KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 2, 2026

This summer, an interdisciplinary cohort of Kennesaw State University (KSU) students, primarily from the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, traveled to Amsterdam in the Netherlands for a faculty-led study abroad program designed to deepen academic learning through global engagement. Held May 17–28, 2026 the experience marked a significant milestone as Wellstar College’s first study abroad program to Amsterdam, offering students an immersive, interdisciplinary perspective on public health in a global context.

The experience was anchored in PH 4000: Study Abroad – Public Health in Amsterdam (Course Section S01, Summer 2026), taught by Dr. LaNita Wright, Associate Professor of Public Health and Program Director, and Dr. Brian Culp, Professor of Health and Physical Activity Leadership, who served as the on-site instructor during the trip.

Dr. Wright’s vision played a central role in shaping the program. Following her participation in a 2025 international experience in Amsterdam, where she engaged with researchers and healthcare professionals studying sexual health and community well-being, Dr. Wright returned with a renewed perspective and a goal: to create a similarly impactful opportunity for KSU students.

The Maymester program brought together 11 students from public health, integrative health science, health and physical activity leadership, and biology. This interdisciplinary cohort enriched discussions and reinforced the importance of collaboration across academic and professional fields.

A Global Lens on Health and Well-Being

Through PH 4000, students explored how health outcomes are shaped by systems, environments, and culture. The course emphasized prevention strategies, access to care, and the broader social determinants of health.

Amsterdam provided an ideal setting. Known for its prevention-focused healthcare system and strong public health outcomes, the Netherlands demonstrates how infrastructure and policy can support overall well-being. Students observed how public transportation, walkable spaces, and a deeply ingrained cycling culture contribute to healthier lifestyles.

Daily experiences, from navigating transit to analyzing community design, became opportunities to connect classroom concepts with lived realities.

Capturing Experience Through the PhotoVoice Project

A cornerstone of the course was the PhotoVoice research project, which invited students to document their learning through photography and reflection. Using guided prompts tied to course objectives, students captured images illustrating themes such as spatial design, access to resources, and cultural norms.

Each image was paired with a written narrative, encouraging students to analyze what they observed and connect it to public health frameworks. From bike-lined streets to community spaces and healthcare environments, the photos provided a powerful lens into how health and culture intersect.

Students also participated in a collaborative photography project, working in pairs to present selected images to peers and program partners in Amsterdam. Together, these projects offered both individual and team-based opportunities to synthesize learning and

Learning Beyond the Classroom

PH 4000 was intentionally designed as an immersive academic experience. Students participated in site visits, guest lectures, and cultural explorations that counted toward course engagement and contact hours.

The study abroad experience was supported by EduTravel, an educational travel partner that specializes in customized academic programs. Working closely with KSU faculty, EduTravel managed the program’s travel logistics, daily schedule, educational visits, and guest lecturers, allowing students to engage directly with local professionals and organizations while abroad,

Highlights included visits to the Van Gogh Museum and the Moco Museum, guided bike and canal tours, and discussions with local educators and health professionals. Each experience was integrated into the curriculum, reinforcing key learning objectives.

This placement keeps the spotlight on the students and faculty while appropriately recognizing EduTravel's role in making the inaugural Amsterdam program possible.

Amani Jackson, a KSU junior public health major, reflected:

“One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was attending a lecture at Qpido on grooming and sexting among youth. The Netherlands' open approach to discussing sensitive issues showed me how education and access to support services can strengthen communities. As a public health major, I hope to bring those same principles into my work to support healthier, more informed communities.”

Academic Engagement and Student Growth

Students completed a range of academic assignments, including pre-departure preparation, reflective journals, and the final PhotoVoice project. These components ensured continuous learning and encouraged deeper engagement with course material.

The program challenged students to step outside their comfort zones—academically, culturally, and personally—while equipping them with practical knowledge and global awareness.

Building a Foundation for the Future

As the first Wellstar College study abroad program in Amsterdam, this experience represents a meaningful expansion of the college’s global learning initiatives.

Dr. Brian Culp reflected on the significance of the inaugural cohort:

“What made this experience especially meaningful was that these students were the very first participants in our program. They embraced every opportunity with professionalism, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. As faculty, it was incredibly rewarding to watch them engage in a part of the world that was new for them, support one another, and grow through the experience. Their journey reflects the spirit of Kennesaw State’s ‘Taking Flight’ strategic plan by demonstrating how transformative, high-impact learning opportunities prepare students to become informed global citizens, strengthen community connections, and expand the university’s influence beyond campus. They were not simply students studying abroad, rather they helped establish a foundation that will benefit future Kennesaw State students for years to come while contributing to the university’s vision of excellence and engagement.”

Looking Ahead

The success of PH 4000: Public Health in Amsterdam underscores the value of combining academic rigor with global, experiential learning. Students returned with not only course credit, but also meaningful research projects, cross-cultural insights, and a broader understanding of public health practice.

Most importantly, this inaugural initiative has established a strong foundation for future Wellstar College students to continue learning beyond borders.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.