DD
Dana DeLisa
  • Nursing
  • Class of 2015
  • Orland Park, IL

Dana DeLisa studies nursing in Greece with Lewis University

2014 Aug 28

Lewis University students from the College of Nursing and Health Professions traveled to Greece this summer as part of the Travel Study Abroad program.

Dana DeLisa of Chicago, IL was one of the 23 nursing students.

"The trip was really wonderful in every way possible," said Eleftheria Karapas, assistant professor of nursing and trip coordinator. "Everyone got much exposure to professional, social, cultural and historical aspects of Greece." Jane Trainor, assistant professor of nursing was the faculty co-leader on this journey.

The group spent time visiting the city of Athens with tours of the Acropolis and New Museum; the Argolis region, including Nafplion, Mycenae and Epidaurus; Cape Sounion; and the island of Crete, including a boat excursion to the island of Spinalonga with a tour of this former leper colony. On Crete, there were also tours of the Minoan Knossos Palace, Heraklion Museum, the Holy Trinity Monastery, and the Doctors of the World (Medicins du Monde) free community clinic. Visits to the University of Athens, School of Nursing and the University of Crete, School of Public Health were among the highlights of the 11 day trip.

The students gained knowledge of a new place and its people, insight on the local healthcare professionals and tour guides, and an increased awareness of culture diversity and recognition of common beliefs. The also received a new understanding of the effects that economic and political processes can have on the health and well-being of a society.

"It was an optimum learning community that was created within this tour group and a vivid display of the Lewis University mission taken on the road," said Karapas.

Lewis University students who participated in the trip include Taylor Barrientos, Samantha Boris, Heather Collins, Emily Cormwell, Dana DeLisa, Ann Favia, Elizabeth Gambla, Alyssa Gecosala, Rebecca Gibson, Amy Johnson, Rebecca Kalnicky, Laurynn Knerr, Jessica Lisak, Samantha Lutzow, Joy Nestel, Lauren Nowaczyk, Sarah Pawelko, Brittany Pole, Alyssa Ruswick, Tamara Szymanski, Kaitlin Uchman, Autumn Wachs and Cheryl Wilson.

Additional faculty members on the trip were Kathleen Blanchfield, associate professor of nursing; Angie Patras, adjunct professor of nursing; Ellen Renna, assistant professor of nursing; and Gail Vitale, associate professor of nursing.

The Study Abroad office provides students at Lewis University the unique chance to complement and enhance their academic careers with a variety of international academic opportunities. Programs run anywhere from a few weeks to an academic year and offer Lewis courses that can fit into general education, elective, minor, and/or major credits depending on the program. More information about study abroad experiences is available by contacting Chris Swanson, director of Study Abroad at 815-836-5993 or studyabroad@lewisu.edu.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,600 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.