From Guelph-Humber to Greece: Ava Gonsalves on learning, independence, and adventure

In spring 2026, for the first time ever, fourth-year University of Guelph-Humber Justice Studies student Ava Gonsalves packed her suitcase and boarded a plane to travel to Greece. Along with her classmates and course director Dr. Bill Molos, Chair of Liberal Studies, she embarked on a Study Abroad experience (now known as International Field Study) to learn about the history of the country, while exploring a different culture and making lifelong memories.

The course “The Histories of – and in – Greece” took 11 Guelph-Humber students to different parts of Greece from the capital city of Athens to Veria and Vergina, and up north to Thessaloniki. While the International Field Study course offerings at the University are often refreshed to ensure a variety of offerings, each course has something important in common: they offer students a chance to broaden their perspectives, while being immersed in a different culture. 

“Studying abroad really teaches you how to be independent and take risks, and do things that maybe you wouldn't have done,” Ava says in the episode. 

In this episode of The Guelph-Humber podcast, Ava talks about her Greek adventure, what she learned about the country and about herself on the trip, and shares why she believes travelling is beneficial to an education.

Listen to the full episode here: