cooking traditional foods, visiting historic cities, participating in food sensory experiences, creating pottery, and learning traditional Greek dances. They also built strong connections with Greek students through shared conversations and collaborative activities.
Hands‑on agricultural learning was a key component of the experience. Teens worked alongside AFS’s landscape department to create mixed-herb planters, while learning about sustainable agricultural practices integrated into AFS programming. Additional tours introduced youth to Greek agriculture at a local honey farm and a vineyard that grows the grape leaves used to make dolmadakia, a traditional Greek dish.
One of the most meaningful cultural exchanges occurred during a visit to the small village of Pleteno, where teens connected with the Pomak women from the mountain villages of Thrace in northeastern Greece. The women in this Muslim minority community have formed a cooperative to share their rich cultural heritage through handmade accessories and home décor inspired by local traditions and sustainability. Youth learned basic weaving techniques while enjoying homemade dishes and warm hospitality.
The group also explored Greece’s rich history and artistic culture by attending a youth music festival in Xanthi and an immersive visit to Meteora, home to six historic Eastern Orthodox monasteries built atop towering rock formations. Visiting the monasteries was a group favorite among the teens.
In the spirit of service and leadership, the Ohio 4‑H teens gave back by facilitating hands-on activities for more than 100 Greek 5th‑ and 7th‑grade students. This experience strengthened youth confidence, adaptability, and cross‑cultural communication skills.
Reflecting on the experience, Mariann Woodruff, Hardin County 4-H’er, shared, “The Global Immersion Trip to Greece was a truly amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The friends I made along the way, on top of everything I learned that I got to bring home and share with my county, are part of what made the trip so special. I am always looking for more ways to encourage youth to get involved with the 4‑H program, and this is one of many ways.”
This life‑changing opportunity was made possible through the generosity of donors and support from the Ohio 4‑H Foundation. To help support future Ohio 4‑H global immersion trips, visit the Ohio 4-H International Travel Support Fund to donate today.