Since 2009, the School of Kinesiology and Recreation has offered short-term faculty-led study abroad opportunities to Poland, Russia, Argentina, the Caribbean (a cruise ship industry class), and Costa Rica. The faculty-led format is attractive to students because it allows them to travel the world, earn college credit, and gain global perspective and awareness. Starting in 2019 KNR students will have two more exciting places to study in Italy and New Zealand.
Professors Anna Miles (KNR) and Jen Barnes (FSC) have planned an exciting trip to Florence, Italy slated for May 2019. Students will examine the cultural lifestyle activities of Italians surrounding diet and physical activity. Other activities include taking a Mediterranean cooking class, touring an organic farm and vineyard, and hiking at Cinque Terre National Park on the Italian Riviera. Florence, in the heart of Tuscany, is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its unique monuments and architecture.
“We’ll explore the food and cultural activities that have contributed to Italy’s lower morbidity, mortality, and obesity rates compared to the United States,” Miles said.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Professors Scott Pierce and Clint Warren will take students to New Zealand in May 2019 where they will see how sport and recreation are ingrained into Kiwi society and culture. On the itinerary are visits to sport governing organizations and training facilities, attending a professional rugby game, and connecting with faculty and students at the University of Otago in Dunedin. Ecotourism activities near Queenstown include hiking, jet boating, and bungee jumping.
“I’m excited to visit my homeland with our ISU students to see how New Zealanders live and breathe sport and recreation, and to have a fun-filled, personal experience in a beautiful part of the world,” Pierce said.
For more information on these and other KNR study abroad opportunities visit the school homepage or contact Professor Barbara Schlatter at beschla@ilstu.edu.
