Japan. 
 
Spain. 
 
England. 
 
Trinidad & Tobago…
 
This spring, the Pacific Lutheran University athletic department had student-athletes in all four locations, taking advantage of the University's robust study away programs through the Wang Center.  
 
Track & field's Allie Youngs spent J-Term in Trinidad & Tobago. Baseball's Christian Cambridge was on Japan's main island of Honshu in J-Term, while soccer's Ally Tattar used J-term to visit London and the United Kingdom. Soccer student-athlete Kayden Hulquist immersed herself overseas the entire spring semester with PLU's program in Granada, Spain. 
 
For these student-athletes, being away from their sport was a large factor in their decision to study away, but in the end, they decided it would be worth it to get this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
 
"For me, the J-term program worked out better than the semester-long programs because I didn't miss out on time on campus and training in our season or off-season," explained Youngs, a junior sprinter and jumper for the Lutes' track & field team.
 
This past J-term, Youngs decided to explore the social work field in Tobago.
 
Similar to Youngs, Ally Tattar capitalized on a J-Term study away program to England to reduce the amount of time away from soccer. 
 
"Because it was over J-Term I felt like I had a lot more freedom in taking time off from soccer. [Being away] occurred to me a bit, but I felt comfortable taking time away from soccer," Tattar expressed.
 
"I think no matter what study away program you do you can always find a way to work out in some manner as long as you have the discipline. I did a lot of running, walking, ocean swimming, and core circuits on the beach," Youngs explained.
 
Baseball senior Christian Cambridge expressed a similar sentiment. Despite having packed days from sun-up to sundown, the senior was still able to squeeze in some training when he had a spare moment or two. 
 
"I was able to train a handful of times at a baseball field that was close to our hotel and there were four batting cages within walking distance. We were busy from the time we woke up till sunset, so I got a 24-hour gym membership that I utilized most nights," said Cambridge.
 
Youngs, Cambridge, and Tattar spent only a few weeks away from their sport, however, Hulquist spent the entire spring semester studying abroad in Granada, Spain. This meant Hulquist missed the entire non-traditional spring soccer season.
 
"I chose to come to a D3 school because studying away in college has always been a priority of mine. I'm so happy that playing D3 allows me to play the sport I love all four years and study abroad for a semester," said Hulquist.
 
PLU coaches are fully supportive of their student-athletes studying away even though it may mean they will miss part of a non-traditional season.
 
"My coaches have always been supportive of my decision to go abroad. They understand that as D3 athletes these are amazing opportunities we can experience and they don't deter us away from that," said Hulquist.
 
Hulquist has gotten creative when it comes to staying in shape in the soccer-crazed country of Spain. 
 
"I haven't been given any 'required' training, but as an athlete that wants to succeed in my last season, I have. I've continued to run and found a gym to lift at. I also play pick up with my school's team a couple times a week or when I can. It's definitely not as rigorous as my normal training but I've definitely tried to keep a base of my fitness, strength, and skills while abroad," said Hulquist.
 
"Sometimes I get stressed thinking about how I'm not as in shape or playing as much as my teammates, because for the first time in my life soccer hasn't necessarily been a priority of mine. But, I just keep telling myself that I'm not regressing and in the end I'm growing in other areas of my life right now and I'll have this summer to get in really good shape and practice more."
 
Studying away is a great experience for students to leave their comfort zone and experience a different part of the world. For these student-athletes, it was no different.
 
Youngs shared her appreciation for "making new connections, memories, getting to immerse in a new culture, and getting to go to the beach everyday" while studying away in Tobago.
 
"I've absolutely loved my host family, they're so kind, welcoming, amazing, funny, I've felt like a part of the family from the very first day. I've also loved trying so much new food in Spain and during my travels. My travels around Spain and other nearby countries has also been one of my favorite parts. It's so fun to travel with friends and get to see and experience so many new places and culture," said Hulquist.

Although studying away as a student-athlete can bring some challenges, those that have done it, recommend every student-athlete take advantage of the opportunity.
 
"You will make unforgettable memories and make lasting connections. Many other collegiate athletes would not have the time or flexibility to study away and do a sport, so the fact that PLU offers both is great," Youngs expressed.
 
"If anyone is considering studying away definitely have a meeting with the Wang Center and talk to your academic advisor about it. Exploring what programs work for you and organizing your graduation plan sooner than later is very important. It's such a special opportunity that I wish everyone could experience so making sure your graduation plan isn't standing between you and studying away is something I recommend figuring out ASAP. It's so fun and unique and I've never heard of anyone who has regretted studying away," said Hulquist.