AHS students get taste of Paris and Summer Olympics
For students enrolled in a KN experiential learning program this summer, it was the chance of a lifetime: two weeks in Paris at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
“This trip embodies what education should be—engaging, immersive and transformative,” said Annmarie Chizewski, KN assistant director of experiential learning, who accompanied the students in the Sports and Society in Paris program.
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Being at an Olympic venue, witnessing the convergence of global cultures and the pinnacle of athletic achievement, is an unparalleled educational opportunity.
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The students, who are majoring in nutrition, kinesiology, and other health and sports-related fields, watched Olympic events, attended seminars and carried out research and other assignments, earning course credit from the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition.
Topics included the intersection of sport, culture and society in different countries; issues like race, economics, ethnicity and politics in relation to the Olympics; and how a major sporting event impacts a city.
“The group is tackling some of the larger questions that are as exciting as the games,” said Kyle Rausch, executive director of the Study Abroad Office at UIC, who also accompanied the group to Paris.
The students observed the work of sports medicine professionals, event organizers, media and policymakers from all over the world.
“This comprehensive view will help them better understand the various career paths available in kinesiology and how their studies apply in real-world contexts,” Chizewski said.
“I’m pursuing a career as a sports dietitian, and this is an invaluable opportunity to make lasting connections in the fitness world,” said Alyssa Squeo, a junior majoring in nutrition.
The students were also encouraged to experience the culture of their host city.
“The chance to explore this beautiful city while witnessing the Olympics is a pinch-me moment,” Squeo said.
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Gabby Richards, a junior in kinesiology and a member of the UIC swimming and diving team, saw the Olympics from an athlete’s point of view.
“The city is buzzing with energy and excitement, and I’ve had the chance to meet people from all over the world,” Richards said. “It’s a cool opportunity to combine my studies with the vibrant atmosphere of the games.”
The program, hosted by the UIC Study Abroad Office and sponsored by AHS, is a dream come true for Chizewski. Her earlier plans to develop a study abroad program had been derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This course is designed to be more than just an academic experience—it’s an investment in shaping a more socially just, diverse, and equitable world,” Chizewski said.
“I want them to leave this trip with a deeper understanding of how sport can be a powerful catalyst for positive change.”
Learn more about experiential learning and study abroad at the UIC Study Abroad Office and watch for announcements from the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition.
This story has been edited for length and clarity by Sonya Booth.