March 6–14, 2026

For the refugee and other vulnerable populations, consistent access to healthcare remains one of the largest challenges. For these populations, access to healthcare is scarce; they face language, economic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from getting the care they need, leaving families with ailments both untreated and undiagnosed, sometimes for an entire lifetime.

Penn State Altoona is partnering with Global Brigades to help resolve this disparity. Global Brigades has collaborated with local governments, international and local medical professionals, and student leaders to develop a medical program aimed at providing consistent access to healthcare through an economically sustainable model.

Your medical clinics will mostly take place in the Athens Clinic in Greece.

At the Clinic, you work on an appointment basis to respect our patients' time, make sure we have the support of cultural mediators when needed, and have enough time to build trust with each patient.

Academic Requirements

Students will be responsible for the following:

  • GPA of 2.5 or greater
  • Enroll in NURS 499
  • Satisfactory completion of study abroad orientation, preparatory meetings, and travel in Athens, Greece.

Program Fees

Global Brigades program fee ~$3362, includes the following:

  • Airfare, Meals, lodging, in-country ground transportation, Poseidon Temple Excursion, Acropolis & Museum Guided
  • Sample Program Itinerary
    • Day 1: Athens Arrival
      • Staff and student introduction
      • In-Country orientation and introduction to Global Brigades
    • Day 2–5: Clinical Days – Cultural Activities
      • Work along with local healthcare professionals in the provision of free quality healthcare services
      • Discover Athens through the eyes of the locals and different refugee integration projects
    • Day 6: Health Education Workshop & Historical Sites Visit
      • Deliver health education workshop to residents at shelters
      • Visit the important landmarks of Athens
    • Day 7 – return home

Other Expenses

  • $275: airport transportation
  • $100: Required UK Transit Visa
  • $165: Passport
  • $150: Immunizations
  • $300: Personal expenses

Registration Process and Deadlines

Program Leaders

Amy Criscitello, assistant teaching professor of nursing | [email protected]
Amy Criscitello is an instructor in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing for undergraduate mental health nursing. She received her bachelor’s degree from Penn State, a master’s degree from University of Maryland as a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, and a postmaster’s certificate as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in 2009 from University of Pittsburgh. She also has completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice program in clinical leadership at Penn State with a focus on wellness initiatives.

Karen Eberhart, simulation lab coordinator in nursing