University of Wisconsin–Madison
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UW Movement as Medicine in Portugal

Six students stand on teal surfboards on the stand and practice movements.

This program is next anticipated to run in Summer 2027.


Portugal, Lisbon

Explore sedentary behavior, physical activity, physical inactivity, and their association with health outcomes with Lisbon as your classroom! An emphasis will be placed on the Portuguese socio-cultural context, economic systems and healthcare structures contributing to physical activity and health outcomes in insufficiently active individuals.

Join UW-Madison Program Leader, Morgan Shields, as you expand your perspective about access and barriers to physical activity while gaining a greater understanding of the many psychological factors influencing the decision-making process.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Critically evaluate definitions of sedentary behavior and physical activity and how they are measured.
  • Identify and define psychological variables that relate to participation (antecedents) in sedentary behavior and physical activity and those that are impacted by these behaviors (consequences).
  • Communicate National and International recommendations and guidelines for sedentary behavior and physical activity.
  • Formulate behavior change interventions for sedentary individuals with a consideration of the social determinants of health, cultural influences, and expected changes in health outcomes.
  • Demonstrate awareness of variables influenced by sociocultural meanings and histories that are related to global perspectives of sedentary behavior and physical activity.
  • Synthesize connections between out of the classroom experiences and dialogue with perspectives reflecting cultural beliefs related to health behavior within Portugal.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Preference is given to students in the School of Education (all majors).  Further preference is given to students with a declared Kinesiology major.  Preference may be given to students with a declared Health Promotion and Health Equity major.  Preference may be given to students with a declared Kinesiology certificate. 
  • First-Year students must have 2 semesters completed by the time of participation (the preceding Fall and Spring semesters)
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Health Equity

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Summer: mid June to early July

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2025 2/7/2025 Cost Details
Summer 2027 2/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

This course will allow for a comparison of the U.S. medical model with the European health models and incorporate different viewpoints on how to address global increases in obesity and sedentary behavior.

The first week of your program will be held online, with the following two weeks held in Portugal. In addition to daily lectures by UW­-Madison Instructional Staff, Morgan Shields, from the Department of Kinesiology, the program will include guest lectures, activities, and excursions to supplement and support the overall course learning objectives. This program will also provide you with a general introduction to the local culture and society with a particular emphasis on leisure & recreational activities so you can participate and observe how local people engage in leisure and recreation. 

You will receive 3 credits upon completion of the program. You can choose from KINESIOLOGY 250 or COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL SOC 400.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents