Academics on the move: journey of a nutritional sciences student
Student Profile: Leon Schmidt
Leon in Vietnam
From rustic hostels to backpacking hotspots, Leon Schmidt plugs into whatever WiFi he can find to make sure he gets his homework in on time. Currently a sophomore studying Nutritional Sciences through Arizona Online, this 28-year-old adventurer’s passion for travel has taken him around the globe – most recently, to the Sunshine Coast of Australia. But neither time the zone difference nor distance keeps him from pursuing his educational goals.
The call of the world
Leon in the town square in Pai, Thailand
Born and raised in Silicon Valley, Leon never felt truly at home in the tech-driven environment. Though he began a degree in computer science from Eastern Washington University, he quickly found that wasn’t the path for him. Instead, he decided to seek out experiences beyond the boundaries of his hometown, starting with jobs at Denali and Shenandoah National Parks. The opportunity to work in these stunning natural settings inspired him to dream even bigger – to the world beyond the borders of the United States.
In 2019, Leon embarked on a backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, exploring Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. There, he encountered digital nomads and expats, sparking the idea that he, too, could live and work abroad. His travels eventually took him to New Zealand, where he spent three and a half years working as a shoe repairer. However, when he went to apply for a permanent resident visa, his application was denied due to his lack of a university degree.
Pursuing higher education
Determined to overcome this hurdle, Leon enrolled in the University of Arizona’s B.S. in Nutritional Sciences online program (renamed Nutritional Sciences and Wellness in 2024). His choice of study was inspired by his love of food. As he puts it, “I think about food way too much, so I thought I’d give nutrition a crack.” The program’s flexibility allows him to balance his studies with his current job in landscaping maintenance just a few hours north of Brisbane, Australia.
Leon has a clear vision for his future: to work as an aged care assistant, ensuring that older individuals receive proper nutrition and support in their daily lives. Whether taking seniors to the grocery store or planning their meals, he knows he can make a difference. To that end, he plans to earn a local care assistant certification while simultaneously working on his degree. He believes that his degree, along with the certification, will open doors for him currently closed.
Hands-on application: nutrition around the world
Leon at a market in Australia
Living abroad since he was 22, Leon has developed a profound appreciation for the diverse cultures and lifestyles he has encountered. From the bustling markets of Vietnam to the serene beaches of Australia, each location has enriched his view of the world. “You get to meet people from all over the world and see how they do things. See what’s similar and what’s different,” he says.
Leon appreciates the immediate application of nutritional sciences, with class assignments requiring him to plan real-life meals and menus. He enjoys planning meals based on local food availability and prices, noting interesting differences (e.g. the affordability of pesto in Australia compared to the U.S.).
Even nutritional labeling is different per country. For example, Australia has a Health Star Rating printed on foods to show how healthy the food is. Cream cheese was 1 out of 5 stars, whereas fibrous pasta was 4 stars. He says he’s gaining a diverse perspective on how nutrition is handled in other countries.
In his major, Leon gets to take several electives, giving him the space to try out different areas of study. This customizable approach not only enhances his learning but also makes his classes more engaging and relevant.
Staying connected and organized
Managing online classes from a different time zone can be challenging, but Leon has developed effective strategies to stay on track. By pretending assignments are due a day earlier, he ensures he always has a buffer in case of unexpected delays. Additionally, he uses a scheduling app to visualize deadlines and manage his workload, a crucial tool given the current 17-hour time difference with Arizona.
Despite the distance, Leon feels a strong connection to the University of Arizona community. He attributes this to the support he receives from the college staff, particularly the Learning Lab and advising services. These connections have been crucial to surviving challenging math courses and staying on track while living on the other side of the world.
Advice for fellow nomadic students
For those considering online education while traveling, Leon offers several pieces of advice. First, staying ahead of deadlines is crucial, especially when juggling different time zones. He recommends a time zone app to help manage these details. Second, proactively reaching out to faculty can help when unforeseen travel circumstances arise.
Finally, he also emphasizes the importance of researching visa requirements and limitations thoroughly to avoid unexpected issues. His own experiences have taught him the value of preparation and adaptability, skills that are just as important in academia as they are in travel.
Settling down post-studies
While Leon enjoys the nomadic lifestyle, he plans to settle down one day, ideally with permanent residency in New Zealand. Until then, he continues to embrace new opportunities, in both the digital classroom and abroad.
His journey shows others that education and adventure are not mutually exclusive; it’s possible to create a life that’s both enriching and meaningful, no matter where you are in the world. Leon is carving out a unique and fulfilling path, one that promises to make a positive impact on the lives of those he will one day care for.