Active Lifestyle Abroad

     Many students here at Long Beach State have lived in the Southern California area their whole life, and going to college is often just a short commute from our family's homes.  There just aren't many major adjustments we may face concerning our health or diet.  But just imagine being thousands of miles away from home, surrounded by new interesting foods, new friends, and new responsibilities.  Would you be able to still maintain your healthy lifestyle you led back home?  One student can, she adapted to a new environment, and continues to keep her health a main priority.

     

     Hanna Kolmeder a first year mathematics major and international student from Germany, actually was already thinking of her health and diet before she left.  She was aware of the bad eating habits of Americans, and said she was scared to death of the "freshmen 10,"  because many of her friends gained weight after going to study in the states.  

     Hanna lives on campus where dorm diets don't resemble mother's cooking at all.  She is forced to eat in the food hall three times a day, which is an all you can eat endless buffet.  She says, "Sometimes when you're really hungry its good, but its way to easy to overeat.  There are healthy options, but its too hard with temptations like pastas, cookies, and ice cream."  She explained that Americans don't eat enough produce, and German breads are always darker and healthier.  She can not believe how many cheeseburgers Americans eat and said, "In Germany we almost never eat a burger in our life."   

     Hanna admitted to feeling guilty often after binging on sweets in the food hall.  To counteract the overeating, she joined several active clubs on campus.  She is involved in the surf club, jazz & modern dance, and the tennis club.  She also takes advantage of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, where she does pilates or spin class on weekend mornings with her roommate.  Hanna proves that even with completely new surroundings, a student abroad can remain health conscious, and live an active lifestyle on campus.

Hanna Kolmeder, German international student enjoying a night at tennis club, Photo by E.Ozlen