Penn State students immerse themselves in the marvels of ancient Greece

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Nearly 100 Penn State students spent their spring breaks traveling the globe through five College of the Liberal Arts embedded programs, which are Penn State courses taken on campus or online that include a short-term international travel component. The students saw the classroom come to life by visiting historical and cultural sites and interacting with local people.

Sixteen students enrolled in CAMS 15 traveled to Greece as part of the Wonders of the Ancient World embedded program in the College of the Liberal Arts. The trip, which was led by Ann Killebrew, associate professor of classics and ancient Mediterranean studies, Jewish studies and anthropology, allowed students to experience the home of one of the wonders of the ancient world, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, as well as numerous historic sites up close. While the trip began and ended in Athens, students also visited Patras, Olympia, Delphi, Brauron, Thorikos and Sounion.

“While it would be great to visit all the wonders of the ancient world, we centered the trip around the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the home of the Olympic Games,” Killebrew said. “We focused on how to contextualize the world of ancient Greece, such as what cultural, political and religious environment led for the creation of a wonder of the world.”

The students visited numerous additional historical and archaeological sites. Hunter Markel, a second-year student majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology and minoring in psychology, described numerous activities in which students participated while on the trip. Between educational tours and cultural experiences, students were able to experience some of what Greece has to offer.

“As for historic sites, we visited places such as the Temple of Poseidon and the Olympic stadium,” Markel said. “We also did a wine tasting and ended each day with a long dinner and exploring the town.”

Out of all of the experiences on the trip, Markel highlighted one unique experience that stood out above all others.

“I loved visiting the Acropolis,” Markel said. “We had a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk inside the Parthenon and be inside of the first layer and feel how vast the building is.”

On the final day of the trip, students had the opportunity to explore independent activities in and around Athens. Ava Herbst, a second-year student majoring in advertising/public relations, remarked how this was one of her favorite experiences of the entire trip.

“That day we walked to the beach and did our shopping,” Herbst said. “One of my favorite memories was walking to the beach from Athens and spending time there.”

Students such as Cameryn Allen, a third-year student majoring in psychology, said that the trip has impacted her profoundly by exposing her to different cultures and influencing her educational and professional experiences. Allen explained that this trip has given her real-world skills that she will use in her academic and professional careers.

“This trip got me out of my comfort zone and has made me more willing to do classes that may be abroad or even pursue an international career,” Allen said. “I know now that I can adapt to new environments without fear. This experience has made me more open to pursuing life abroad.”

For others, the biggest takeaways came from the monumental sites they visited and the history that surrounds them.

“It’s very surreal seeing something so ancient maintained and rebuilt,” Markel said. “Seeing and hearing the stories behind these places and being able to contextualize it is very important. Even in science, it has helped me understand how to understand where something came from and where it is going.”

Kendra Spevak, a second-year student majoring in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies and minoring in religious studies said this trip helped her move toward several professional goals.

“My trip to Greece was very relevant to my interests and career goals,” Spevak said. “I especially appreciate that it gave me a chance to meet professionals who do something similar to what I want to do.”

The College of the Liberal Arts supported students who went on the trip in numerous ways. From faculty and staff helping students prepare to Liberal Arts Student Services providing funding, many students remarked that the trip would not have been possible without support from the college.

“The College of the Liberal Arts has been integral to my trip,” Spevak said. “They helped me financially and helped me mentally prepare for the trip.”

Allen said, “The college supported me by providing me with funding to attend. I received support from the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network and the Chaiken Center for Student Success as a first-generation student.”

This experience was profound for students and faculty alike. Killebrew stated that leading the trip is the most impactful teaching she does.

“Study abroad is a very transformative experience. It changes their career direction and opens them to new experiences,” Killebrew said. “Every student at Penn State should try to study abroad. It has changed my life, and I've seen how it’s changed the lives of my students. No student should feel like they can’t afford it. There’s so much money available within the college and the individual departments. Talk to your departments, to academic advisers and professors because there are so many opportunities for you.”

Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network

The Career Enrichment Network empowers Liberal Arts students to explore, engage and define their career journey through diverse career development opportunities. Students can meet with a career coach to explore careers, internships, education abroad, research, the Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program and more. Through donor support, the Career Enrichment Network provides Liberal Arts students the opportunity to apply for funding to help support participation in many of these experiences.