Why Recreation and Administration Majors Should Study Abroad

By William Higelmire, Ph.D.
Chair, Recreation Administration

William Higelmire

"We live in a global society. Leisure service professionals will often work outside their country of origin; work with employees from other countries, or; provide services to participants from other countries. Leisure service professionals must be educated to successfully manage these challenges resulting from a globalized society. Study abroad experiences can provide students with cross-cultural preparation that will provide them with a stronger understanding
of the leisure needs, professional practices, and cultural norms of different countries. The experience will expand the students’ understanding of other cultures, which will help them to be more accepting of others. It will increase their independence and self-awareness. Having to survive in a completely new environment will teach the students things about themselves that they never expected. Taken together, the study abroad experience and coursework within the Department of Recreation Administration will
enable the student to effectively lead leisure service agencies in meeting the diverse needs of their constituents."    

Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Recreation Administration Majors

Australia

Central Queensland University
Rockhampton
Semester or Year
CQUniveristy's main campus is located in Rockhampton, a city of about 60,000. "Rocky", as it is most commonly called, has a small town feel. It is known as the city "where the Outback meets the Reef". CQUniversity has many course options that will help you connect with Australian culture, such as Asian Pacific tourism, scuba diving lessons at the Great Barrier Reef, and indigenous Australian culture courses.

Griffith University
Brisbane
Semester or Year
Brisbane, with a population of 1.6 million people, is Australia's third largest city and is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live. The population is very young and culturally diverse. The Griffith Study Abroad Office coordinates overnight and day trips for study abroad students. Some examples include a visit to Byron Bay, hiking in a rainforest, or feeding dolphins on Southeast Queensland's islands. Recreation Administration majors can take core course and electives while at Griffith University.

Brazil

Universidad do Sul de Santa Catarina (ISA program)
Florianopolis
Summer or Semester
Florianópolis, composed of one main island, one continental part and surrounding small islands, is a beautiful city in southern Brazil. This popular Brazilian city has a total of 42 main beaches, rolling mountains in the Atlantic rainforest, soft white sand dunes, and an array of offshore islands, making it a perfect place to study tourism!

Italy

Palazzi: Apicius and FUA
Florence, Italy
Summer, Semester or Year
Against the backdrop of Florence, a vibrant city layered in Renaissance art and history, you will experience an outstanding cultural environment where students will be able to nurture their talents.  Both schools, Apicius and FUA, are located within walking distance of such landmarks as the Uffizi Gallery museum, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Accademia. While at Palazzi, Recreation Administration majors can take general education courses and those with a concentration in therapeutic recreation can find core classes.

New Zealand

University of Otago
Dunedin
Semester or Year
Dunedin and the South Island are a recreation lover's paradise. From the mountains to the forests to the ocean, you will find no shortage of outdoor activities. Otago has specific research strengths in the medical, biomedical, biological and natural sciences. Otago is New Zealand's oldest university and was founded in 1869. The city of Dunedin is known for its classic Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Massey University
Auckland, Palmerston North, or Wellington, New Zealand
Semester or Year
About 41,000 students study at one of Massey University's three campuses, making it the largest institution in the country. The University is committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment and an intellectual climate in which students are encouraged to excel. Programs are designed to be relevant, reflect current research and meet the needs of the International Student community. REC 2961 is an example of a course offered at Massey University.

South Korea

Korea University (Globalinks Program)
Seoul
Summer, Semester or Year
Korea University is one of South Korea's top three universities. Its beautiful campus, modern facilities, active campus lifestyle, friendly students, and strong academics make KU an ideal place to study abroad. Classes are available in English across a wide variety of academic areas. KU prides itself not only in being a progressive and globally conscious institution, but also one that plays a role in preserving Korea’s unique culture.

United Kingdom

University of Winchester
Winchester, England
Semester or Year
Winchester prides itself on being a very student-centered campus, and its small student body will help you feel at-home. Winchester was once the site the mythical Round Table of King Arthur. Today, you will find plenty of activities in and around Winchester to keep you busy; Stonehenge is just a stones-throw away while the seaside resort towns of Bornemouth and Poole are just an hour away. London is also an hour by train. Electives courses are offered at the University of Winchester for Recreation Administration majors.


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