Fourth-year Recreation and Sport Business students recently returned from London, England as part of an eight-day study abroad course — REC 472 (International Study Abroad in Sport Business).
The course offers a comprehensive look into the dynamic field of international sport business. Designed for upper-year undergraduate students, the course took 20 students, under the supervision of Drs. Katie Misener and Luke Potwarka, to London, a hub for international sport organizations, events and businesses.
“The days have been very full from morning to night, but the itinerary has been incredible and offered many unique opportunities for learning,” said Dr. Misener.
Students visited Loughborough University, Wimbledon, West Ham United Football Club, SportBusiness International, Marylebone Cricket Club, Lord’s Cricket Ground, Chelsea Football Club and the Association Football Club (AFC) Wimbledon.
“I could not be more proud of how well our students represented the University of Waterloo,” she said. “They were highly engaged throughout the entire course.”
Students explored new views on sports marketing, sponsorship, media rights, women and sport, event management, governance, community development and the socio-economic impacts of sport on global communities.
“The course is a significant experiential opportunity for students,” said fourth-year Recreation and Sport Business student Mathew Szeremeta. “You get to see in-person examples of the many concepts we learn in class being used in many different levels of sports organizations.”
Through engaging lectures, field visits and tours, interactive discussions and meetings with prominent sport organizations and venues, students developed firsthand insights into the global significance and rich cultural history of the sport industry.
“My favourite part of the trip was spending time together with the other students,” said Szeremeta. “It gave a family-like aspect to the trip, making every moment more enjoyable.”