For Trinity students in search of a change in culture, Jacob Tingle, professor of sports management, offers a study abroad course called Sport in London. In the spring semester, students are taken to London for a two-week study of sports outside of the U.S. These two weeks are jampacked with activities.

“In addition to visits and guest lectures at a number of sport venues, [such as] Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal F.C; Wimbledon; Wembley Stadium; Twickenham, the national rugby stadium; Lord’s, the national cricket grounds,” Tingle said. “We are touring Westminster Abbey, Stonehenge, Hampton Court Palace, the Roman Baths — in the town of Bath — and seeing a play in London’s historic West End.”

The group will travel from Dec. 27–Jan. 8. After the trip’s conclusion, the course continues for about three and a half months on Trinity’s campus where the students focus on academic readings that tie in to various topics such as racism, politics and economics. Students seem excited for Tingle’s course and the chance to experience the iconic scenery of London.

“When I looked at the syllabus for the class, all the locations that we were going to be touring are places I have either heard about or wanted to visit. It presented itself as an opportunity I would never have again,” said Olivia Thomas, a junior communication major.

“Spending time in London will help me realize how different American sports are and also see how some of our sports may have stemmed from different cultures and their rules and regulations.”

For some students, the course is a stimulating enhancement to traditional sports management courses.

“I love sports and have enjoyed all of my sport management classes, plus I have always wanted to study abroad so this was a perfect opportunity,” said Shelby Devore, senior communication major.

Through going on the trip, Devore believes that students will be able to see the different aspects of the culture and hopes the trip gives them ideas on how they can incorporate that into their own sports culture. Appreciating culture serves as one of the primary motivations behind the trip to London, as both students and Tingle alike strive to push the boundaries of sports outside the realm of the game itself.

“The trip to London will allow me to learn about cultural, economic, political and social forces and how they affect sport,” said Justin Ventura, junior business major.

British sports were a deliberate choice for Tingle due to their close nature to American sports. Because of their similarity, students will feel an understanding and connection while still being exposed to new information.

“Many British sports are the fathers or grandfathers of the most popular sports in the world, including American football and baseball.  Whether it is cricket or rugby or soccer, as London is home to the national stadia and museums, it is the logical place to learn more about those sports,” Tingle said.

Just don’t be too surprised if you see advertisements for a cricket club pop up across Trinity in the spring.