Student-Athletes Study Abroad At Endicott

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Study Abroad Destinations (in this article): Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Greece, Italy, London, and Poland

BEVERLY, Mass. – Study abroad & international internships prepare students at Endicott for success by offering alternative academic understanding, social & cultural literacy and life-changing experiences. Through semester-long academic study, faculty-led trips, and/or 3-to-15 week internships abroad, students gain new confidence and self-awareness, and obtain the skills necessary for success in today's economy.

Much like the general student population, Endicott’s student-athletes are also given the chance to take advantage of the study abroad program while competing at the NCAA Division III level. Here's a look at where some of our student-athletes have studied abroad recently.

Olivia Larson (Cheshire, Conn.) of the field hockey/women's lacrosse team recently studied abroad in Greece in a two-week program that took her to a different destination every day throughout her trip. While in Greece, Larson took an urban walk through Athens, saw the Acropolis, took in lectures from professors at the American College of Greece, met and had discussions with a speaker from the U.S. Embassy, visited Delphi, and went on a three-island cruise to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, among many other experiences.

When asked why it was valuable to play at sport at Endicott and study abroad Larson's response was simple.

"It is valuable to be a part of a team to learn how to work with a group, as it has helped me to open up to different types of people and personalities," said Larson. "Studying abroad is also valuable to your life since you get to experience a taste of different cultures and how to fit in with their lifestyles. Taking what I have learned from being a part of a team was useful as I harnessed those skills to interact with people in other countries. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to all athletes. Missing that offseason will be worth the experience of a lifetime, you have the opportunity in front of you take it while you can. You will meet so many different people and learn a whole new lifestyle. This was my first time leaving the county and of course I was nervous, but it was an amazing experience I will remember forever."

Meanwhile, Larson's teammate, Erin McCarthy (Old Lyme, Conn.), has been studying abroad in Australia at Central Queensland University in Rockhampton over the last two months and the experience has been nothing short of fantastic.

"I have been in Australia for about two months and I have done some fantastic things. I have gone skydiving and scuba diving in Cairns, been on a two-day, two-night catamaran trip around Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, one of the world’s best beaches, and have spent the weekend camping on Great Keppel Island. The sights have been spectacular," said McCarthy. "I have seen humpback whales, turtles and dolphins. The reef is unlike anything that I have ever seen. I think that one of my favorite parts about going to all of these places is that I am able to travel with so many other international students as well. I have met people from Finland, Zimbabwe, and Alaska and we have all been able to discover these parts of Australia together."

To read more about Erin and Olivia's experiences click here: Olivia Larson, Erin McCarthy Travel To Greece & Australia

Much like McCarthy, Endicott women's soccer student-athlete Nicole Taylor (North Easton, Mass.) recently went to Australia, studying at Bond University, and came away with memories of a lifetime.

"I would definitely suggest studying abroad to other student- athletes. It's a decision I would never regret. Being able to see the world and stick to the sport you have grown up with is almost a dream come true," said Taylor. "There are so many reasons why you should go and open your eyes to all the little things the world has to offer and knowing you'll being able to come back to your team and play once again makes it even better. These experiences and people you surround yourself with will forever create lasting memories and friendships. So I urge student-athletes to take that next step and experience it all."

Alongside Larson, McCarthy, and Taylor's study abroad experiences, women's soccer student-athlete Casey Mellen (Litchfield, N.H.) also went abroad recently. Mellen was able to travel to Brazil, Egypt, Greece, Italy, London, and Poland during her time away from campus.

"I would definitely suggest studying abroad to other students! It is a once in a lifetime experience being able to submerge yourself in a completely different culture for many months," said Mellen. "I created so many friendships from people all over the world, and even some from Endicott who I previously did not know. For anyone who has the passion to travel like I do, study abroad is something you can't pass up."

To read more about Mellen and Taylor, who will serve as captains of the women's soccer team this fall, click here: Casey Mellen, Nicole Taylor Expand Their Horizons Abroad

WHY STUDY ABROAD? – (ENDICOTT STUDY ABROAD WEBSITE)

"Globalization is here to stay, and students who want to work in our interconnected global world should study or intern abroad.

Despite the inevitable increasing global competition for jobs, American graduates lack the international experience, language capabilities and cross-cultural communication skills necessary to succeed in the global economy.

Making education abroad a part of their college education is the most effective and accessible means for students to develop needed skills because it pushes a student to get out of her comfort zone to experience another culture, language, environment and education system. It teaches students to appreciate difference and diversity firsthand, and enables them to recognize — and then dismiss — stereotypes they may have held about people they had never met.

Learning how to interact with people from other countries and cultures equips future leaders in all sectors to address urgent issues — from curing diseases and finding energy solutions, to fighting terrorism and hunger — shared across borders."

– Alan Goodman, President Institute of International Education 

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