Shannon Upton knew studying abroad would benefit her greatly in the future.
This led the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations senior to search for the right experience. Her pursuit led her to the School of Journalism and Media’s Sports Communication in the UK study abroad program.
The annual program provides students with real-world experiences in sports journalism and sports communication all while immersing them in British sports culture and history.
“My overall experience of the program was great,” Upton said. “If it wasn’t for this trip, I would not have met some of my best friends and would not have grown more into myself and solidified my purpose in life.”
Upton was one of nine students who traveled to London as part of the program this summer.
Professor Amber Roessner said this is the second year the school has offered students the opportunity to study abroad in London. Through the program, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on learning experiences about British sporting culture.
This includes attending football, rugby and cricket matches, touring popular sporting venues, such as Wimbledon Stadium and Old Trafford, and cultural landmarks such as the London Eye. Roessner said assignments included maintaining a reflective journal, working on a vlog or podcast, and breaking news and trending stories.
“It was a really great experience,” Roessner said. “Overall, I was really impressed with the students who attended. I really enjoyed laughing and learning with them.”
Upton aspires to work in marketing or public relations in the fashion industry and said participating in the program helped her learn more about what happens behind the scenes of various sports programs. It also helped affirm her career choices.
“Many fashion brands further their reach among people by connecting with players to be a sponsor for them,” Upton said. “For example, Jude Bellingham, a player for Europe and Real Madrid has a partnership with Skims and that has allowed the Skims brand to reach people who support Bellingham.”
Upton said some of her favorite moments from the trip involved bonding with the other students as they explored London. This includes activities such as attending a Chelsea soccer match and riding the London Eye.
Bonding with the other students was also a highlight from the trip for senior journalism and media major Devyn Arnold.
An aspiring sports journalist, Arnold said getting to experience British sports culture is something that will stay with him for the rest of his life.
“It seemed like a different world to an extent,” Arnold said. “Some of the ways sports were run in the UK was different than the US, so to see other perspectives helped me a lot.”
Arnold knew he wanted to participate in a study abroad program at some point in his college career and finally decided on the sports communication program after extensive research and consulting with his professors.
“I would 100% recommend studying abroad to others,” Upton said. “I think it is a good time to identify yourself and branch out and meet new people, as well as get new cultural experiences. I think it helps open everyone’s eyes on how big the world actually is.”