What inspired you to go abroad?
I am from the United States where pursuing a Master’s degree can be quite expensive. I did not have the opportunity to study abroad while an undergraduate student. I was a collegiate student-athlete and wanted to experience getting a graduate-level education abroad that I might not be able to have later on in life.
Trip to Sintra, Portugal with classmates during Easter week break
Why did you choose Universidad Catolica de Murica (UCAM)?
I was searching for a program specifically in sports management and liked the fact that UCAM offered an MBA in sports management. Most programs are MA’s or MSc’s and I liked the added value of obtaining an MBA that UCAM offered. I also am bilingual in English and Spanish and being able to speak the language while abroad was a plus!
What was your favorite part about Spain?
Spain as a country has so much to offer. I enjoyed many beach cities only 45 minutes away from Murcia, and was able to travel to much of southern Spain including Granada, Seville, Málaga, Cordoba, and much more. My favorite things about Spain are the weather, good food, and all of the amazing, friendly people I have met.
Took a tour to the Sagrada Familia during a trip to Barcelona
What made your experience abroad unique?
Being 27, many people pursue a Master’s degree right out of college, at the age of 22 and 23. I was able to work a few years and then decide the career path I truly wanted to pursue. In my program particularly, we all loved sports and had very similar interests. The age range varied from 21-32 and allowed us all to become close friends. We also had 14 different nationalities within our program of 26 students—a great way to experience new cultures and backgrounds and very useful for a career in management.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The UCAM admissions office was very helpful in terms of providing myself and other students with the necessary information for obtaining a student visa, temporary housing, recommended international student health insurance, and just assisting me through the entire process until I arrived in Murcia, ready to begin my program.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
There is nothing I can say that I would do differently. This experience was once in a lifetime and I would not change it!
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Our program schedule was Monday - Thursday from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.. We also had many site visits to nearby sports facilities and companies, as well as national and international visits throughout the year.
MBA Sports Management class picture on orientation day in November, 2017
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoyed walking around Murcia and eating tapas with friends and classmates, traveling when I had the chance, and I most looked forward to our weekly Friday pick-up soccer games with my program classmates.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I lived with two of my classmates in the Juan Carlos area of Murcia. The cost of living was very affordable for a nice apartment in a good location!
Visiting St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on a trip to Italy
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Start with your visa paperwork as soon as possible. Once in Spain, most students need to receive a NIE (Foreign Identification Number) card to show an approved extended stay for academic reasons. The process can take up to a couple of months and it is a good idea to visit their office when you arrive.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I am grateful I had the opportunity to study abroad that not everyone has the chance to take. I feel I have grown as a person in terms of living in a brand new city and beginning from scratch. Many people believe moving your life across the world is frightening but it is the best way to see new things and change your perspective on life and really define what career path you would like to pursue.
Would you recommend the MBA in Sports Management UCAM program to others? Why?
Yes, it was an experience I will always look back on and be very fond of. I was able to complete my MBA in Sports Management in one year and live in an entirely new country and forge lasting friendships with people from all over the world!
