Aroma 311 Aromatherapy Summer School in Greece - Distillation

Travel Dates: June 14 to 20, 2005

Aroma 311 Syllabus

Click here to download the print-version of the Summer School 2005 program schedule.

Lectures:

Lecture 1: Harvesting for Distillation and factors influencing quality. Methods of production.

Lecture 2: Introduction to the art and science of distillation and understand concepts such as vapor pressure, latent heat, cohobation, rectification and separation.

Lecture 3: Distillation II

Lecture 4: Distillation III other methods of producing aromatic compounds, including maceration, effleurage, and CO2. – Complete the Distillation Task Sheet.

Lecture 5: Introduction to the Thymus and Rosmarinus Genus.

Workshops

Workshop 1: A guided hike to gather plants.

Workshop 2: We prepare macerated oil using local olive oil from local olives, and using plants we harvested early in the morning.

Workshop 3: Distillation: everyone will participate in the distillation in the small still and learn to use a distillation task sheet.

Workshop 4: Distillation II

Tours

Tour 1: Shopping trip to Ermoupoli and a visit to Ano Syros.

Tour 2: A guided hike while learning sustainable harvesting techniques or if the weather permits a boat trip to Gramata where we can gather plants and picnic.

Performance Objectives

At the conclusion of this class, each student will be able to:
1. Describe what is aromatherapy.
2. Describe where essential oils come from.
3. Identify when essential oils can safely be used, restrictions on use, and when they should not be used.
4. Harvest botanicals for essential oil production.
5. Describe the therapeutic compounds that make up essential oils using the language of organic chemistry.
6. Identify the main functional groups found in essential oils.
7. Identify at least five common essential oil components by smell and identify the functional group they belong to.
8. Each student will identify the notes of essential oils by olfactory analysis.
9. Each student will recognize individual aromas by repeated perfume blotter tests
10. Describe the methods of producing aromatic compounds including distillation.
11. Prepare a macerated oil.
12. Use an essential oil still to distill essential oils.
13. Describe the various methods of distillation: steam, water, and steam with water and when to select each method.
14. Identify the optimal method of distillation for 20 commonly distilled plants.
15. Understand concepts such  as vapor pressure, latent heat, cohobation, rectification and separation.

We are sure you will savor and enjoy every moment of your time at the Abela Villa in Syros: a week in Greece to remember!

Lectures and Workshops take advantage of the Mediterranean Setting

Summer school is scheduled to coincide with the flowering and harvest time of a variety of Mediterranean plants. Each week long program will include lectures and practical exercises on the history of the area, the plants growing there, and gathering and distilling these plants along with therapeutic uses. There will be an opportunity to distill your own essential oil in our still and prepare an oil and hydrolat to take home with you. We will also harvest other medicinal Mediterranean plants and experience how they are macerated as infused oils and prepared as flower essences and tinctures. During spring and early summer it is usually possible to see a variety of medicinal plants that grow in the locality, including wild capers, St John's wort, a number of varieties of Helichrysum, rock rose, thyme, sage, fennel, olives and many more.

The syllabus and program objectives for this week-long program are set out above. Please note that since many of the plants we will be harvesting and studying are subject to seasonal and weather changes, we cannot guarantee a specific plant or plants will be available. Field study trips may include a visit to the original Syros cheese factory, which produces the famous St Michell cheese, identification walks through wild herb meadows, visits to a nougat factory (the specialty of the island), and a visit to an Orthodox monastery, famous for its weaving and embroidery. Other trips will include visits to Ano Syros, a settlement dating back to Byzantine time, with narrow streets, labyrinthian alleyways and countless steps, a Taverna with Greek dancing and various trips to wonderful swimming beaches with that deep intense blue sea that is characteristic of Greek beaches. A shopping trip will be made to the local town Ermoupolis and a Saturday evening trip where we can stay late to enjoy the nightlife.

Villa Abela

The small, picturesque Villa Abela is our base for Summer School 2005. Featuring grounds and courtyards covered in multi-colored bougainvillea, Villa Abela is nestled in a south-facing hillside and protected from island breezes that are common in the summer. Villa Abela offers accommodation for a small number of students. Abela (meaning the place where grapes grow) is a quiet secluded bay with safe swimming and Villa Abela is 100 yards from the beach. Our classes are held daily at Villa Abela.

Accommodations

The fee includes six nights accommodation at Villa Abella or the Beachside Taverna. The cost is based on 2 persons sharing a room. There are a few single rooms upon request with an additional charge for each night. Each room has a shower, toilet, and washbasin. The standard of accommodation is rated as four keys. Keys are the rating classification for rooms in Greece. Four keys is the highest rating. Rooms are still small but clean, quaint, comfortable and private. There are no telephones in the rooms. The rooms are charming but not luxurious and the room size is smaller than US hotels. Laundry can be done for a small fee.

Beachside Taverna

The Taverna offers accommodations right on the beach and allows students to be immersed in the Greek culture. We will enjoy most of our meals at the Taverna, enjoying freshly prepared local nutritious foods, with wine included at lunch and dinner.

Class Size

Each week is limited to 20 students.

About the Area

Villa Abela is approximately 9km from the ancient town of Ermoupolis. With its long and fascinating history, Ermoupoli was the leading commercial harbor in Greece and still has a flourishing artistic and cultural life. It has been referred to as the little Paris of Greece, and features many examples of splendid neoclassical architecture. It is indeed like walking through a living museum! Today, Ermoupolis has an active café and nightlife culture, which makes it a fun place to visit.

Baggage

All baggage is your complete responsibility. The retreat does not have an elevator or baggage assistance, so we suggest that you travel light, as you are responsible for carrying your own cases. College staff will not be available to assist with baggage, so you should ensure that you can comfortably manage all of your bags. The College accepts no liability for loss or damage to baggage or belongings. We strongly recommend you leave your valuables at home.

Meals

Meal style is Greek cuisine prepared with fresh local produce. Three meals are included each day using regional produce: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Regional wine is included with lunch and dinner. Greek meals may be different than you are used to. Students who are following particular diet plans, such as high protein plans, may need to bring supplements such as meal bars.

A vegetarian option is available but must be requested when booking. Please note that we are unable to accept requests for special menus to meet more specific dietary or religious requirements. There are stores in Abela for extra snacks.

Breakfast is typical Greek style with fresh bread, jam, fruit, boiled eggs, cheese, and hot beverages. The Europeans are not renowned for their breakfasts, and to Americans, they tend to be somewhat basic even in the best hotels!

Lunch is a three-course meal, including a tomato cucumber and olive salad, with a meat, chicken, fish or vegetarian dish with a selection of vegetables and either a selection of fruit or small sweets for desert. Greek cuisine has limited choices for deserts. Vegetarian meals are usually omelettes, vegetable mixtures, or small baked or dried vegetable patties called keftedies. Local wine is included.

The evening meal is similar to the midday meal and wine is again included.

Smoking

We do not permit smoking in coaches, at the Villa, or in the proximity of other students in the Program.

Instruction

The lectures give you diversified theoretical and practical aspects involving essential oils and medicinal Mediterranean plants. Instruction includes lectures, power point presentations, guided botanical identification hikes, visits to various facilities such as local cheese factories. Each of the 4 weekly programs has a different level of subject specialty, so please speak with your Admissions Advisor to determine the best weeks for you to attend.

Prerequisites

Admissions interview and recommendation for admission.

Instructors

Internationally renowned lecturer, New Zealand trained naturopath, Hong Kong trained acupuncturist, Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) Board President, and ACHS President Dorene Petersen; internationally renowned expert distiller, distillation designer and owner of the Essential Oil Company Robert Seidel, and Senior Vice President, and expert on legal issues relating to the Natural Health Industry, Erika Yigzaw. Other guest lecturers will be announced as they are confirmed.

Travel Arrangements & Transportation

We strongly recommend that you plan to arrive in Athens at least one or two days before the program starts. We can recommend hotels in Athens. You can also arrive in Syros early, and we have negotiated special rates for ACHS students at the Hermes Hotel in downtown Ermoupoli that enjoys a stunning location right on the water. Arriving early avoids delays and allows you to be refreshed and ready to enjoy and learn on the first day. Flight delays do happen, and if you are late arriving to Athens, you will incur additional cost to connect with the group.

Note: flights to Syros are only available twice a week (check with your travel agent). Ferries leave daily from the Port of Pareus near Athens, but ensure you catch the fast ferry. Students are responsible for flights to Syros. We can recommend a travel agent to help you arrange flights. Most students fly into Athens, then from Athens to Syros. There is also a ferry from the Port of Pareaus near Athens to Syros, but the plane is much more convenient.

Once you reach Syros, transportation costs relevant to the study tour are included in the fee as detailed: pick up at the Hermes Hotel (ACHS summer school students are eligible for a special rate) on Day One, and drop off at the Syros Airport or Port on Day Seven, plus all transport to and from tour venues.
Please note that there are taxi services close by or car and motorbike rental, for additional travel at your own expense. The transport is by air-conditioned mini bus with a driver.

Taught

Summer School 2005 consists of four week-long programs. Each program is limited to 20 students so register early. Students can attend one or more weeks, or all four.
Aroma 102 Week One: May 24 to May 30 2005
Aroma 203 Week Two: May 31 to June 6
Aroma 309 Week Three: June 7 to June 13
Aroma 311 Week Four: June 14 to June 20

Credit Hours

40 credit hours per week. Credit is granted towards the Diploma in Aromatherapy and Diploma in Holistic Health Practice.

Fees for Summer School 2005

Fees for each week long program:
Registration fee: $150
Tuition: $1175
Board $665
Total $1990.

Students attending all four weeks will receive board for the fourth week free (a $665 savings)!

Fee includes land package of:

• All instruction
• Six nights accommodation
• Greek cuisine prepared with fresh local produce
• Transfers to and from meeting point
• All tours and applicable entry fees during tour days
• Certificate of Completion

Not included: airfare, travel insurance (required), snacks, and incidental expenses.

How to Apply

Contact admissions at 800 487 8839 or by email admissions@achs.edu to schedule an admissions interview. This is conducted by telephone or in person.

Or, simply complete the Application found in the Program catalog or securely online and the Educational Travel Program Terms and Conditions (click here to download a copy) and return with your deposit of $500 per person to the College. An admissions advisor will contact you to schedule an admissions interview if you have not already done so.

Admissions requirements apply and not all applicants will be admitted. Please make your reservations as early as possible as our Educational Travel programs fill very quickly.

Do not book flights until you are formally accepted into the program.

Final Payment

Once we have received your Application, signed Educational Travel Program Terms and Conditions, and deposit, and your enrollment is recommended by an admissions advisor, we will process your application, and send you a confirmation and invoice for the balance.

If reservations are made less than 60 days before departure, payment in full is required at the time of booking. If final payments are not received on time, the Australasian College may cancel your reservation and invoke the cancellation fee.

Cancellations, Changes, and Refunds

Your deposit must be paid to secure your accommodations. The balance of your fee is due eight weeks before the first day of class. A 100% refund is offered if you withdraw in writing within five days of enrollment. If you withdraw eight weeks or more before the first day of class, and we can fill your place with another student, we will retain $150 of your deposit. If you withdraw eight weeks or more before the first day of class, but we cannot fill your place with another student, your deposit is non-refundable. If you withdraw within eight weeks of the first day of class, no refund is available. We require all students obtain travel insurance to cover lost deposits and payments for travel programs.

Passports, Insurance and Visas

All Program members must possess a valid passport while traveling in Europe. Passport application forms can be obtained from your local post office. All passports should contain at least three blank visa pages and should be valid for six months after the completion of your Program. Individuals who do not hold a US passport should contact the appropriate consulate of each country included in the Program to acquire any necessary visa. All passport, insurance, and visa charges are the responsibility of the student. We require that all students obtain travel insurance and provide proof of insurance at least 60 days before departure. Failure to provide proof of insurance will result in your enrollment being cancelled and your deposit being forfeited.

Travel to Program Meeting Place

Transport to the designated meeting place for the Program is not included in the Program. Each student is responsible for all travel arrangements. The College is not responsible for missed Program time or expense caused by travel arrangements or missed connections. We strongly recommend that you plan to arrive a day or two before class starts. We can recommend hotels on Syros or Athens for students arriving early.

Program Membership

This Program requires a blend of adventuresome spirit, flexibility, spontaneity, physical fitness, walking ability, mental alertness, and a capacity for accepting situations as they exist and not necessarily as we would find them in America. If you have health concerns, we suggest that you contact your physician to help determine the suitability of the Program for you. We regret that we are unable to accept request for special diets, itinerary variations, wheelchairs, or individuals who require special assistance.

Program Price Does Not Include

Personal expenses including passport and visa fees, alcoholic beverages other than that outlined above, optional sightseeing, traditional gratuity to your coach driver, and all other items of a personal nature. Travel insurance is not included and is required.

Any Questions?

Please email or telephone admissions at 800 487 8839 or admissions@achs.edu