Gabriella Gusciora
CAS ’26
Psychology
Study Abroad: College Year in Athens
Contact
Ask Me About…
One unique aspect of my time abroad was that I was the only student from Penn in the program, so I didn’t have a built-in support system and had to step outside my comfort zone to form connections. I lived in an apartment with complete strangers from different backgrounds, which taught me how to adapt, communicate, and build a new community from scratch. Over time, I also built meaningful relationships with locals. People were incredibly welcoming and eager to share their culture, traditions, and favorite spots in the city.
The program itself was unique in so many ways. I had the chance to take a wide variety of classes, many of which incorporated Greek culture, history, and art in ways I had never experienced before. It was also mandatory to take a Greek language course, which gave me valuable language skills and a deeper appreciation for the local culture. But what truly stood out was the number of field trips the program offered. There were many trips built into the program that allowed me to travel across the country with professors and classmates, exploring historical sites. Experiencing Greece firsthand brought my studies to life in unforgettable ways.
My Experience Abroad
As a Psychology major, my semester abroad in Greece was deeply connected to my academic and professional goals. I was able to take two psychology courses that counted as electives toward my major, both of which were exceptionally hands-on. Greece is a significant transit and destination country for refugees and asylum seekers, and our coursework incorporated site visits to organizations and clinics providing them with support. Seeing how mental health care is prioritized for refugees, from trauma counseling to community programs for children entering schools, was eye-opening.
These experiences gave me perspectives I could never have gained in a Penn classroom.
One of the most impactful moments for me, as someone interested in pursuing a career in school psychology, was observing how schools and communities work together to help children acclimate academically and emotionally. The emphasis on inclusion and emotional well-being resonated strongly with my future goals.
We also explored the intersections of addiction, drug use, and mental health in different parts of Greece, analyzing both cultural attitudes and public health strategies. Another powerful area of study was the Holocaust in Greece, which is a history often silenced, and how the resulting stigmatization contributed to mental health challenges among survivors and their families.
This immersive experience not only expanded my academic knowledge but also deepened my understanding of how culture, history, and policy shape mental health care. It solidified my commitment to a career centered on supporting the psychological well-being of diverse and underserved populations.
Other Highlights
- Building a New Community – I made lifelong friends and found a community that felt like a home away from home. The warmth of the people I met, from classmates to locals, made Athens feel welcoming and familiar.
- Immersing Myself in Greek Culture – I truly explored the country’s landscape, people, food, and traditions. From eating in small villages, dancing Greek traditional dances at a professor’s home, to using public transportation to reach hidden corners of the city, I embraced everyday life in Greece. Additionally, island hopping revealed incredible differences in dialect, customs, and environments across regions.
- Weekend Travel Across Europe – The program’s flexible schedule allowed me to visit other countries on weekends, including Poland, Hungary, Romania, Germany (for Oktoberfest), and Denmark. Each trip brought new perspectives, cuisines, and cultural experiences that expanded my worldview.
- Personal Growth – Living abroad pushed me far outside my comfort zone. I learned to communicate in a new language, navigate unfamiliar environments, and adapt to different ways of life, all of which helped me grow into a more confident, resourceful, and open-minded individual.
