PENG Jiaxuan, a master’s student from the Graduate School of Sport Sciences went on an exchange program at University of Florida from January to March 2023. This program was based on a bilateral collaboration agreement between the two institutions and was sponsored by the Top Global University (TGU) Program.
Please read about her experience below!
Ⅰ. About the Travel Support
I was fortunate enough to be awarded a travel grant from the Health Promotion: The Joy of Sports and Exercise’s AY2021 Travel Grant Program for Graduate Students to support my study abroad experience at the University of Florida. In order to receive the support, I contacted the professor from UF (Thanks to my supervisor Prof. Sato Shintaro’s recommendation), prepared documentation of my academic program and study plan, received professional interview. I am incredibly grateful for the program’s support in making this opportunity possible.
Ⅱ. About University of Florida
The University of Florida is a large public university located in Gainesville, Florida. It has a diverse student body of over 50,000 students and is recognized as one of the top public universities in the United States. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including a highly-regarded program in Sport Management. The Sport Management Department at the University of Florida is staffed by experienced faculty members who are experts in the field. They bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom, providing students with a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The department also has strong connections with the sports industry, offering students access to internships, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.
Picture 1 and 2: UF is very beautiful, the alligators are their mascot because there are many of them in Florida.
Picture 3: I photographed a baby alligator.
Ⅲ. About Studying at University of Florida
My project period is from January 31 to March 19, 2023. As an exchange student, I had the opportunity to take a variety of courses that were directly applicable to my future study. I took Sport Sociology and Evaluation classes, also attended PhD discussion seminar and Prof. Yong Jae Ko’s lab meeting every week. I was able to learn from professors who are experts in the field and who provided me with real-world insights and experiences, especially about my interest topic: flow experience and esports spectatorship. One of the highlights of my academic experience was a discussion with lab members about my master final thesis, they all provide valuable suggestions. I also had the opportunity to visit the training facilities for sports students and learned about the training programs of local athletes, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience in the industry.
The academic culture at the University of Florida was challenging but rewarding. The professors held high expectations for their students, but also provided ample support to help us succeed. I appreciated the emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as the collaborative nature of many of the classes.
Picture 4: I spent most of my time in this building studying, meeting, and attending classes, I have a strong bond with this building.
Picture 5 and 6: During the campus tour led by Dr. Ko, I visited the places where UF athletes live and study.
Ⅳ. Life in Florida
Living in Florida was a unique experience that allowed me to explore a new culture and lifestyle. I have a good friendship with lab members, which provided me with a supportive community. Although it was almost impossible to get around without a car, thanks to my friends, they took me to many places, and gave me the opportunity to explore the city of Gainesville and attend local events and festivals.
Picture 7 and 8: I experienced the local barbecue culture under the guidance of the seniors.
Picture 9: It’s interesting that students here usually ride scooter to school, although I prefer to take the bus.
Another challenge of living in Florida was adjusting to the hot and humid weather, which was quite different from what I was used to. However, I quickly adapted and learned to enjoy the outdoor activities that the warm weather allowed for, such as hiking and swimming.
Picture 10 and 11: Friends led me to hiking and blue spring activities.
Ⅴ. To Conclude
Overall, my study abroad experience at the University of Florida was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to gain valuable academic and personal experiences. I developed important skills such as group brainstorming, gained more knowledge in my interest field of sport management, as well as learned a new perspective on the world. I am incredibly grateful for the support of Waseda University’s Travel Grant Program and the University of Florida, and I would highly recommend this study abroad program to other Sport Management students. Finally, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the professors and lab members of the Sport Management departments at Waseda University and the University of Florida for their unwavering kindness, care, and support.
Note: To protect privacy, there are no photos of specific people.
