Kylee Harrison, a Linfield University junior from Nevada City, California, is one of six winners across the U.S. for the LewerGlobal scholarship contest.
Like Harrison, those in pursuit of the $2,500 scholarship submitted a video essay spotlighting someone who influenced their journey.
The literature major put her father in the spotlight. She noted how he has taught her about conversation and respecting the land. Her heartfelt words were accompanied by video of her and her family hiking and exploring on a family trip.
The scholarship will help Harrison fund a faculty-led international course to Australia during January Term 2027. The course, “Sports and Exercise in Australian Society,” fulfills a general course requirement.
“I feel incredibly grateful and excited to receive this scholarship,” she said. “It means a lot to have the opportunity to experience a new country and learn outside of a traditional classroom setting. I’m also so incredibly grateful to have a more accessible trip due to this scholarship.”
During her time in Australia, she looks forward to trying new things and experiencing a different culture.
“I love being active in any way I can, so I’m excited to participate in sports and exercise while also exploring new places,” she said. “I want to immerse myself in the experience and have fun while learning in a way that suits me perfectly.”
Exploring Australia beyond the classroom
The international course immerses students in the cultural, social and scientific dimensions of sport and exercise within Australian society.
Students will visit major sporting institutions, universities and community organizations to explore how physical activity shapes national identity, public health and everyday life. The program blends academic experiences with hands-on experiences. Students will observe elite training environments, engage with local sport programs and examine outdoor and Indigenous physical activity traditions. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Australia’s unique sport culture and its broader societal impact.
Students can expect to engage with Australian leaders in sport and exercise. They also will experience the wealth of sport and exercise opportunities that Australia has to offer.
Linfield University offers several other faculty-led international courses during January Term. In 2027, this includes classes in the United Kingdom, Japan, South Africa, France and Thailand.
“The opportunity to go to Australia was a huge reason I was drawn to this program,” Harrison said. “I’ve always wanted to visit, and I thought this would be such a fun and unique way to experience the country. I love exploring new places, and I’ve always felt that one of the best ways to get to know somewhere new is to actually go out and experience it firsthand. I also love staying active in any way and love to try new sports, so being able to combine that passion with traveling and experiencing a new culture felt like the perfect fit.”
