Central Europe at a Glimpse: Psychology, Culture, and Counseling
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Digital poster
Entry Number
41
Start Date
4-16-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 1:15 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Counseling and Human Services
Keywords
Counseling, culture, Central Europe, study abroad, psychology
Abstract
During the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Central Europe with the University of Lynchburg’s Psychology department as a graduate student. Over the course of nine days, I, along with my classmates, traveled to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. For this study abroad experience, I participated in two courses: The Psychology of Personality/Psychopathology in Central Europe and Well-being in Central Europe. In preparation for this trip, we studied Central European culture and history, as well as their influence on historical and contemporary psychology. While in Central Europe, we visited several landmarks related to significant historical figures that we studied, such as the palace of Empress Sisi, the Sigmund Freud Museum, and the Dachau concentration camp. In anticipation of my study abroad, I also made an effort to learn basic German words and phrases so that I could immerse myself in the culture on a deeper level. It was truly a unique experience practicing German with locals and learning through this perspective. As a future counselor, the ability to make meaningful connections with people from other cultures is vital. Shortly upon arrival back in the states, we were to put together a presentation highlighting things we had learned and connections we made to course readings during the trip. Additionally, as a graduate school counseling student, I was tasked with comparing school counseling practices in the countries that we visited with those in the United States. I thoroughly enjoyed putting together this presentation, as my trip to Central Europe is one that I will not soon forget. My goal is to share about my experiences, discuss Central European culture, and present a comparison of school counseling practices in Central Europe with the United States.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Heather Summers
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Counselor Education Program School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Additional Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Nicki Favero Dr. Alisha R. Walker Marciano
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Central Europe at a Glimpse: Psychology, Culture, and Counseling
Turner Gymnasium
During the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Central Europe with the University of Lynchburg’s Psychology department as a graduate student. Over the course of nine days, I, along with my classmates, traveled to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. For this study abroad experience, I participated in two courses: The Psychology of Personality/Psychopathology in Central Europe and Well-being in Central Europe. In preparation for this trip, we studied Central European culture and history, as well as their influence on historical and contemporary psychology. While in Central Europe, we visited several landmarks related to significant historical figures that we studied, such as the palace of Empress Sisi, the Sigmund Freud Museum, and the Dachau concentration camp. In anticipation of my study abroad, I also made an effort to learn basic German words and phrases so that I could immerse myself in the culture on a deeper level. It was truly a unique experience practicing German with locals and learning through this perspective. As a future counselor, the ability to make meaningful connections with people from other cultures is vital. Shortly upon arrival back in the states, we were to put together a presentation highlighting things we had learned and connections we made to course readings during the trip. Additionally, as a graduate school counseling student, I was tasked with comparing school counseling practices in the countries that we visited with those in the United States. I thoroughly enjoyed putting together this presentation, as my trip to Central Europe is one that I will not soon forget. My goal is to share about my experiences, discuss Central European culture, and present a comparison of school counseling practices in Central Europe with the United States.