Southwestern University Students Experience the Paris Olympics Through Study Abroad Program

Sports John Brightwater September 12, 2024

Southwestern University Students Experience the Paris Olympics Through Study Abroad Program

Summary
Eleven Southwestern University students engaged in a transformative four-week study abroad program in Paris, timed with the Summer Olympic Games. Led by Associate Professor Ed Merritt, the program integrated the study of sport, physiology, and culture, allowing students to attend various Olympic events while exploring diverse athletic and cultural perspectives. Participants expressed profound personal and academic growth through their immersive experience, reinforcing the value of global engagement in education.

In a remarkable educational endeavor, eleven students from Southwestern University participated in a month-long study abroad program in Paris, France, timed strategically with the Summer Olympic Games. This unique opportunity, conceived by Associate Professor of Kinesiology Ed Merritt during the 2012 London Olympics, allowed students to explore the intersection of sport, physiology, and culture amid the fervor of the Games. During their four-week immersion, the students analyzed various Olympic sports, delving into cultural aspects and physiological principles that influence athlete performance. Participants engaged in discussions covering topics such as the diversity of athletes across sports and geographical barriers to participation. Notably, the course facilitated firsthand experiences as students attended a myriad of events, including beach volleyball and marathon competitions, translating theoretical insights into real-world observations. Kinesiology major Kaitlyn Rzasniciki reflected, “Dr. Merritt did a really good job pairing together the physiology and anatomy part of being at the Olympics with the culture behind what makes the Olympics so important.” Professor Merritt emphasized the importance of interaction, encouraging his students to converse with fellow spectators to gather diverse perspectives on sporting events. This immersive educational approach not only enriched their understanding of athleticism but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and personal growth among participants. The students arrived in Paris two weeks ahead of the Opening Ceremony, giving them an opportunity to acclimate and explore the city, enriching their overall cultural experience. As they engaged with the local culture and witnessed Olympic festivities, reflections from students underscored feelings of gratitude and inspiration, particularly from those like Rzasniciki and Steele, who attended events showcasing prominent athletes in their respective sports. Furthermore, the experience reaffirmed Southwestern’s commitment to promoting open-mindedness and respectful discourse among students, as highlighted by Merritt’s observations about the constructive interactions facilitated during the trip. Ben Greengold, another participant, noted the profound impact this experience had on his outlook toward global cultures, declaring that it fostered a desire to explore beyond the classroom setting. As the Summer Olympic Games concluded, Professor Merritt expressed anticipation for future educational opportunities, emphasizing the potential to replicate this immersive model during the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. He believes that such experiences not only enhance academic learning but also create memorable moments for growth and reflection for students.

The Summer Olympics presents a unique educational context where students can engage directly with global sporting events while exploring relevant academic disciplines such as kinesiology, culture, and physiology. Associate Professor Ed Merritt, having envisioned this program during the 2012 London Olympics, sought to create a platform for students to bridge theory and practice in a vibrant international environment. The timing of the program during the Olympic Games further enhances the relevance and excitement for participating students, providing a real-world application of their studies amidst the world’s top athletes. This initiative epitomizes the essence of study abroad experiences, allowing students to not only learn in the classroom but also through direct cultural engagement and experiential learning.

The Southwestern University study abroad program not only enriched students academically but also fostered invaluable personal growth and intercultural understanding during the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Through direct engagement with diverse sporting events and collaboration among peers, students were able to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of experiential learning and sets a precedent for future opportunities, particularly with the anticipation of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Such experiences cultivate a lasting curiosity and appreciation for global cultures and sports, ultimately enhancing students’ educational journeys and personal aspirations.

Original Source: www.southwestern.edu