Paris 2024 Olympics
Understanding the Interaction of Physiology & Culture with Sport
Experience the Intersection of Culture and Sport in Paris
In the Summer of 2024, Southwestern students will travel to Paris to experience The Summer Olympic Games
What’s Included in the Program
Travel & Transportation
- Group airport pick-up in Paris (CDG)
- Group airport return in Paris (CDG)
- Ground transportation on all program activities, as necessary
- Local transportation card
Not Included:
- International airfare to and from the United States
- Passport application fees
- Luggage fees
Cultural Activities & Excursions
Below is a list of sample activities that may be offered:
- Olympics: Opening Ceremonies
- Olympics Marathon
- Other Olympics Activities TBD
- Seine River Cruise
- Guest Lecture Presentation from mySMartMove
- Visits to Arc de Triomphe
- Guided visit of Hopital Hotel-Dieu
- Day Trip: Château de Fontainebleau & Forest Hike
- Guest Lecture Presentation from The Use Factory
- Guided Tour of Montmartre
- Guided Tour of Musée Carnavalet
- Wine tasting at the Musée du Vin
Please note: Cultural activities and Excursions are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other factors.
Room & Board
- All housing (shared studio apartments) with linens, towels, weekly cleaning, internet access
- Group welcome meal
- Group farewell meal
Not Included:
- Any meals not specified or listed as “included” on the itinerary
Health & Safety
- Dedicated staff support for the program, led by an on-site program coordinator, with other staff as needed
- Orientation program including cultural activities, health/safety briefings, introductions to local culture, and other topics
- Day-to-day support from local staff for health or safety concerns, cultural questions or other personal needs
- Medical and life insurance coverage for the duration of the program, including a Quarantine benefit
GETTING STARTED:
If you are ready to apply, you will need to create an application with Southwestern University, and complete and submit all of the required items.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: June 1st, 2023
Contact Southwestern University:
Sandra Hancock
512-863-1857
Still have questions or want to learn more? Complete this online form to be connected with an advisor.
Course Details
PROFESSOR:
Edward K. Merritt, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Kinesiology
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 512-863-1651
Office: Fondren-Jones 314
KIN 48-304:
Paris 2024 Olympics: Understanding the Interaction of Physiology & Culture with Sport
This 4-week, 4-credit study abroad course is designed to immerse students in the worldwide athletic and cultural arena of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Students will examine the Olympic Games through a broad lens to understand the intersection of human anatomy and physiology and culture and how it affects sport. The course will also highlight geographic, economic, social, and political factors that might impact individual and overall country performance.
There are no prerequisites for this course. This course satisfies the Natural Sciences (NS) requirement. It also counts as an upper-division elective for the Kinesiology major or minor.
Course Objectives
To satisfactorily complete this course, students must demonstrate an understanding of the intricate and complicated factors that put athletes on the Olympic stage. Successful students will describe anatomic and physiologic attributes that enable elite level performances in various Olympic events. Students will also be able to describe the driving cultural, geographic, economic, and political forces that ultimately determine who becomes an Olympian.
As a study abroad course, activities and assignments will be constructed to insure that students:
- Interact with diverse peoples
- Understand the significance of culture (e.g., beliefs, values, traditions, and rituals) as it shapes identity and behavior
- Develop an appreciation and respect for other cultural traditions
- Develop an ability to adjust successfully to different living conditions (e.g., transportation, food, shopping)
- Gain insight into one’s own culture and identity through comparison and contrast
Dr. Merritt Bio
Why API
API offers best-in-class programming, with student well-being a high priority.
Our mission is to create better global citizens through international experiential learning. API programs are developed to be transformative, career-boosting experiences that include:
- Community involvement through optional volunteer programs with API Gives Back
- Cultural awareness through relevant coursework and time spent in multicultural student groups
- High-touch student support throughout the program
About API
Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable experiential learning programs. Their extensive pre-departure preparation, coupled with strong support services on-site, facilitates academic, cultural and linguistic learning. Within the supportive environment of the API programs, API participants are encouraged to explore their host communities and become increasingly independent and confident in their own abilities. They strive to make international educational experiences accessible to as many participants as possible, and, as such, works to provide multiple program components at a low program cost.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
API is committed to providing enriching international experiences to its participants. We believe in the importance of promoting acceptance, dignity, and respect among people of all backgrounds. No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your journey abroad.