DEGREES ABROAD IN KINESIOLOGY & EXERCISE SCIENCE
Kinesiology and exercise science are fields that, at their core, see very little variation in subject matter around the world. After all, these subjects are focused on the study of the inner workings and mechanisms of the human body and hey, we’re all just human right? Courses in these deeply scientific and research-based fields tend to be shaped by the culture in which they are being taught. To gain a better understanding of how the human body is utilized, protected, and understood, students should absolutely consider earning a kinesiology degree abroad!
BEST LOCATIONS
Kinesiology and exercise science are fields that are constantly on the cutting edge of medical advancement. Due to the overarching need for communication between researchers in the field in order to maintain consistent and effective methods and practices, students looking to complete their kinesiology degree abroad would be well suited to search for a location in a more developed country, which has an established system of higher education.
Spain. Dozens of universities around the country offer degree programs in kinesiology and exercise science. The Spanish culture and lifestyle is a major draw for international students, not to mention there is beautiful scenery worth seeing throughout the entire country. Kinesiology degree programs are taught almost exclusively in Spanish in Spain, however, so some Spanish language skills will be needed.
Australia. Understanding human motion is critical in the world of sports, and Australia is easily one of the most sports-crazed nations on Earth. Improving the performance of athletes in top sports, such as cricket, rugby, basketball, track and field, and swimming, is a major goal of many exercise science degree programs in Australia. Outside of sports, physiotherapy is an increasingly popular concentration within the field.
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
Once you’ve chosen a location, the actual completion of your kinesiology degree will depend on the country you are in. Many countries tend to structure their classes differently than you may be accustomed to, for example, with a much larger focus on application rather than memorization.
Course levels. Focus areas such as nutrition, public health, and athletic training are all possible subsets of kinesiology, as are pre-professional programs like pre-medicine and pre-physical therapy. The latter degree programs will adequately prepare a student for continuing their education beyond a bachelor’s degree in nearly any country, and graduating from an in-country university certainly doesn’t hurt when applying to professional schools also located in that country.
What makes your studies abroad more (or equally) as valuable as in your home country. You will gain a global perspective and intercultural empathy which will impact the way you practice in your career.
Your future is bright. Consideration should also be given to whether or not a student may want to stay in the country after graduation, since the transition into the local job market will be made easier with a degree from a local institution in hand.
MEDICALTRAVEL’S INSIDE SCOOP
The benefits of obtaining a kinesiology or exercise science degree abroad are numerous.
First of all, the focus of a university’s education in the field will depend greatly on its surrounding culture. If a certain sub-topic in the kinesiology or exercise science world interests you, take a look at where on Earth that topic is highly focused on. It is likely that if the issue is important to the citizens of a certain country, then it will be a primary focus of an education at that nation’s universities. Sports science and human athletic performance is an excellent example of this.
Secondly, the cost of a degree in almost any subject can be considerably cheaper overseas than at home. Several European countries have cut tuition costs all together, and even places that still charge for an education often do so at a much lower rate than in the U.S. or UK.
Finally, the reason a student attends college is to get the education needed for their chosen future career. If a student hopes to one day work and live overseas, the value of obtaining a kinesiology degree from their target nation’s university system is invaluable. Even if the goal is simply to return home after graduation, earning a kinesiology or exercise science degree abroad helps to immediately separate and highlight an applicant for a position, be it a job, internship, or acceptance into professional school.