We travel back to the Netherlands with track and field junior Michael Havkins. A business administration major with a concentration in international studies, he is studying at Maastricht University. Here we find out how is experience abroad has been so far.
Have you visited any other cities or countries other than your home base? If so, where was your favorite and why?
Throughout the past six weeks, I have been traveling to different countries almost every weekend. So far, I have traveled to Germany, Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, Denmark, Switzerland, France and Austria with plans to travel to many more countries by the end of my semester! So far, my favorite country to visit has been Switzerland because I was able to swim in the freezing waters of Lake Geneva and hike up incredible mountains with unforgettable views just 10 minutes away from where I was staying! Additionally, I had my fair share of cheeses for almost every meal.
What classes are you taking? What class is your favorite?
Some of the classes that I have been taking are "Cultural Dimensions of Global Business" and "Management and Leadership in a Global World". The Management and Leadership course has truly changed my perspective on self-renewal in the workspace all while influencing me to become a better entrepreneur. Since my professor is an entrepreneur and business consultant himself, I have been able to work with him to further develop my own business, DressedGPS.com, for long-term success.
What made you want to go abroad?
After traveling to Costa Rica for three weeks for a community service program in the summer of my sophomore year of high school, I realized that traveling abroad allowed me to continue to challenge myself and experience new cultures. I have always been encouraged by my father to appreciate the world around me. What better way to do so then to form everlasting friendships and go on adventures all across Europe?
What are you doing to train and prepare for your sport while so far away?
Even though I have been traveling nearly every weekend, training for track and field has remained one of my top priorities. In addition to lifting in a fully equipped weight room four days a week, I focus on explosiveness and sprints with a former Canadian National Rugby Team athlete two days a week in the mornings. I also focus on my throwing technique on the tennis courts right outside my dorm about twice a week. Here, I film myself doing the full rotational spin and then compare the videos to professional throwers on YouTube – something I used to do in high school. Since I have to cook all of my own meals, my diet has improved drastically. In fact, I am often teased about having six meals a day, most of which involve chicken and/or eggs!
Any words to your team back home?
Any words to my team back home? Yes! I cannot wait to spend time with the whole team, once again, and share all of my stories from abroad during preseason. I'm proud of how great the team has been doing in the offseason and I am eager to get back into action. I'd also like to give a huge shout-out to the Throwers Squad: Get ready for some awesome team dinners next semester!
