Study Abroad Resources for Student Athletes

Student athletes can, and do, study abroad!

Talk with your coach

• Give your coach plenty of notice that you are planning to study abroad
• Explain to your coach why studying abroad is a priority for your college education - coaches are likely to be supportive of your decision (you're a student athlete, after all!)
• Discuss ways to stay active while abroad

Program Ideas

Student athletes may want to choose a study abroad program that does not conflict with their sports season. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Short-term programs
  • Faculty-led travel study programs
  • Winterim and summer programs (select "winterim" and/or "summer" as search terms)
• Semester programs during your off-season (select "fall" or "spring" as a search term)
• Some study abroad programs have sports-related opportunities!
  • UW-Platteville's SAIIE program in Sevilla, Spain, offers students the opportunity for athletes in soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, water polo, rugby, and rowing to practice with local teams and participate in friendly competitions.

While You're Abroad

• Stay active
  • Cross-train by renting a bike or running
  • Join a gym
  • Join a club or intramural team at the abroad university
  • Find others in the same boat, it's always easier to stay active if you have someone to work out with
  • Learn to play a new sport/game and make it cultural!
• Stay connected to your team
  • Skype with your teammates
• Create a blog that your teammates can follow and stay updated with your adventures
• Enjoy being a spectator - become a fan of local sports teams!

Additional Resources

• Gilman International Scholarship Symposium on Supporting Student Athletes to Study and Intern Abroad
• "How to Study Abroad as a College Athlete"
• "Common Myths About Studying Abroad as a Student-Athlete"
• "Competing Against the World: How to Successfully Study Abroad as a College Athlete"