Learning Abroad Center

Learning Abroad in Sport Management

“Learning abroad is one of the most unique and impactful academic experiences a student can have while at the U of M. As a faculty member, I have previously led study abroad programs, and the transformation that occurs among students as they learn about the world and expand their understanding and perspective of their chosen topic is truly remarkable. When I was an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to study abroad as well. Without question, that experience was a positive, perspective-altering one that stays with me today. Further, the camaraderie that is built when studying in a group can truly build long-lasting relationships. I highly recommend a learning abroad experience to every U of M student.”

Clint Warren, School of Kinesiology

Department Recommendations

Review the following suggestions before beginning your study abroad research. Sport Management courses abroad may not meet core course requirements within the Sport Management program at the University of Minnesota. You will want to work with your academic adviser to find courses that fit within the Sport Management program.

Freshman Year

  • The first semester is the best time to start planning for study abroad.

Sophomore Year

  • This year you can study abroad to fulfill liberal education requirements and/or gain valuable experience through community engagement or internships.
  • Consult with your adviser about coursework and programs you are considering.

Junior and Senior Years

  • Consider a study abroad program that offers classes that support your major and provides you with valuable hands-on experience.
  • Short-term programs over May and summer session are an option.
  • Programs identified on this advising sheet have been identified as programs that fit well for Sport Management students.

How will the study abroad program fulfill my requirements?

Liberal Education

You may take liberal education requirements through study abroad. Consult the U Credit Abroad Search of study abroad courses that have already been evaluated or submit courses online to be evaluated for liberal education requirements.

Major Requirements

You can take supporting coursework, focus electives, or gain valuable experience with internships abroad. Consult with your Departmental Adviser about courses and experiences that will meet major requirements.

Map your academic plan with your adviser

  • Sport Management students planning on studying abroad will need to start working on their Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) form as soon as they have chosen a program.
  • Once you have chosen the courses that you want to take abroad (always choosing more than the amount you intend to take), have descriptions for those courses, and have begun filling out the APSA, you will meet with your departmental and college adviser.
  • Meet with your departmental and college adviser at least three months prior to departing for your program. Your Sport Management departmental adviser must review any major elective courses you wish to take to ensure that they will be counted toward your degree requirements. Bring your APSA and the course descriptions.

College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students

Programs

Africa & Middle East

Botswana

University of Botswana (offered through ISEP Botswana)

  • Comprehensive university located in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana and has a student body of 18,000.
  • The university is a comprehensive institution offering courses in both the liberal arts and sciences and a number of professional programs, including business, education, engineering and medicine.
  • A variety of courses are available through the Department of Sports Science. Course approval from the School of Kinesiology is required for major or minor degree requirements.
  • Instruction is in English; no prior study of an African language is required. Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.

Ghana

University of Ghana (available through ISEP Ghana)

  • Comprehensive university on the outskirts of the capital, Accra, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa.
  • Course offerings are available through the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies. Course approval from the School of Kinesiology is required for major or minor degree requirements.
  • English is the official language and instruction is in English.
  • Fall semester, spring semester, or academic year.

Kenya

Empowering Youth Through Sport

  • Term: May Term 2023 in Nairobi, Iten, Eldoret, & Mombasa, Kenya.
  • Explore how sports, from soccer to yoga to marathons, are all important to a wide range of people in Kenya. 
  • Engage in service projects and discuss activity in the context of Kenyan culture, while remaining cognizant of your own American culture.
  • This program is led by Daheia Barr-Anderson, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, and is approved for Sport Management B.S. major focus elective.

Americas

Argentina

Study & Intern in Buenos Aires

  • Study in Buenos Aires, the "Paris of the Americas"
  • International Marketing (ARGN 3752) and The Global Economy (ARGN 4621) are offered in English
  • ARGN 3752 and ARGN 4621 can count toward the focus electives
  • No language prerequisite

Asia and Oceania

Australia

Study & Intern in Sydney

  • Program term: Fall or Spring Semester, Summer Term
  • Summer internship program available
  • Offers courses in humanities and social sciences for liberal education credit
  • Past placements include: Basketball Australia, NSW Rugby, Ignite Health
  • SDNY 3004 International Business and Trade and SDNY 3015 International Marketing are suggested courses for SMGT students-approved focus electives

University of Queensland (available through IFSA Australia)

  • Program term: Academic Year, Fall or Spring Semester
  • The Sports and Physical Recreation Association has outstanding sports facilities, including an Olympic-sized pool, sauna and spa, tennis and squash courts, a gym, playing fields, and even a sports medicine center.
  • Courses of interest include: Motor Control and Learning, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Sociocultural Foundations of Human Movement, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Health and Fitness through Diet and Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Sport and Physical Activity in Society: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

James Cook University (available through IFSA Australia)

  • Program Term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year, Calendar Year
  • Located near the Great Barrier Reef, rainforest, and outback
  • JCU has long been respected as a leader in sports and exercise science studies

New Zealand

University Study in New Zealand: University of Otago

  • Program term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year, Calendar Year
  • The University of Otago, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the southern hemisphere, is located in Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island
  • Dunedin, New Zealand's "college town," is friendly and intimate with a population of 120,000 and a thriving student population. While there is a relaxed feel about the city, opportunities abound for pursuing outdoor and sporting activities
  • Take classes in Sport Studies through the School of Physical Education
  • Courses of interest include Exercise Testing and Prescription, Nutrition for Exercise and Sport, Sports Injuries, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Coaching

Europe

France

Sports & Culture in France

  • Program term: May Term, 3 credits, 3 weeks
  • Study sports tourism, sports psychology, and sports pedagogy in one of France's most sporty cities
  • Approved for Sports Management B.S. major focus elective

Germany

Marketing & Sponsorship in German Sports

  • Program term 2022-23 Winter Break in Munich, Germany; open to all students
  • Explore the topic of sport sponsorship and its importance in international sport marketing from the perspective of major brands in Munich, Germany.
  • Learn sport sponsorship sales, activation, and account management from a sport organization's perspective through a series of tours and presentations from world football power FC Bayern Munich.
  • This program is led by Clinton Warren, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, and is approved for a Sport Management B.S. major focus elective.

Ireland

University Study in Ireland: University of Limerick

  • Program Term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year
  • Study in Limerick, located in western Ireland on the banks of the Shannon River
  • The Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) department in the University of Limerick is the principal centre in the republic for tertiary education and research in Physical Education and one of the main centres for the teaching of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
  • The University offers innovative academics, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and vibrant campus life

United Kingdom

Study & Intern in London

  • Program Term: Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer Term
  • Offers an internship and courses in humanities and social sciences for liberal education credit
  • Earn 6 credits of professional internship placement
  • Past placements include corporate motorsports centers, second division football club, health and fitness center and working with the governing body of tennis in the UK with organizers of the Wimbledon Tournament

University of Leeds (available through IFSA United Kingdom)

  • Program Term: Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester
  • The University of Leeds is one of Britain’s largest universities and has an international reputation for excellence
  • Courses are available through the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
  • Courses include Performance Physiology, Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology, Social Processes in Sport and Exercise, Physiological Assessment of Exercise in Health and Disease

Additional Options to Consider

LAC Global Seminars

  • 3-week, 3-credit programs at the 3000-level led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff over winter break or May session.
  • Explore an exciting location and topic, Fulfill Liberal Education requirements, or earn major/minor credit.

LAC Freshman Seminars

  • Combine on-campus instruction during the spring semester with a study abroad component during spring break, on a 3 credits, 1xxx level Seminar.
  • Freshman Seminars Abroad are designed specifically for first-year students as an introduction to study abroad, an opportunity to explore an exciting location and topic, and likely fulfill a liberal education requirement.

Additional LAC Seminars

  • Check out additional LAC Instructor-led Seminars that might run over winter break, spring break, May, and summer sessions. They vary in length, dates, and content so students can find one that best fits their academic and professional goals.

Intensive Language Programs

  • Begin your language study or work toward completing requirements for a language minor.
  • Complete a semester of language on a short-term program or explore options to complete two or more semesters of language on semester-long program.