Key West, FL

Catch a flightCultural sites
Local culture Health & Wellness

Winter 2027

Exercise in Paradise: Health Behavior Change in Key West

EXSC 3930

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Spend 10 days in the contiguous US's southernmost island city exploring health behavior change, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and beach sports while immersing yourself in the rich literary, maritime, and cultural history of Key West, Florida.

7 days travel at
$2,675 plus tuition

EXSC 3930
3 Credit Hours

Instructed by
Dr. Daniel Czech

Priority Deadline
September 30, 2026

Travel Overview

Go beyond textbooks and lecture halls. Study USA’s travel courses combine academic learning with hands-on, real world experiences. Every class maximizes its unique location with immersive activities. 

You’ll earn academic credit, apply what you’re learning directly to your surroundings, and engage in lively class experiences—all guided by Ole Miss faculty.

What You'll Learn

  • Develop a personalized 6-week strength and conditioning program based on individual fitness goals and needs analysis.
  • Explore principles of healthy eating, meal planning, and mindful nutrition through hands-on workshops and daily practice.
  • Understand how stress, psychosocial health, and behavior change strategies impact lifelong wellness.
  • Gain competency in beach volleyball skills, rules, and techniques alongside aerobic and anaerobic conditioning.
  • Examine the cultural and historical significance of Key West through guided excursions to literary landmarks, museums, and maritime sites.

All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.

What You'll Do

Site Visits/Tours and Guest Lectures may include:

  • Daily CrossFit-style strength and conditioning workouts at the DoubleTree Resort.
  • Beach volleyball instruction and tournament play on Key West beaches.
  • Snorkeling and kayaking excursions in the Florida Keys.
  • Sunset sailing cruise off Key West.
  • Reef fishing, jet skiing, and windsurfing adventure day.
  • Guided tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.
  • Visit the Harry S. Truman Little White House, Butterfly Museum,  and Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
  • Cultural dining experiences at Famous Key West Restaurants with healthy eating discussion

Meet Your Instructor

All Study USA courses are designed and led by Ole Miss faculty. Your instructor(s) will be your first point of contact during your travels and lead you through all the class experiences. 

Dr. Daniel Czech

Dr. Daniel Czech

Dean of the School of Applied Sciences and Professor of Health Exercise Science and Recreation Management
drczech@olemiss.edu

Daniel Czech assumed his role as Dean of the University of Mississippi School of Applied Sciences in June 2025, bringing distinguished expertise in performance psychology, higher education leadership, and international sports development.

Dr. Czech is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (Emeritus) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, having consulted with professional athletes across the NFL, PGA, NBA, and MLB. His distinguished background includes serving as International Ambassador for Major League Baseball, developing sports programs and conducting performance psychology clinics in 58 countries. His corporate consulting portfolio includes Fortune 500 companies, where he applies evidence-based psychological principles to optimize workplace performance and enhance leadership development.

 

"I've spent nearly 20 years traveling to 58 countries as a Major League Baseball Ambassador, and the one thing I've learned is that real behavior change doesn't happen in a classroom. It happens when you're challenged in a new environment surrounded by people who push you to grow. Key West gives students the chance to live what we teach: physical conditioning, stress management, healthy eating and cultural awareness, all in one of the most historically rich and physically beautiful settings in the country. You won't just learn about wellness, you will practice it every single day for numerous days, and you will leave with a plan and the confidence to keep it going."

– Dr. Daniel Czech

Program Details

No prerequisites.

Open to students in all majors.

Designed for students interested in:

Health and wellness, Exercise science and fitness, Healthy eating, Beach and water sports, Outdoor recreation and adventure, Sport psychology and behavior change, Cultural history and travel

Prior to Departure

On-campus: Oct 26 & Dec 2, 2026

Meet with your Ole Miss instructor and fellow classmates on the Oxford campus for an in-person orientation and a pre-departure class meeting.

During Travel

Travel: January 10-17, 2027

  • Students make their own travel arrangements to and from the destination.
  • Study USA arranges any ground transportation required during the travel dates.
  • Shared accommodations will be provided on Key West, offering a convenient base for your stay.
  • Your instructor will share exact meeting times and locations before travel and will be available to you leading up to the course through Blackboard.
  • Students may have their airfare billed to their bursar account. You’ll receive details upon course enrollment.

At Program End

To close out your course experience, you'll complete a Skills Exam on Day 6 covering weight room proficiency, aerobic conditioning, and beach volleyball; submit a 4-5 page Beach Activity Report (or Self-Experience Paper) with academic references; turn in your personalized 6-week Strength & Conditioning Program; and hand in your completed Health Journal documenting daily reflections on nutrition, wellness, and behavior change. All written deliverables are due on the last day of the trip, ensuring students leave Key West with a tangible plan for sustaining healthful living long after they return home.

Cost of Program

$2,675
Plus Tuition

What’s Included

  • Local transportation during course
  • Lodging/Accommodation during travel
  • Select group meals
  • Daily activities listed in itinerary

What’s Not Included

  • Tuition
  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Most meals at travel site
  • Personal spending money

Ready to start your academic adventure?