by Everyone has dreams, goals, and aspirations they hope to achieve or encounter throughout their life. Whether those be different experiences or interactions, every individual has their own journey they wish to travel. As for me, a dream to spend my summer beneath the European sky. Traveling and encountering different cultures, beliefs, and food with those I hold closest to me. Traveling is not an easy experience and one not everyone is able to fulfill throughout their lives. Fortunately for me, I was handed a once in a lifetime opportunity to study abroad this summer with my university. The trip consisted of traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring different cultures and learning how the world of sport affects them differently. I was also fortunate enough to be granted this opportunity with one of my best friends, where we could experience this trip together.
The first month of my summer was spent traveling throughout the countries of Spain, Italy, and France. As a group, we spent around a week in each country, learning about their history and culture. We also spent a majority of our time touring different athletic facilities and seeing the significance that sport may play in that specific country. Visiting monumental sporting facilities such as FC Barcelona, Spain’s Olympic stadium, Monte Carlo’s F1 circuit, and many more. As an athlete and Sport Management major, I was in absolute heaven. Being able to experience all of these athletic events, while also exploring the country itself, was more than I could have asked for. It was an unforgettable trip and one I will forever be grateful for.
Ultimately, this trip and time period will be something that is cemented into my memory forever. Most people look at traveling as a vacation and free time off, but it is much more than that. It is an opportunity to grow and develop as a person. To see and experience different cultures and perspectives. To watch how the world works and interacts in different countries. This trip impacted me more than I ever thought it would and is something I would suggest to everyone if given the chance.
