When Mattie Carey's mother announced she'd found "the absolute perfect program" during winter break, the PennWest art education major initially hesitated. That hesitation transformed into a three-month study abroad journey to Greece that would redefine her understanding of herself and her art.

"Most incredible months of my life," says Mattie, an honors student at the Edinboro campus. "Definitely a life-changing experience."

Though she had traveled internationally before, including a previous trip to Greece with her mother, this marked her first solo experience. The transition wasn't without anxiety. "I watched a lot of movies on the plane there. It's like a 10-hour flight, so I had a lot of time to process everything," Mattie recalls. "Then I got off the plane and I was like, 'Oh my God, I have to actually do this now. This is no longer some abstract thing that's going to happen. It is happening now.'"

Studying with the Hellenic International Studies in the Arts (HISA) program on Paros island, Mattie joined a cohort of five other students while immersing herself in painting, photography, cyclical arts and culture, goddesses of ancient Greece, and the Greek language. The experience offered unique opportunities to observe island life beyond the tourist season. By mid-October, as visitors departed, Mattie gained insight into authentic local culture—complete with crystal-clear waters, friendly locals, and "sweet cats everywhere."

"It's a really beautiful little island," she reflects. "If anyone listening ever has a chance to go, I say go."

Living abroad revealed cultural differences that shifted her perspective. She noted the relaxed approach to safety and different attitudes toward healthcare, remembering how a local friend laughed at American security concerns, explaining that doors and windows could remain open without worry.

Mattie’s courses complemented her PennWest education, with all but one class transferring back to her degree program. Working with PennWest's global education office and her academic advisor, she carefully integrated her overseas coursework into her academic journey.

Today, she maintains connections with the fellow students she met through group chats and social media. Her advice for those considering similar experiences is straightforward but powerful: "I know it's scary, but just do it."