Location

Sevilla, Madrid, Barcelona, Spain

Program Description

Join us as we vist some of the world’s most successful and storied football clubs and attractions. Spain has a rich history, vibrant culture and a fascinating past that dates back thousands of years with unique architecture, traditions, and way of life. Spain is renowned for its passionate sports culture, iconic football clubs and tennis tournaments, sports play a vital role in Spain's national identity. Joining both international sport and tourism, this trip will give you a new understanding of the global sport tourism industry.

Global sport tourism is valued at over $560 billion per year and is estimated to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2032. Students in this program will visit Sevilla, Barcelona, and Madrid as they study and learn about sport tourism and development. Excursions in Sevilla may include a visit to the stadium for FC Sevilla and sport business lecture, Flamenco show and dinner, and a guided tour of this incredible city. While in Barcelona, we will visit Park Güell, Olimpic Stadium & Museum, Barca Stadium (home of FC Barcelona), and a visit and lecture at RCDE Stadium (home of RCD Espanyol) along with a Spanish cooking class, a visit to Sitges Beach, and a bicycle tour around Barcelona. Our last stop in Spain will be Madrid where we will have three lectures, visit the Las Tablas Padel Club, Aventura Amazonia, tour the Atlético de Madrid Stadium, watch a La Liga football match, and more.

Students will gain a better understanding of international sport and tourism within the context of Spain while hearing from experts, visiting various sites and tourist attractions, and learning about the culture. Students will be asked to complete some readings prior to travel for arrival in Spain. Most of our time will be focused on visiting various sport and cultural attractions in these cities and will include guest lectures and stadium and museum visits along with a La Liga football match.

Location Description

Depart United States on Monday, May 18 in the evening. Arrive in Sevilla on the morning of May 19. Known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, we will be two nights in beautiful Sevilla. We will then travel to Madrid and stay four nights. Our final destination will be Barcelona from May 25-29.

Director

David Shonk | shonkdj@jmu.edu | Hart School of Hospitality, Sport & Recreation Management

Accommodations

Sevilla: Two nights accommodation in Double Room at Hesperia Hotel.

Barcelona: Three nights accommodation in Double Room at INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo 4.

Breakfast is included at each property. As part of the program, dinner will be provided on three nights along with one lunch. Otherwise, students should expect to pay for meals.

Additional Items to Consider

Passport and ETIAS visa needed.

Students will be required to complete some readings and a quiz prior to departure.

The course is primarily for Sport & Recreation Management majors. However, students in other majors at JMU may be considered.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to all majors and class levels, including graduate students.