Gavin Slade

Education Abroad Program: Thessaloniki, Greece: Perrotis College (Summer) (Summer 2026)

Major: Integrative Science B.S/ MBA

Minor: Biology

About Gavin:  Gavin is a rising sophomore in the accelerated BS/MBA program through the Eberly College of Science, concentrating in Biology, with career interests in global health and infectious disease. He studied abroad through Perrotis College in Thessaloniki, Greece, during the summer, conducting a research internship at a USDA lab focused on molecular surveillance of West Nile Virus in Culex pipiens mosquitoes, which he completed for BIOL 494 credit. His work included qPCR-based testing, mosquito dissections, and field trapping across dozens of collection sites, and he wrapped up the summer by writing a full research paper and presenting his findings to USDA faculty and funders. Alongside his research coursework, he completed a Greek Cultural Experience course that explored Greek fashion and communication norms compared to American culture, and he took advantage of the program to travel across Italy and Switzerland, exploring cities from Rome to Zurich. Gavin became a Peer Adviser because his time abroad reshaped how he thinks about his own career and education, and he wants to help other students navigate the logistics, uncertainty, and excitement of studying abroad so they can get the most out of their own experience.

Advice to Prospective Education Abroad Students: Don't just pick a program because it's popular or because everyone else is doing it. Find one that actually fits your pace, your major, and what you want to get out of it, because that's what lets you slow down and really be present once you're there instead of rushing through a checklist. If you're not sure where to start, come find me. I've done the research, the credit transfers, the whole process, and I'm happy to help you find a program that actually fits you. 

To get in touch with Gavin about his experience abroad, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu and address your email to him!