Ireland: Cameron Fanta
Program: UW Inclusive Physical Activity & Sports in Ireland, Summer
Major: Kinesiology
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
My program was similar to taking classes at UW-Madison in that we had UW-Madison professors from the Kinesiology department with us, who made the cultural shock easier to adjust to. We also lived in hotels for a week with one or two other roommates, which was similar to dorm life, and for the other week, we each had our own rooms in an apartment-style student housing complex, which was like apartment life.
There were many differences as well. We travelled around a lot, and never had two lectures in the same place. Also, there was no set “lecture time” each day; it was sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon, and sometimes in the evening. The change wasn’t better or worse, just different.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
Our lecture and experience with Active Disability Ireland was really interesting. We first learned vocabulary that promoted inclusion in physical activity, and then learned about implementing the TREE model of activity planning. We then got to use their beautiful facilities and adapt a sport or game to a certain type of ability. In the end, we got to teach each other our game, as if the other students were our clients.
We travelled around a lot, and never had two lectures in the same place.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I learned that I am more independent and capable than I thought I was. Since the program is in an unknown foreign city, navigating can be a challenge, but the great bus, tram, and train system made this much easier. Most of the time, the professors will tell you the night before when and where to meet the next day for class, and that oftentimes included a bus ride, which pushed me to be more independent in a good way.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
Since this program is one of the few study abroad opportunities in the Kinesiology department, it is an amazing way for students in the major to experience study abroad. At first, I was concerned that I would not be able to study abroad like I wanted to, but after hearing that there were summer opportunities, I could not have been more thrilled. It allowed me to have that experience without feeling like I was behind in my studies. I learned so much, met some amazing people, professors and peers included, and discovered a beautiful and welcoming country. I would not pass this experience up for the world and I truly believe that I came back a brand new person.