By: Izzy Steane

Kia ora! My name is Izzy, and I’m currently in my second year of a Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance, majoring in Healthy Active Living at Waikato. I’ll be starting my third and final year in February 2026. This semester abroad at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) has already been an incredible learning experience. I can’t believe how fast the semester has flown by; it feels like I only just arrived, and now I’m already halfway through. Honestly, a semester abroad doesn’t seem enough; there’s so much more to see, learn, and experience. Between nutrition, anatomy, and even digital marketing, my weeks have been full, challenging, and surprisingly fun. Here’s a snapshot of my classes and what it’s been like adjusting to studying in the U.S.

Advanced Nutrition: Food From Farm to Fork (NUTR 40300-01M)

This course has been completely different from anything I’ve done before. It follows food from farm to plate, exploring not just crops and livestock but a wide range of topics related to local food systems, including sustainability, seasonal and regional factors, and how these affect communities and consumer behaviour. Visiting local farms has been one of the best parts. Indiana is well-known for its corn production, and seeing how crops and livestock are managed in the region adds a unique perspective. Along the way, we’ve learnt about foraging foods, including plants and weeds that can be used in cocktails, and even how to identify edible and poisonous plants. What I love most about this class is experiencing these activities firsthand and hearing directly from the farmers, whose enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge really makes the learning come alive. Assessments focus on reflecting on these experiences rather than heavy research, which is very different from Waikato. It’s the only class where I have something similar to an internal assessment, and the practical, interactive approach makes the subject feel truly engaging.

Essentials of Nutrition (NUTR 30300)

I was curious to see what an American nutrition class would be like. The content is similar to what I’ve studied in New Zealand, covering core nutrition principles, but the teaching style is different; there are no formal lectures, just small, twice-weekly classes that make it easier to ask questions and have discussions. It strikes a nice balance between familiar nutrition knowledge and new approaches to learning and applying it in everyday life.

Digital and Social Media in Marketing (BUS 48003-01I)

This class is fully online, which has been an adjustment for me. I’ve realised I’m not the biggest fan of online papers, especially when group projects are involved, coordinating and communicating virtually with everyone can be tricky. Still, it’s been interesting to see how businesses use social media creatively, and I’ve learnt a lot about teamwork and digital communication along the way.

Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL 20300)

I thought this would be my easiest paper, but it’s been surprisingly challenging. Lectures and labs are intensive, with weekly lab tests that count towards our final grade. I recently completed my first practical lab exam, which was nerve-wracking but rewarding. I’m really glad I took this class; my degree back home doesn’t go into anatomy in much depth, so it’s been fantastic for connecting all the pieces of knowledge I have and seeing how nutrition and anatomy interact in the body.

Different Layouts and Learning Adjustments

Courses at PFW are structured differently from Waikato. Assessments are smaller and more frequent, so the pace is faster, but the workload is spread out. I  had a few hiccups crediting papers from Waikato, so I’m using some electives this semester, an opportunity to explore subjects outside my usual focus.

Reflections

So far, my time at PFW has helped me grow as a student and given me a new appreciation for different teaching styles. Between labs, field trips, and online tasks, it’s been busy but really rewarding. I’m looking forward to the rest of the semester,  and, of course, a few more caffeine-fuelled quizzes along the way.