September 2017
Aaron Howell
BA International Studies (International Security, Norms and Cooperation); BA Sociology (Law, Justice, and Social Change) ‘18
Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI
Affiliations: Women Track and Field Team, Assistant Ann Arbor Track Club Coach, Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (Rise), and Volunteer at C.S Mott's Children's Hospital
“This summer, I had an amazing opportunity to study sports psychology in Seville, Spain, through a Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA) program. Having little to no experience with Spanish language and culture, it was exciting immersing myself into the Spanish lifestyle. During the three weeks of the program, I stayed with a loving host family, viewed the main attractions in Seville and Granada, went on a tour of the Seville fútbol stadium and other high sport performance facilities, and participated in the International Society of Sustainability Professionals Conference. In my free time, I roamed the astonishing streets to view local street drawings, flamenco dancers and singers, and stopped at numerous restaurants to eat tapas (Spanish appetizers) with friends. Even though living in Spain for a short period was a complete culture shock, I was able to apply things I've learned in my International Studies classes to real life situations. Without the International Studies major at Michigan, I would not have known about the diverse global studies of sports. Studying in Europe, I created relationships with people from different backgrounds, which motivated me to go abroad more and widen my horizons.”
Future plans: “This study abroad program inspired me to become a sports lawyer to help athletes domestically and internationally.”
