Taking psychology beyond the classroom
Aris Karagiorgakis, assistant teaching professor of psychology at ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, in Meteora, Greece. Courtesy photo
In recent years, colleges and universities nationwide have debated the relevance of the humanities.
At Arizona State University, that conversation has prompted a broader shift toward human-centered, experiential learning that extends beyond the classroom.
But what might that approach look like in practice? A new faculty-led psychology summer abroad program at ASU offers one example.
From ancient temples to modern city streets, the six-week program in Athens, Greece, reflects how disciplines focused on human behavior and culture can connect academic inquiry to immersive global experience.
Led by Aris Karagiorgakis, assistant teaching professor of psychology at ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, the program launches in summer 2026 and uses Athens as a “living classroom,” examining how culture, belief and social context shape humanity by connecting traditional inquiry with contemporary questions and practical skills.
As part of the program, which runs from May 20 through June 28, students can enroll in two courses — Psychology of Religion and Cross-Cultural Psychology — for a total of six credits.
Psychology of Religion examines the psychological role of faith and the historical transition in Greece from polytheistic traditions to Orthodox Christianity, and how those continue to influence modern life. Cross-Cultural Psychology explores how culture shapes perspectives on education, science, health and identity, encouraging students to reflect on their own assumptions while engaging with new ways of thinking.
“This is a faculty-led summer study abroad program fully centered on psychology, offering six psychology credits while remaining open to students from across the university,” Karagiorgakis said. “It’s a rare chance to use Athens as a living classroom to explore how culture and belief shape human thought and behavior.”
Karagiorgakis brings years of study abroad experience to share with students. He has previously led programs in Athens and other European cities, teaching courses on psychology, religion and culture.
“What I want students to take away is that psychology doesn’t just live in textbooks; it’s everywhere!” Karagiorgakis said. “When you step into another culture, you start to see how values, traditions and history shape the way people make sense of the world. That’s a transformative experience both academically and personally.”
Blending academic content with cultural immersion and field-based learning with classroom instruction, the experience will include walking tours and historic site visits to places such as the Acropolis, the Greek Parliament, the Temple of Poseidon, the island of Aegina and the ancient amphitheater at Epidaurus. It will also include cooking classes, food tastings, dance lessons and meetups with local scholars and organizations, offering firsthand perspectives on Greek society.
“We want ASU students to graduate not only with knowledge of psychology, but with the ability to think across cultures and contexts,” Karagiorgakis said. “That’s a skill set that serves you in graduate school, in your career and in life.”
This perspective aligns with a broader, university-wide emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, also reflected in the launch of ASU Humanities last August.
“We work together to ensure that no matter at what college a faculty member teaches or where a student takes a course, they know that they are part of a vibrant community internationally known for its excellence as well as its commitment to building more humane futures,” said Jeffrey Cohen, dean of humanities at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Related: ASU Humanities initiative launches as one-stop shop for all things humanities
For students, the Athens program offers more than six credits — it offers a new way of seeing the world. Experiences rooted in culture, history and human behavior help prepare graduates to think critically, engage empathetically and apply what they learn far beyond the classroom. It’s an approach that reflects ASU’s broader commitment to real-world values — learning that travels, adapts and endures.
Students can get more details and apply to the program through the Global Education Office website. Applications are now open and space is limited.
Written with contributions from Aris Karagiorgakis.
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