Experiential Learning

What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning will help you turn theory into practice while building confidence, connections, and collaborations.

Experiential learning with HHP can be anything from internships, applied courses in HHP, study abroad, and research. These activities are the perfect chance for you to take what you've learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world situations. If you would like to learn more about these activities, please contact benjamin-landsee@uiowa.edu.

Experiential learning gives opportunities to turn theory into practice while building confidence, connections, and collaboration

All HHP students should consider exploring experiential opportunities during their time at Iowa. Experiential learning with HHP can be anything from internships, applied courses in HHP, study abroad, and research. Students should consider learning from these different opportunities because it provides real-life experiences that cannot always be gained in the classroom. Experiential learning is the perfect chance for students to learn by doing; to take what has been learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world situations.

Get involved with experiential learning

Study abroad Internships Applied courses

Research Health coach pathway

Study abroad

Study abroad for undergraduates in Health and Human Physiology can bring a more global understanding of health education, health promotion and wellness or other professional fields in health care by exposing students to diverse populations. Taking HHP faculty led observation courses abroad can teach students about other models of health care outside of the United States standard. 

You can learn more by visiting the Health and Human Physiology Major Advising Page (MAP) on the Study Abroad website. This MAP focuses on the Health & Human Physiology BA and its three tracks, as well as the Human Physiology BS. Future MAPs are planned to address students in the Sports & Recreation Management and the Therapeutic Recreation programs. 

After reading through the MAP, you can visit the steps to studying abroad  page to learn about Discover Study Abroad sessions and how to start planning your time abroad. Ideally, you should begin to plan your study abroad experience at least two semesters in advance of your departure date. Be in touch with a study abroad advisor and your advisor in the Health and Human Physiology Department early in the planning process.

Internships and practicums

Internships and practicums allow you to work for organizations and programs to gain experience.

Internships and practicums can:

Be paid or unpaid
Done for course credit or for no course credit
Be in-person or virtual
Be local, national, or international

Must have a qualified supervisor (determined by the industry)
Must be approved by HHP Internship director if they are being done for course credit
Must meet academic requirements of 45 hours of service/outreach for 1 hour of academic credit
Students need to be in good academic standing with the University of Iowa

Internships are a fantastic way to get experience in careers that match your academic and personal goals. This allows you to try out your professional interests and build on your classroom knowledge with industry experience.

While securing an internship can at first seem like a daunting task, following these four simple steps makes the process easier for everyone. Remember, internships are found by students, not handed out by faculty.

Step one: Find your passions

I have joined clubs at the University of Iowa that seem interesting and fun.
I have taken a skills assessment test to learn about my strengths, weaknesses, and passions.
I have researched potential careers, discussed options with my academic advisor, and communicated with professionals in my future job field for advice.
I have chosen a major that aligns with my values and future career goals.
I have created a LinkedIn page to start building my network and to learn about opportunities that I could seize.

Step two: Build your skills

I have completed coursework that aligns with my goals and helps to prepare me for my future career.
I have volunteered at places that help me get hands-on-experience.
I have created connections through LinkedIn and listened to LinkedIn Learning Videos.

Step three: Identify your opportunities

I have worked with HHP Internship Director or Career Advisor to explore possible sites.
I have spoken with my academic advisor about credit versus noncredit and paid versus nonpaid internships.
I have updated my LinkedIn page with a picture, biography, resume, and achievements.

Step four: Continue your pursuit

I have three professors, previous bosses, or professionals to serve as references on my behalf.
I have applied to several internships and provided the needed documentation (ex. resume and cover letter).
I have prepared for interviews for each respective internship.
I have a system for tracking completed applications and interviews.
I have landed my internship and emailed the Internship Director about registering my internship for course credit.

Review therapeutic recreation internship Browse internships by state

Applied courses

Faculty guided experiences in and outside the classroom to further apply the content of the course to the real-world. Applied learning includes specific courses, field experiences, and guided practicum.

Step 1

Check the list of applied courses listed in the table below and see what ones you may be interested in.

Step 2

Once you determine what courses you are interested in, make sure that you have completed all required prerequisites for that applied course. Prerequisites are listed below for each applied course. 

Step 3

Follow these specific steps to apply for your internship and/or practicum.

HHP:3820 Community Wellness Guided Practicum
HHP3930 Practicum in HHP
HHP:4365 Internship in Health Coaching
HHP:4930 Health and Human Physiology Internship
TR:4197/DST:4197 Practicum in Therapeutic Recreation: Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games, 3 semester hours (Open to all majors)

Research

Work alongside faculty in a lab setting to explore how research is designed, conducted, and measured. Research also includes honors thesis projects that can offer students opportunities to design and conduct their own research. This is an arranged project between a faculty member and a student. 

Students interested in earning credit have the option of enrolling in HHP:3994 Undergraduate Research or HHP:4500 Undergraduate Independent Project.

Gaining experience in HHP Labs is a great way to build skills in research methods. To gain a position in an HHP Lab, explore the HHP Labs and connect directly with lab staff.

Provide support for research by conducting experiments, investigations or evaluations. Collect and analyze data and perform operational duties associated with the laboratory (bench and field), animal or human subjects research, or theoretical investigation. Research in the natural, health, physical and social sciences is included in this job family. Incumbents in this job family typically are involved in one or more aspects of conducting research or may manage/direct staff responsible for conducting research. Requires scientific and research expertise.

Read and understand protocols
Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by the research team
Analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion
Set up and operate research materials or equipment
Recruit, consent and enroll research subjects
Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines
Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator
Track progress of research activities
Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research data
perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used
Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications
Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment

Health and Human Physiology