THURS-010 - Development, Evaluation, and Evolution of a Built Environment and Public Health Honors Study Abroad Course

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover how study abroad courses can advance public health education for students from diverse majors. Consistent with the SOPHE 2026 conference theme of global impact, this abstract describes the development and evaluation of an undergraduate honors study abroad course to Amsterdam and Copenhagen focused on how urban planning and community design influence physical activity and health. The 10-day itinerary included content related to both the course theme (e.g., lectures from local faculty, visits to parks, bike tours) and local culture (e.g., museums, landmarks, natural sites). The course was offered in May 2022 and 2024 (16 & 18 students, respectively, from diverse majors) and student evaluations of the course were very positive (average of 4.91/5 over the two years). Students highlighted that the multi-modal academic activities were beneficial and described significant personal growth. Study abroad courses offer a non-traditional but powerful modality for public health education.

Detailed abstract description: The built environment is an important determinant of public health, including physical activity (PA) and obesity. Study abroad courses offer students opportunities to expand knowledge and perspectives via guided exposure to diverse environments and cultures. Consistent with the SOPHE 2026 conference theme of global impact, this abstract describes the development and evaluation of an undergraduate honors study abroad course to Amsterdam and Copenhagen focused on how urban planning and community design influence PA and health.

Starting in 2019, the authors/instructors worked with the University of South Carolina Honors College and an international study abroad company (CIEE) to plan the academic requirements and trip itinerary. Academic course components included a mix of readings, reflection journals, written assignments, and individual and group presentations. The 10-day itinerary included content related to both the course theme (e.g., lectures from local faculty, visits to parks, bike tours) and local culture (e.g., museums, landmarks, natural sites). The course was offered in May 2022 and 2024 (16 & 18 students, respectively, from diverse majors) and is scheduled for May 2026. All enrolled students completed detailed course evaluations and additional ratings and open-ended questions.

Overall student evaluations of the course were very positive (average of 4.91/5 over the two years) and the likelihood of recommending it to other students was high (5.00). Students also reported being “more educated about issues related to other cultures” (100% strongly agree). Experiential itinerary components related to the course theme were favored (e.g., bike tour=100% strongly agree), as were local cultural activities (e.g., Anne Frank House=81%, Fredericksburg Castle=81%). Several students highlighted that the multi-modal academic activities were beneficial (e.g., “different manners of learning were incorporated – reading, writing, research, … lectures, presenting, engaging in discussion, and experiencing first-hand”). Daily reflection journals, in particular, “helped me be more present throughout my time abroad” and “provided some documentation of what I’ve learned that I can go back to later”. Students also described significant personal growth, calling the trip “an empowering experience” reporting “a stronger interest in exploring cultures outside my own”, and stating that “I brought a ton of knowledge and value back to the states”. Finally, recommendations included incorporating more free time to explore on their own, more opportunities for biking, and additional group meals to promote bonding. Additional evaluation statistics and student quotes will be shared.

Study abroad courses offer a non-traditional but powerful modality for public health education. Ongoing adaptation and delivery of this course will facilitate students’ continued acquisition and application of knowledge and experiences to impact public health locally and globally.