North Columbus News

Students at The Ohio State University interested in sports management careers now have the chance to gain international experience through a study abroad program. The European Model of Sport program, organized by the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE), provides students with an introduction to European sports management, marketing, and law. According to Brian Turner, professor of sports management and Kinesiology Program chair, the course aims to offer students a global perspective on the industry.

“This was our first study abroad program in the sport industry major, which is the largest major in the College of Education and Human Ecology,” said Turner. “We have just around 700 students. It’s grown tremendously. This [spring] was our fifth trip, and it’s designed to expose students to other cultures, especially in regard to sport.”

Erik Porfeli, chair of the EHE Department of Human Sciences, noted that these trips offer unique opportunities for students to connect with each other and faculty while learning together over an extended period. “Study abroad trips like this one offer a really unique opportunity for students to connect with each other and for students to connect with faculty," he said.

The program has taken students to various European cities known for their sports history since 2018. This year's itinerary included Munich, Prague, and Berlin from May 9-19. Students visited Berlin’s Olympiastadion where Jesse Owens won four gold medals during the 1936 Olympics.

“This was a repeat of our first trip back in 2018,” Turner mentioned about including Jesse Owens' achievements as part of their visit.

The EHE works with Ohio State's Office of International Affairs to promote awareness about the program among students who also share their experiences encouraging others.

Laney Simons, a third-year exercise science major discovered the program via word-of-mouth from peers who had participated previously. She joined because it aligned with her career goals in sports physical therapy.

Cameron Thompson, studying sports industry and finance found it an ideal short-term study abroad opportunity that fit into his schedule after academic commitments ended but before summer internships began.

Simons appreciated attending a basketball game in Europe which highlighted differences between European and American sports organizations. "We toured the Bayern Munich basketball stadium," she said. "We got to talk to the CEO...and he was really good at explaining...how European sports are organized versus American sports."

Thompson remarked on experiencing passionate fan bases at soccer matches unlike any American sporting events he had attended before.

Both Simons and Thompson valued learning about local histories alongside their sporting education as they explored different cities during their stay. Visiting historical sites like concentration camps offered profound insights beyond just sporting aspects.

Reflecting on group dynamics throughout this journey Thompson shared: “I think a lot of them are going be friends that I keep here at Ohio State…It took going all way Germany get closer them.”