
Program Details
Program Eligibility
About
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 integrates excursions to develop understanding of sport sponsorship from the perspective of partners among German athletic teams.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Live in shared student housing with other program participants. A welcome and farewell meal, as well as some additional meals included. Additional meals can be prepared in the housing or taken at local eateries.
Excursions
Excursions in Munich may include:
- Visits to Munich Residenz Palace & Old Town
- Visit to Allianz Arena & FC Bayern Museum
- Visit to Olympiapark
- Visit to Nymphenburg Palace
- Visit to BMW Headquarters and Museum
- Watch a local professional Fußball match
- Visit to Dachau Concentration Camp
- Visit to Alte Pinakothek
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
Faculty & Staff
This program is led by Mitch McSweeney, Assistant Professor in the Sport Management program in the School of Kinesiology, College of Education & Human Development. Dr. McSweeney's area of research and teaching areas of interest are sport for development and peace, social entrepreneurship and innovation, participatory action research, institutional theory, postcolonial theory, corporate social responsibility, diaspora, and forced migration and sport.
Program Structure
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Coursework
In this program, you will develop an understanding of the role sport plays in German society. Examine how prominent German athletic brands engage in the international business of sport while maintaining a strict adherence to fair sporting value systems.
Syllabus for SMGT4520—Marketing & Sponsorship in German Sports (PDF)
Coursework will include participation in class discussions and excursions, reflection-based writing, and a final group project applying concepts learned abroad.
Receive credit for: SMGT 4520
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into our programs. This course can be tied to multiple Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
- #7 Affordable and Clean Energy
- #13 Climate Action
Academic Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
Program Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline |
---|---|---|
Winter Break 2025–2026 | December 27, 2025–January 18, 2026 (tentatively) | October 1, 2025 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our event page.
Date | Time | Location |
---|---|---|
TBD | TBD | TBD |
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
Fees
Winter Break 2025–2026 Cost of Participation forthcoming.
The cost of participation can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. Generally, program fees to these locations range between $7,500–$9,000. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, some meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Bridging Loan
Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Winter Break 2023–24
Global Seminar: Marketing & Sponsorship in German SportsWinter Break 2024 |
|
---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
Tuition and educational costs | $4,589 |
International health insurance | $46 |
Housing and/or mealsStudents will be housed in single rooms: Welcome, Farewell, and New Year's Eve meal included. | $860 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)Group flight | $1,355 |
Total Program Fee | $7,250 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-500 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $6,750 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
Transportation to and from program site | $0 |
Passport/photos | $150 |
Visa/required documents | $0 |
Travel clinic/immunizations*Visit your travel clinic and consult for any costs | $50 |
Housing deposit | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $200 |
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
Texts/materials | $50 |
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeAccess to a kitchen/grocery store available. | $700 |
Essential daily living expensesSIM card included in program cost. | $150 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $900 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $7,850 |
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $400 |
Additional Notes & Information | |
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. |
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to