WESTON, Mass. -- Balancing athletics, academics, and leadership roles is part of everyday life for student-athletes at Regis College. For Teal Galligan (Acushnet, Mass.), a nursing honors student and dual-sport athlete in both field hockey and women's lacrosse, that balance includes seeking out meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom and field. When a study abroad program in Bolivia focusing on global health and medical disparities was offered, she saw it as the perfect way to merge her academic passion with her interest in cultural immersion.

"Since I was young, I always expressed a desire to immerse myself in as many cultures as I could," she said. "As a freshman I entered the nursing program with honors, as well as joining both the field hockey team and women's lacrosse team. So when the abbreviated study abroad in Bolivia was proposed to me, I was eager to learn more."

Once she learned that the program focused on medical disparities, she knew it aligned with her goals. "I began to organize the necessary paperwork and resources to gain a spot on the trip."

Life and Learning in Bolivia

Every day in Bolivia brought something new—and full of purpose. "Upon arriving in Bolivia, I began most days by getting a complimentary breakfast within our hotel," Galligan recalled. "Given our packed itinerary, we typically left the hotel quite early (8 a.m.) to begin the day's activities."

From touring two universities and a private hospital to exploring Bolivia's rich cultural landmarks like the botanical garden, local markets, and El Fuerte de Samaipata, the trip was an immersive experience in both medicine and culture.

"The main event which took up the majority of our days was centered around growing our knowledge of international medicine," she said.

The group also had moments to unwind and explore on their own. "After the main festivities were over, we were often given free time where we were allowed to explore the surrounding areas on our own before returning to the hotel to meet with the group for dinner."

Cultural Connections and a Lasting Impact

One moment stood out above all: a cultural lunch exchange at Universidad Católica Boliviana Santa Cruz. After hearing from professors, administrators, and students, both groups came together to share traditional foods from their respective homes.

"The interaction that stood out the most to me was our cultural lunch exchange," she said. "Some homemade dishes they shared with us were fried yucca, Majadito de Charque, el pollo, and Chicha de piña, a traditional Bolivian drink. Given our circumstances, we presented some of the traditional New England & Boston treats, such as Twinkies, Cape Cod chips, and cosmic brownies."

"This experience was the most impactful for me because it is an example of cultural blending stemming from eagerness to learn, openness to differing traditions, and communion with natives of a foreign country. Being able to bond with others through a familiar experience allowed us to be comfortable and enthusiastic to partake in our cultural exposure."

Even beyond that moment, the people she met made a lasting impression. "The countless people I met during my brief time in Bolivia were what made this trip unforgettable," she said. "All the locals were more than welcoming and friendly, but the connections with the students I was introduced to are the most memorable."

"Being able to discuss our cultures and prospective futures with fellow college students was an insightful and invaluable experience. The presence of people my own age for many of our daily activities really helped me to build perspective, as it made the Bolivian lifestyle relatable. Upon leaving, I am still in touch with many of the students I met via social media."

A Shift in Mindset

The biggest change came from within. "This trip has deeply impacted my perspective on life and leadership," she reflected. "Being immersed in a different environment, surrounded by new people and challenges, reminded me of the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone."

"I learned that true leadership isn't always about taking charge—it's often about listening, adapting, and showing compassion and humility. Especially within a foreign country, it is important to be open to new traditions, languages, and mannerisms as these people welcome you and allow you to enter their culture."

"It expands your worldview by introducing you to unfamiliar lifestyles, beliefs, and practices. Overall, helping you to be a more open, appreciative, and accepting person towards others who differ from you."

The Student-Athlete Advantage

Being a student-athlete isn't just about competition—it's about resilience, time management, leadership, and teamwork. For Galligan, those qualities played a key role in how she approached the experience in Bolivia and maximized every opportunity that came with it.

"Being a student-athlete has taught me how to work with others who differ in skill, strengths, and weaknesses to drive toward a particular goal," she said. "You quickly learn how to adapt to different people and situations, and how to support those around you—which is exactly what this trip required."

Juggling practice, games, coursework, and leadership responsibilities meant she had already developed the ability to manage a packed schedule—something that came in handy during long days of travel, hospital visits, academic presentations, and cultural excursions.

But the real advantage came socially. "I'd say what I was most prepared for because of my student-athlete identity was the social aspect of this trip," she explained. "As a student-athlete, I'm constantly thrown into environments with new teammates, new dynamics, and high expectations. That taught me how to be open, flexible, and engaged in unfamiliar situations."

The same skills she brings to the field—discipline, communication, empathy, and a strong work ethic—helped her connect with peers, embrace challenges, and remain curious and respectful in a completely new cultural setting.

"Being part of a team teaches you that success isn't individual—it's built on shared experiences, listening, and mutual support. Those values translated directly into how I approached this trip, and they helped me fully embrace the people, places, and lessons I encountered."

And when asked for her advice to fellow student-athletes thinking about studying abroad? Don't let your schedule hold you back.

"Some advice I would give other student-athletes who are considering studying abroad would be to reach out to global connections to search for opportunities that fit within your schedule," she said. "Being a student-athlete does not mean you have to choose between your team or traveling—the opportunities will likely just look different for you."