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Gym Heels Abroad: Gwen Fink & Claire Stippich
July 11, 2025 | Women's Gymnastics
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina Gymnastics' seniors Gwen Fink and Claire Stippich took their studies abroad this summer. Fink dove into eco-tourism and sustainability in Thailand while Stippich studied sustainability in business in Portugal.
Fink is currently pursuing degrees in Political Science and Management and Society. The Fort Mill, S.C. native headed to Thailand for her first time to explore the importance of eco-tourism and maintaining sustainability. This experience combined her passion for environmental protection and academic studies in policy and law.
UNC was recently ranked no. 5 for public schools in the country in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Colleges rankings. Carolina's academic rigor helps students prepare for opportunities such as studying abroad where they combine what they've learned in the classroom with real-world experiences while being immersed in various cultures. Fink explained, "UNC prepared me well for this experience, particularly through my coursework in political science. I was able to connect what I've learned in the classroom to real-world policy outcomes. This deepened my interest in how environmentalism and public opinion intersect in shaping effective global solutions."
Stippich currently studies Business Administration and Marketing at Carolina and expanded on her coursework abroad this summer. The all-around gymnast traveled throughout Portugal to study sustainability in business.
From engaging with locals and fellow students to trying new foods, Portugal provided Stippich an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and grow as a person. Ultimately, Stippich left Portugal with a greater understanding of sustainability and how she can further her career goals.
The new experiences that accompany studying abroad can be challenging to navigate, but Stippich's time as a student-athlete at Carolina helped prepare her. The senior explained, "Being a UNC athlete taught me time management skills and the ability to adapt quickly in new situations. All these skills were essential when studying abroad to handle busy schedules and last-minute changes in plans."
Different courses. Different parts of the world. Different cultures. Both Fink and Stippich left with greater worldviews and understanding for their respective career paths. "It made me think more about the impact I want to make in my future career," said Stippich.
"This experience has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at UNC. I gained a clearer understanding of how to approach global challenges with both cultural awareness and policy insight." Fink continued, "environmental problems require global collaboration, and that lasting solutions must be built with respect for cultural differences."
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Fink is currently pursuing degrees in Political Science and Management and Society. The Fort Mill, S.C. native headed to Thailand for her first time to explore the importance of eco-tourism and maintaining sustainability. This experience combined her passion for environmental protection and academic studies in policy and law.
UNC was recently ranked no. 5 for public schools in the country in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Colleges rankings. Carolina's academic rigor helps students prepare for opportunities such as studying abroad where they combine what they've learned in the classroom with real-world experiences while being immersed in various cultures. Fink explained, "UNC prepared me well for this experience, particularly through my coursework in political science. I was able to connect what I've learned in the classroom to real-world policy outcomes. This deepened my interest in how environmentalism and public opinion intersect in shaping effective global solutions."
Stippich currently studies Business Administration and Marketing at Carolina and expanded on her coursework abroad this summer. The all-around gymnast traveled throughout Portugal to study sustainability in business.
From engaging with locals and fellow students to trying new foods, Portugal provided Stippich an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and grow as a person. Ultimately, Stippich left Portugal with a greater understanding of sustainability and how she can further her career goals.
The new experiences that accompany studying abroad can be challenging to navigate, but Stippich's time as a student-athlete at Carolina helped prepare her. The senior explained, "Being a UNC athlete taught me time management skills and the ability to adapt quickly in new situations. All these skills were essential when studying abroad to handle busy schedules and last-minute changes in plans."
Different courses. Different parts of the world. Different cultures. Both Fink and Stippich left with greater worldviews and understanding for their respective career paths. "It made me think more about the impact I want to make in my future career," said Stippich.
"This experience has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at UNC. I gained a clearer understanding of how to approach global challenges with both cultural awareness and policy insight." Fink continued, "environmental problems require global collaboration, and that lasting solutions must be built with respect for cultural differences."
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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