LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 24, 2025) — The gleam of the expansive soccer stadium bleachers beneath a crystal blue South African sky might have been removed from Kentucky, however University of Kentucky students who traveled there as a part of a new training overseas experience say the teachings hit near home.
Led by UK College of Education Kinesiology and Health Promotion school, this system, Global Sport in Africa, makes use of sport to discover tradition and group overseas — and provides students insights they will carry again to strengthen their impression in Kentucky.
“The program is rooted in the belief that students who engage deeply with other cultures return with new tools, perspectives and networks that enhance their ability to contribute here at home,” stated Kwame Agyemang, Ph.D., the George and Betty Blanda Endowed Professor in Sport Leadership and director of the Future of Sport Institute housed within the College of Education.
“In this instance, by collaborating with African sport organizations, our students learn to navigate complex and emerging sport economies, solve problems with creativity and lead with cultural intelligence,” Agyemang stated. “Those skills transfer seamlessly to Kentucky, where many of our communities face challenges that require the same kind of innovative collaboration and resilient mindset.”
The program was designed to provide students a global lens on sport, displaying alternative and impression past the scoreboard. With the experience and steering of program supplier Immersion Africa, UK students skilled Africa’s sporting tradition, sparking new methods of fascinated about management, teamwork and Kentucky’s connection to the broader world.
The inspiration for this system got here from Agyemang’s analysis and engagement within the ever-evolving sport trade. Watching continued globalization, notably amongst U.S. sports activities leagues such because the NBA, NFL and Formula 1 making inroads in Africa, “I thought it would be beneficial for students to understand how sport is led, managed, and experienced outside of the Western contexts they are accustomed to in their books and lectures,” he stated.
With the assistance of Immersion Africa, his imaginative and prescient got here to life in stadiums, lecture rooms and communities in and round Cape Town, South Africa. Cheering alongside native followers, assembly with athletes and sports activities directors, visiting communities and interacting with folks with life experiences completely different from their very own, students stated the experience reshaped their perspectives.
The journey included a mixture of cultural, educational and sensible experiences, from assembly with skilled soccer directors. to exploring the impacts of diet on athletes and training methods. Those experiences additionally targeted on managing sports activities services, organizing sports activities in rising markets. and group engagement. Students attended soccer and rugby matches, visited native communities and noticed wildlife.
“As our world becomes more diverse and globalized, not to mention the rapidly changing tech landscape, the ability to embrace the unknown will become paramount. Experiences like this help to develop those characteristics in our students and set them up for success,” stated sport psychology professor Ashley Samson, Ph.D., who helped to facilitate this system.
Miliana Teson, a senior pursuing a level in sport communication, with a minor in teaching, was wanting to experience sport in a new manner. Growing up within the bodily demanding world of aggressive cheer, Teson was intrigued by the chance to mix her ardour for sport with a curiosity concerning the world past acquainted landscapes.
“Being immersed in this experience added a deep layer of learning. It challenged me to think critically about culture, society and sport in a global context while also allowing me to grow personally. Overall, this program not only expanded my academic knowledge but also gave me meaningful memories and insights that I will carry forward in both my career and life,” Teson stated. “I am extremely grateful I was able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Deven Royal, a sophomore majoring in sport management, was interested in this system as a result of it aligned along with his sports activities profession targets and love of journey.
“After committing to go on the trip I only expected to go around to different sports venues, watch a variety of athletes and sports, and learn a little about how sports culture is different than the U.S.,” Royal stated. “After the trip I was so grateful to have gotten so much more out of the trip.”
Before diving into the world of sport, the group traveled to Langa Township, the place financial challenges have been a stark distinction to vibrant Cape Town.
“It was the most unforgettable moment of the trip,” Royal stated. “Seeing people living in such difficult situations was humbling. Being immersed in this experience can help me get outside of my comfort zone. After this trip, I’m ready to take more opportunities and try new things.”
Seeing sports activities organizations outdoors the U.S. and studying about developments, challenges and alternatives from athletes and directors in a group far throughout the globe was particularly impactful for Angelina Maruskin, a sport communication junior.
“Instead of just studying sport culture in class, I actually got to experience it firsthand by touring stadiums, interviewing coaches, and attending games. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me see new perspectives. I learned so much more by living it than I ever could from a textbook,” Maruskin stated. For instance, Maruskin was stunned on the variety of empty soccer stadium bleachers throughout soccer matches for a South African premier crew.
“This was unexpected, since stadiums in the U.S. often sell out quickly. It really showed me how sports culture varies around the world,” Maruskin stated.
Global Sport in Africa is exclusive among the many big range of global experiences obtainable by UK’s Education Abroad packages, famous Kate Meyer, Ed.D., affiliate director of Education Abroad and Exchanges.
“South Africa is a unique country and is known for how sports are a major player in its economy, cultural background and on the world-level with its teams,” Meyer stated. Students who take part in training overseas experiences “return with greater independence, adaptability and global awareness, often more energized to finish their degree and plan their careers. For many, it’s a first trip outside Kentucky or the U.S., and it not only connects them with new people and perspectives but also builds communication, problem-solving and travel skills that stand out on a resume.”
Additionally, Meyer stated, UK monetary assist, grants and scholarship packages could also be eligible to be used overseas. Staff within the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Office of Academic Scholarships, [email protected], can reply questions and supply particulars about utilizing funds overseas.
Agyemang hopes this system will develop and supply extra students with invaluable global experiences.
“At the Future of Sport Institute, we see ourselves as architects of sport’s future,” he stated. “We don’t just play and watch sports. We immerse ourselves in the cultures, spaces and systems surrounding it. Immersing our students in the global sport ecosystem equips them to lead with purpose and a more expansive vision. That vision is vital for advancing Kentucky because it ensures that the next generation of leaders can connect our local needs to global ideas, practices and opportunities.”