Adam Lucero from the University of California San Diego writes about his time on the Exercise and Physiology program:

I left for Australia not really knowing what to expect, all I knew was I was going to study Exercise Physiology at the world renowned Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and I was ready to take advantage of every opportunity I could. As a transfer student and Biochemistry major I didn’t have a lot of time or opportunities to study abroad, so when this came my way I stopped talking about how I wish I could study abroad and made it happen. As an undergrad, being the AIS was the best learning experience I’ve ever had. Where else can you get lectured from world renowned professors, see the cutting edge application of what you learned and then watch a rugby game with those same professors, below is a picture of the whole group outside of AIS.

One of my favorite parts of the program was that the AIS staff used students as subjects when they showed us the type of tests that they run on the athletes. I really enjoyed this because it gave us all a chance to participate and cheer each other on instead of simply standing back and watching (below is Adam being tested by David Martin). We got to see and experience firsthand everything from basic fitness testing and VO2 Max tests to power profiles. We got to sit in on gymnastics and swim practice, meet Athletes who have won gold medals and the coaches and sports scientists that trained them. We learned techniques in working with coaches and athletes and see how everything we learned in physiology is applied to the elite athlete where 1% can mean the difference between gold or silver.  Now I watch the Olympics with a greater appreciation; I recognize all of the training and research that has gone into preparing them with the ultimate goal of gold. We got the entire AIS experience and I personally enjoyed and capitalized on every minute. We even got to eat what they eat, which is really good food however it is intended for athletes so it is high in carbohydrates and protein and low in saturated fats; The pasta for every meal was fantastic but we San Diegans really missed our lard filled Mexican food.

7 months ago this entire program was just an e-mail in my inbox, and now that it’s over I am so glad I did it. Being back for barely a week and a half I have already started to put what I learned (not just in the classroom material but experiences I had in Australia) to use and can see it helping me in my future. I highly encourage study abroad. I made lifelong Aussie friends, experienced a different culture and lifestyle and took two upper division exercise physiology classes.

Five weeks very well spent, now to see the rest of the world!

For more about the trip take a look at Adam’s blog http://adamluco.tumblr.com