This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Vienna, Austria,
through the IES Abroad Summer program. I took a course on “Psychology and Society in Vienna,” and a course on “Personality Theories and Psychopathology,” which deepened my understanding of the history of psychology and the DSM-V-TR. Outside the classroom, I explored Vienna’s rich history, visiting sites such as the Sigmund Freud Museum, the Schönbrunn Palace, and the Vienna Central Cemetery.
During my trip, I visited Budapest, Hungary, where I stayed with James Kildoo ‘94 and
his husband. They showed me around the city, taught me about its history, and introduced me to traditional Hungarian dishes. My travels also took me to Linz, Austria where I visited significant historical landmarks such as the Mauthausen Concentra+on Camp and the Limonistollen WWII air raid shelter.
One of the most powerful takeaways from this experience was the way history shapes
not only societies but also personal identity. I had the chance to witness how different cultures preserve and engage with their histories, and it inspired me to reflect on how these histories continue to influence modern societal structures.
Personally, I discovered my deepened passion for historical explora+on and how it can intersect with the study of psychology. It was eye-opening to learn from the past while simultaneously engaging with contemporary societal issues. This experience reaffirmed my commitment to working within marginalized communities and leveraging historical insights to foster inclusivity and equality in my future work.
This summer taught me not only to value the complexity of history but also to understand how psychological research can contribute to crea+ng a more just and equitable society. I am grateful for the experiences, lessons, and connections I have made, and I am excited to bring this knowledge back to my work at Wabash and beyond.
