For Purvi, studying kinesiology at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is more than just an academic choice — it’s a deeply personal step toward fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. Originally from Gujarat, India, Purvi chose the University of Illinois Chicago with a clear goal in mind; she wanted a major that would prepare her for medical school while also giving her the flexibility to explore related areas such as health sciences, physical therapy, and human movement. Along the way, she found a supportive community, hands-on learning opportunities, and the confidence to succeed in a new environment.
Read on to learn more about Purvi’s shift from India to Chicago, her decision to study kinesiology, and how UIC has supported her throughout her academic journey so far.
From Gujarat to Chicago: A Unique Path to Medicine
Purvi’s journey to medicine began long before she set foot in the US, as it was a dream both her father and grandfather shared. However, instead of following the more traditional biology or pre-med route, she chose kinesiology, not the most common path for international students pursuing medicine.
“I wanted a major that is related to medicine … but not completely in a clinical format,” she explained. “Kinesiology gives you everything that you need to know before you enter medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or any kind of sports profession.”
For students unfamiliar with the field, kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, focusing on how the body functions during physical activity, exercise, and rehabilitation. Students in this major learn about anatomy, physiology, muscle science, biomechanics, and motor control, often combining classroom knowledge with hands-on experience. Kinesiology can prepare students for careers in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, sports science, and more.
Why Study Kinesiology at the University of Illinois Chicago?
As Purvi researched universities that offered strong kinesiology programs, UIC stood out for its academic reputation and wide range of student resources.
Ranked #80 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Illinois Chicago is one of the most respected public research institutions in the US. Located in the heart of Chicago, UIC offers students access to world-class academics, a vibrant urban campus, and career opportunities in one of the country’s most dynamic cities.
UIC’s focus on student support and academic innovation helped Purvi feel confident in her decision. From scholarships and internships to research and assistantships, the university offered everything she was looking for.
“UIC is one of the best universities … UIC has all the different amenities for students — resources, scholarships, internships — so it’s full of opportunity,” she shared.
UIC: A Campus That Feels Like Home
“There are thousands of students [at] UIC, but still you can find space — it’s just not very crowded, and it’s just the perfect amount of students… It’s like what I envisioned before, so it’s a dream come true,” Purvi said.
Despite the excitement of moving to a new city, Purvi’s first days on campus back in 2023 began with a challenge regarding registering for courses. She reached out to her UIC Global advisor, Sandra Moklak, who helped her resolve the issue with urgency and compassion.
“That’s when I got close to UIC Global, because they were the point of contact,” she said. “They were the only people who could help me out, because they know how international students and their colleges and universities work abroad and in [the] US.”
From Student to Campus Leader: Finding Her Voice Through UIC Global
That early experience led to a lasting relationship with the UIC Global team. After attending orientation events and staying engaged throughout her first semester, Purvi was offered an on-campus position as a student worker and tutor, a role that grew out of her strong academic performance and her willingness to connect with others. Sandra knew Purvi was looking for an on-campus job; with her professors’ glowing recommendation, Purvi was able to start a position at the Writing Center.
Now, as a student ambassador and tutor, Purvi is paying it forward by helping other students find the support she once needed.
Bringing Recognition Into the Field of Kinesiology
When Purvi walked into her first kinesiology seminar course, she noticed she was the only international student in the classroom.
Purvi explained that many students from abroad do not know kinesiology is an option, thinking that biology is the main track to pursue. Many of Purvi’s friends on a pre-med track haven’t chosen Applied Health Sciences (AHS) (her major), but Biological Sciences. For Purvi, this gap in awareness highlighted the importance of sharing information about alternative pre-med/health care pathways.
“I think it’s just a lack of information [in] many countries … they do not know much about AHS, what kinesiology is, what major[s] they offer, so I think that was a little bit shocking for me,” she said.
Getting Real-World Experience Before Med School
For students preparing for careers in health care, hands-on learning is critical, and at UIC, Purvi found it early on. Purvi’s academic highlights include one of the most hands-on courses in the kinesiology program: Anatomy and Physiology, a two-semester course that includes cadaver lab work — a rare opportunity for undergraduate students, especially those not yet in medical school.
“I remember the first time I held a human heart in my hand, and then I could feel what the chambers are, the brain, the kidneys … I think if I was just doing the pre-med [program], I would not get that experience before entering med school,” she said.
Getting to work with real human anatomy so early in her academic journey provided Purvi with the level of clarity and hands-on preparation she hadn’t expected as an undergraduate. The experience reinforced her confidence in choosing kinesiology and confirmed that UIC was the place to pursue her goals.
Purvi’s Advice for Future International Students
Now a sophomore, Purvi is completing the core requirements for both her kinesiology degree and pre-med prerequisites. She’s also exploring clinical internships and research opportunities to further strengthen her med school applications and is committed to continuing her student involvement on campus. Her long-term goal remains the same: to attend medical school and eventually practice medicine.
As she reflects on her journey thus far, Purvi offers valuable advice for other international students preparing to study abroad. First, she emphasizes the importance of making sure your documents are in order before you arrive, noting that even small mistakes can lead to big problems.
She also urges students to look beyond the courses a university offers. “Look at [the quality of] the faculty, what are the reviews for the faculty, what does the campus look like, what amenities [it has], do they offer scholarships, or internships … do they offer on-campus employment,” she pointed out.
Finally, she encourages students to explore different majors instead of simply choosing what is most popular. Doing so, she believes, can lead to more fulfilling and personally meaningful academic paths.
Purvi’s journey from Gujarat to Chicago is a powerful example of how the right university can lead to new paths, build confidence, and create lasting impact, both inside and outside the classroom.
At UIC, Purvi is not only earning a globally recognized degree, but has found community, mentors, and real-world experiences that are helping her move closer to her dream of becoming a doctor. Whether you are pursuing a future in medicine, research, or health sciences, the University of Illinois Chicago offers the support and opportunities to help you thrive.
