The above photo was taken in Tallinn, Estonia and provided by Roze. Six different countries were represented by the nine students pictured.

My name is Martis Roze, and I am from Fishers, Indiana (pictured center). I will be graduating from Wittenberg in May 2019 with a degree in exercise science. On campus, I'm very involved with athletics and the athletic department. I am a member of the men's volleyball team and club ice hockey team. I work multiple positions as a student-worker in the HPER Center, including being a game-day staff member, weight room manager, and team manager.

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, which is why I decided to study abroad for my 2017 fall semester. With the help of the Office of International Education, I was able to study at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland (JYU) for four months. Our office introduced me to ISEP, an international exchange program for students who want to study abroad, and the staff helped me find the right university for me. 

The reason I chose JYU is because it is the top-ranked university in Finland for sports and health sciences programs. I studied with many international students from all across the globe. The most rewarding experiences included befriending my new international colleagues and connecting with many different professionals and people. I encourage everyone to study abroad at least once in their life because it is such a gratifying experience! If you are interested in studying abroad, you should definitely talk to JoAnn (Bennett) in the International Education office.

Traveling for me stems from my family's roots that have been a major influence on my life. During my past three summers, I've returned to my family's home country of Latvia to gain experience in the field of sports medicine and sports performance. I've worked alongside Latvia's biggest and best sports teams, which include NBA players and trainers. I've also shadowed sports doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, strength coaches, and many more.

When I graduate, I would like to become certified as a personal trainer and strength coach to work alongside athletes and help them build their potential. I would love to go on to study for a master’s degree in Europe - possibly Spain, Germany, or Finland, (I haven't decided yet) and eventually move to some place I've never been to start my career.

Martis A. Roze ’19
Major: Exercise Science
Minors: Health, Fitness, Sports Sciences
Hometown: Fishers, Indiana