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Student Athletes Abroad

A page within International Education & Engagement

Student athletes have larger time commitment and tighter schedules in order to keep up with their academics and training during and off season. It might be easy for them to assume that there is not time to study abroad. The good news is that this is a misconception. If you identify as a student athlete, with some planning and good communication with coaches, academic departments, and IEE you can also take advantage of this transformational learning opportunity. Not only you will be immersed in and learn from another culture, but you will see your sport from another country’s perspective. The key is early planning.

Quote from Stephanie in the Cayman Islands
Quote from Audrey in Spain
Quote from Sophia in Germany

 What Does the NCAA Say?

“Coaches and administrators find that study abroad helps fulfill the ideal of equipping students to thrive after graduation in an increasingly globalized society” Hiskey, NCAA News, 2011

“In Division I, approximately 27 percent of student-athletes have either studied abroad or plan to do so” “For Divisions II and III, roughly 30 and 40 percent of student-athletes, respectively, have studied or plan to study abroad” NCAA, 2015.

As any student who is planning to study abroad, you will need to do some research. Before you start your research, make sure to learn about the different programs options here or by attending an Education Abroad 101 session. Then, talk with your coach to identify when it would be better for you to study abroad and for how long. For example, did you know there are short-term summer programs which most likely will not interfere with your commitments as a student athlete? If you explain to your coach why education abroad is a priority for your college education, your coach is very likely to be supportive of your decision. It is very important to give your coach plenty of notice about your plans to participate in an education abroad program.

Once you are ready to start your research, use these suggestions and questions to guide you. If at any time you feel lost or have questions, do not hesitate to contact our office. IEE Education Abroad Advisors will be more than happy to help you!

  • Look for program options that cater to student athletes. A great option is the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE) in Seville, which offers college athletes the opportunity to train with and play against local Spanish teams during the spring, fall, or summer term, while taking courses at SAIIE, Universidad de Sevilla or EUSA private University and earning college credits. SAIIE offers the following sports programs: rowing, rugby, soccer, swimming, volleyball, and water polo. Learn more here, and find our application here.
  • Think about your educational goals. Can you meet some of your academic goals during a short-term program during Summer Break?
  • Find ways you can stay active while abroad to continue with your training. Is it easy to find public sport facilities in that country/city? Does the institution abroad offer athletic facilities on campus?
  • Think about ways to connect with other athletes while abroad. Are there club or intramural teams I can join in that institution?
  • Find out how your sport is viewed in that country? Is it popular? If it is a sport that is not that popular in that country, it might be difficult to find ways to keep up with your training.
  • Think about being a spectator. Are there sport events held in that country that relates to what I play?
  • Ask you coach for alternative training options that can be easier to follow abroad.
  • Think about alternative options to stay in shape such as bike rides or hikes.
  • If I do not find anything related to what I play here, will I consider trying something new like a local sport?
  • Think of various ways you will communicate with your coach and your team, have a plan in mind!

Start your research based on the information above. Again, if at any time you feel you need some help, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with an Education Abroad Advisor. We are here for you!

Resources

How to Study Abroad as a College Athlete

Common Myths About Studying Abroad as a Student Athlete

ISA Video :60 on Study Abroad – Athletes Abroad

Disclaimer

The resources provided on this website are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement or approval by UW-La Crosse of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. UW-La Crosse bears no responsibility for the accuracy,

Student's Testimonials

Stephanie
Audrey
Sophia
Matthew

Stephanie in the Cayman Islands

"As a student athlete, I dedicate most of my time to softball and academics. I always dreamed of studying abroad, but never thought I would have time to do it, especially being a biology major. It was hard enough learning upper-level courses in person, so the possibility of taking a couple abroad never seemed possible. However, this past year a new program was started, and it was the perfect fit. This two-week program over winter break allowed me to study a mix of biochemistry and environmental ecology at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute in Little Cayman. It was everything I dreamed it would be, and it was offered at the perfect time for anyone completely booked during the school year. I gained field experience, knowledge about their current research, and had fun exploring the island with my classmates. Even though this trip was short, to me, it was the experience of a lifetime. I didn’t have to worry about falling behind in classes or practices, which was important to me. I urge anyone who wants to study abroad, but doesn’t think they have time in their schedule, to learn more about this program and experience the amazing opportunities it brings."

Audrey in Spain

Last semester, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Alcalá de Henares, a city just outside Madrid, Spain. As a student-athlete, I was initially hesitant about being away from my home university and missing structured training. However, taking that leap of faith became one of the best decisions I’ve made. This experience helped me grow not only in my language skills, but also in my independence, self-reliance, and confidence. One of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad was finding a local track and field team to train with. Practicing multiple times per week allowed me to stay in shape for my sport back home while immersing myself in Spanish culture in a way I never expected. My teammates welcomed me wholeheartedly — I met their families, traveled with them, explored local spots, and experienced daily life from a perspective I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Balancing academics, athletics, and life in a new country pushed me outside my comfort zone and showed me how adaptable I can be. Studying abroad taught me that stepping away from the familiar doesn’t mean falling behind — it can help you grow as both an athlete and a person.

Sophia in Germany

I am a female UWL track and field athlete. As a track and field athlete, we train year-round. We lift 34 days a week, run workouts every day and jog on the weekends. Track’s a demanding sport and if you don’t stay in shape, it’s nearly impossible to go into the season strong. In Marburg, there was a university track, which was about a 20-minute bus ride and 15-minute walk from my dorm. I made it my mission to go to the track whenever my workouts called for it (Sometimes after class, between class, at night etc.) When I had hill workouts, I’d use a huge hill that I found in the forest. When I had “stadium” workouts, I’d use the flights of stairs in my dorm. On the weekends, I’d do light jogs on the forest trails. Whatever- cold, rain, heat, I still did what was on my training plans (sent from my coach). Sometimes, I had to work with what I had and adjust. When we had sled pulls (a haltered sled with weights dragged behind), I’d use my backpack which I’d fill with books as weight. I couldn’t get into a weight room, so I used the racks outside, on the track, for body weight exercises like pull-ups, push- ups, dips, pole-vault drills, abs, etc. I’d even use tires they had laying around for squats. Training in Germany was hard, because I had to learn to self-motivate and push myself without my teammates, but WOW, was it worth it. I found a copious amount of strength and pride in what I had accomplished and came back to my team in La Crosse as strong, as fast, as confident, and as in shape as I’ve ever been. I encourage UWL student athletes to look into the study abroad opportunities offer at UWL as studying abroad really is beneficial for us as students and individuals.

Matthew in Spain

During my experience in Spain, and as a 21-year-old white American Indian male, I learned a lot about myself abroad. Before studying abroad, I had never been out of the country before, therefore I hadn't been exposed to other countries’ cultures. In my home state and country, being a white male stands out to many people as being privileged. In Spain, this was not the case. Being in a country not of my own and standing out from the rest was a unique experience for myself. It was a good twist from being comfortable in my home country, to being uncomfortable and a foreigner in another country. Having to learn a new culture and norms for my daily life was strange but very cool! In addition, it was challenging and scary at times living in a country that didn’t speak my native tongue. During my experience in Spain and looking back now, I had an amazing time abroad. I took advantage of my time learning, exploring, making friends, and trying to set a good example for Americans. Studying in Spain has definitely shaped my perspective on who I am today and how I view and identify myself and others.

Events

Multiple dates (21 upcoming) Education Abroad 101 Learn how you can study abroad/away!
5 to 9 p.m. Sat, April 18 61st Annual International Banquet
2 to 3 p.m. Tue, April 28 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Group Presentation Session (GPS)
4 to 5:30 p.m. Wed, April 29 IEE Graduation/Farewell Celebration

News

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