On the trip led by Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences associate professor Steve Goodwin and Instructor and Director of Undergraduate Nutrition Programs Jennifer Thorpe, students will attend several ticketed events, including track and field, soccer, rugby and water polo — a first for Goodwin. 

Stephens also hopes to meet some of the elite athletes.

“After college, I’m afraid this sport will end for me,” Stephens said. “Seeing these Olympic athletes perform gives me a glimpse into the future and, hopefully, the inspiration to keep going after college, so maybe one day I can reach the Summer Games or coach.” 

Since 2008, Goodwin has traveled to several Olympics, including Beijing, Rio, and London, so he’s the perfect tour guide for students.

“Every city does it so differently, so each one really is its own experience,” Goodwin said. “But there’s something special about attending the games in France — the birthplace of the modern games.”

This marks Thorpe’s first study abroad with Goodwin and her first time attending the Summer Games. 

“I’m excited for our group’s adventure. Being able to immerse ourselves in three different countries and experience the Olympics will be an amazing way to learn, challenge ourselves and grow,” Thorpe said. “Study abroad has always been an interest of mine, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Dr. Goodwin and benefit from his vast experience leading study abroad programs.” 

While attending the Olympics in Paris is a highlight, the month-long study abroad trip also includes visits to London and Barcelona. Students will visit popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Normandy. They’ll also go inside the Churchill War Rooms and tour past Summer Games sites to see how they’ve been repurposed.

“The Olympics are a bonus, but we’ll see so much history. Plus, we’re going to a theater show in London and will learn to surf in Barcelona,” said Kate Hacher, a junior majoring in health behavior science.

Hatcher, an honors student who aspires to be an occupational therapist, plans to watch the athletes closely.

“It will be interesting to see how the athletes move their bodies and work with their personal trainers and physical therapists,” she said. 

Hatcher got her first passport for this trip. Although she’s never been out of the country before, she's had her eye on UD’s renowned study abroad programs from day one. 

“I chose UD because it was the first university to launch a study abroad program, so I knew I’d have plenty of opportunities,” Hatcher said. “Visiting Spain and London has always been my dream, so I never imagined we’d go to the Olympics and two countries I’ve always wanted to visit.” 

Hatcher will live out this bucket-list trip with her sister, Olivia, by her side. 

“She just graduated from Pratt Institute and is tagging along. She'll go to art museums while I’m at the Olympics,” Hatcher said. “I can’t wait. I’m counting down the days.” 

This trip also marks senior Brett Balthis’ first time out of the country.

“I’ve never seen any historical landmarks beyond what’s in New York and Washington, D.C.,” said the health behavior science major. “Seeing three great countries has me lost for words. I’m so excited to learn about the cultural differences.”

Balthis, a medical technician at Newark 24-7 Urgent Care who majors in health behavior science with minors in public and global health, is also eager to learn about the differences in healthcare abroad. 

“What I learn overseas will help me become a better healthcare professional at home,” he said.

Conner Brookes, a junior majoring in kinesiology, grew up watching the Olympics and jumped on the opportunity to join the study abroad trip.

“I’ve never been to Europe, and I never thought I’d have an opportunity to go to the Summer Games,” Brookes said. “I don’t know anyone on the trip, so this is a big risk, but I know the reward will be greater than the risk.” 

Allie Truskin, a junior majoring in sport management with a minor in event management at UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, thought this was the perfect study abroad opportunity because it dovetails nicely with her studies and operations work for the Blue Hens football team.

“Seeing large-scale events like the Olympics will give me a unique perspective I can talk about when I go on job interviews,” she said. “Also, interacting with the world and bringing those experiences back home will make me an asset in the sports workforce.” 

For Goodwin, traveling with the students never gets old.

“I enjoy seeing the influence that study abroad has on the students,” Goodwin said. “Observing them, watching them grow and seeing the enjoyment they get from travel is the most exciting part for me.”

But this study abroad trip is also about the celebration of sport.

“While sometimes it can be a bit divisive, for the most part, sport brings people together,” Goodwin said. “Throughout the trip, I’ll encourage the students to focus on the experience, appreciate where they are, enjoy the culture and learn something about where the games are being played, the history behind it and the culture involved.”