Kylie Ganzeveld

Overall Experience

Overall, my experience in this study abroad program was truly incredible and extremely rewarding. Ireland is a beautiful country with a rich culture, welcoming people, and breathtaking scenery, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment of my time there. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was learning about how the kinesiology field operates in Ireland and comparing it to the systems and practices we use in the United States. It was very interesting to see the differences in healthcare approaches, education, and career opportunities within the field. This experience not only expanded my academic knowledge, but also gave me a greater appreciation for different perspectives and practices around the world.

Learning experience

One of the most valuable learning experiences I encountered during this program was visiting healthcare and kinesiology-related facilities in Ireland and learning how their approaches differ from those in the United States. Hearing from professionals in the field and seeing their practices firsthand helped me better understand the importance of adaptability, communication, and patient-centered care. I learned that there are many effective ways to approach healthcare and rehabilitation, and that understanding different perspectives can make someone a stronger professional in the future. This experience also taught me the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone and being open to new ideas and experiences.

Memorable experience

One of the most memorable experiences from this program was visiting the Cliffs of Moher. Seeing the cliffs in person was unforgettable because of how beautiful and massive they were. The views of the ocean and surrounding landscape were incredible, and it was amazing to experience one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks firsthand. It was also a great opportunity to spend time with the group and take in the scenery together. Visiting the Cliffs of Moher was an experience that made the trip feel even more special and is something I will always remember from studying abroad in Ireland.

What did you not expect?

One thing that I did not expect was learning how differently the healthcare and education systems operate in Ireland compared to the United States. I was especially surprised to learn that higher education is much more affordable and that many physicians are able to complete their education with little to no debt. In the United States, student debt is often a major concern for healthcare professionals, so it was interesting to see how a different system can reduce some of that financial pressure and allow people to focus more on their careers and personal lives. This experience changed the way I think about my future career by making me realize how important work-life balance and personal well-being are in the healthcare field. Seeing a system where professionals may experience less financial stress showed me how important it is to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life in order to avoid burnout and provide the best care possible. It reminded me that success is not only about career achievements, but also about maintaining mental health, happiness, and overall well-being throughout a career.

What advice would you give?

My advice for other students who want to study abroad is to take the opportunity even if it feels outside of your comfort zone at first. Before this program, I was unsure if studying abroad was right for me, especially because I did not think I wanted to be away for an entire semester. However, choosing a shorter program gave me the chance to experience a new country, meet new people, and learn in a completely different environment without feeling overwhelmed. I would also encourage students to stay open-minded and fully take advantage of every experience while abroad. Try new foods, explore new places, ask questions, and learn from the people around you. Some of the best parts of the experience came from stepping outside of my normal routine and being willing to try something new. Studying abroad in Ireland not only helped me grow academically, but also personally, and it is an experience that I would highly recommend to others.

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience had a very positive impact on my life both personally and academically. Personally, it helped me become more independent, adaptable, and confident in new situations. Traveling to another country pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to experience a different culture and way of life. Educationally, the program expanded my understanding of kinesiology and healthcare practices outside of the United States. Learning about the differences in the field in Ireland gave me a broader perspective and helped me better understand how healthcare systems can vary across countries. This experience also influenced my long-term career goals by strengthening my interest in the kinesiology field and encouraging me to continue seeking opportunities that will help me grow professionally and personally. Overall, this study abroad program helped me grow as both a student and an individual.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about this study abroad opportunity through the study abroad fair on campus. At first, I was unsure if studying abroad was the right fit for me, especially because spending an entire semester in another country felt overwhelming. However, when I learned about this 10-day program, I became very interested because it seemed like a great way to experience studying abroad without the long-term commitment of a full semester. The shorter length of the program made the opportunity feel more manageable while still allowing me to experience a new culture, travel internationally, and learn in a different academic environment. It ultimately felt like the perfect introduction to studying abroad, and it encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new.

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