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The Study Abroad programme at NMIT is all about providing new environments and new opportunities for learners from across the globe.
For Kaija Dybdahl, the decision to leave behind the snowy peaks of Montana wasn't just about escaping the cold - it was about chasing a passion. Kaija’s love of ski-racing, exercise and the great outdoors led her to a degree in exercise science, and this same passion has brought her halfway across the world to study applied fitness at NMIT.
A former pre-law student in the United States, Kaija realised her true passion wasn’t in the courtroom – it was in the fitness Industry.
“Throughout my time in ski racing. I spent a lot of time in the gym and had a lot of personal trainers. I learned to love the gym, lifting and coaching”, Kaija shares.
In her third year of her exercise science degree in Montana, Kaija unfortunately suffered an injury to her knee. Instead of letting this injury deter her, Kaija used this as further motivation for her studies, and to push her towards new study options.
“Since the injury, I’ve become really interested in the rehabbing side of things and really love to watch people improve”, says Kaija.
The International Study Abroad Programme (ISEP) was advertised at her school, and with a strong reputation and a cover photograph of the beautiful Abel Tasman, Kaija was immediately sold on spending the summer and autumn at NMIT. Kaija has joined NMIT's second year Applied Fitness programme for semester 1 through until the end of June which will allow her to gain skills applicable for her degree back home, in a new environment. The environment in and out of class has been a highlight of Kaijas’ time in New Zealand.
“I’m not used to having a personal relationship with any of my professors. It’s been wonderful to build those relationships with each tutor individually. They’re always so willing to help and give you their time”, Kaija shares her in class experience.
When Kaija returns to Montana, she has a clear path forward. As an athlete herself, she’d like to continue to work in the rehabilitation space, specifically focused on athletes. Armed with the insight of the NMIT tutors, she is energised to take her knowledge back home to the States and either begin her career or move on to further study in Athletic Training.
“I’ve really loved all my tutors here; they all have such good invaluable insights and are super free with their vast knowledge. I’ve learnt to focus on the big ideas and the things that are important”, Kaija says.
Find out more about studying abroad with NMIT.
Find out more about NMIT’s Applied Fitness Programme(external link).
