Students Study Approaches to Obesity While in Luxembourg

Nine Sacred Heart University students recently spent two weeks at the University’s Luxembourg campus, studying the U.S. obesity epidemic from a holistic perspective.

Professor Smith with students at La REcyclerie in Paris

The class, “Food, Health and Society: A comparison between the United States and Luxembourg,” comprised students from various fields of study, including English, sociology, psychology, marketing, economics and sport management.

“This multidisciplinary group had a unique opportunity to understand the complexities of this epidemic through the lens of their respective disciplines and from listening to the viewpoints of those in other majors. Class discussions, guest speakers and course-specific excursions also emphasized the value and importance of using an interdisciplinary approach to figure out solutions to this global problem,” said Lisa Smith, lecturer in SHU’s psychology department. 

Francois Berthet, deputy director at Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health, provided an extensive presentation about the country’s health care system. The message impressed upon Adam McClay, an economics major, was that, “Using a person-centered approach towards health care rather than only using a business model can produce successful outcomes for the individual, community and country.”

One excursion Smith believed had the greatest impact on students was a visit to a social grocery shop in the town of Mersch. The store is set up like a mini market, Smith said, but it serves multiple purposes within the community.

Isabelle Vekemans, head of food and material support for the Luxembourg Red Cross, related that, “The store is designed to provide nutrition education, fight food waste, create and strengthen social bonds and, most importantly, assist people in difficult situations,” such as providing low-cost food, toiletries and clothes.

“Ms. Vekemans’ presentation emphasized that collaborating with businesses, government agencies and community members is a key factor in achieving continued program growth,” said Smith. 

Communications major Angela Vivona and psychology major Emma Cannetti said they came away from the experience inspired to help individuals in their communities.

The students also learned about La REcyclerie in Paris, France, which serves as an interdisciplinary model for food establishments interested in creating a more environmentally friendly atmosphere. Olivier Fontenas, the SHU group’s tour guide for this course-specific excursion, described how partnerships between restaurant owners and farmers advances La REcyclerie’s goals, which are to encourage the public to rethink lifestyles, reduce waste, repair broken items and recycle.

“I had an amazing time on this study-abroad experience and stepped out of my comfort zone,” said Emily Comer, a sociology major.

Overall, Smith said, students began to peel back the layers of a very complex topic, recognized the benefits of viewing the obesity epidemic from multiple perspectives and discovered that problem-solving with other disciplines can create a healthier community abroad and at home.

For more information about studying abroad for a summer or semester program at the SHU in Luxembourg campus, contact Renee Cassidy Pang, associate director of Global Campus Programs, at 203-396-8038 or cassidyr3@saredheart.edu