Until last month, Viv Cavataio ’28 had only read about the passion, tension and electric atmosphere surrounding soccer matches in England. Guilford’s International Sport Management study abroad trip to the UK — 10 days spent visiting some of the world’s most iconic sports venues — gave her a front-row seat to that passion.

“They go absolutely crazy on game day,” says Viv. “Everyone’s out, wearing their team colors, having a great time. The whole city takes part. It’s amazing.”

The trip also opened Viv’s eyes to potential careers in sports that she — and many of the 31 other participating students — hadn’t considered before. The group traveled through England and Scotland, visiting legendary sites like Wimbledon, and St. Andrews Golf Club. Along the way, they spoke with professionals in the sports industry and explored behind the scenes of major venues and events to learn how they operate.

Check out our slideshow from from Guilford's International Sport Management Study Abroad

Students met with officials from Wimbledon, the British Cycling Federation, Manchester City F.C., and Manchester United F.C., gaining insight into the business side of global sports organizations.

For example, a Wimbledon tournament official explained how staff are challenged to suggest 1,000 ways to improve the fan experience after each summer’s tournament. Then, at Wimbledon, Guilford students were invited to explore the iconic grounds and offer a few improvement ideas of their own.

Michael White, Assistant Professor for Sport Studies at Guilford and Director of the College’s International Sport Management master’s program, says the study abroad trip has a dual purpose. “It’s as much about our students seeing the world as realizing they have a place in it,” he says. “They don’t have to limit themselves to domestic opportunities. There are incredible possibilities around the globe for sports management graduates.”

From sport management in Great Britain to public health in Spain, Guilford students have access to dozens of study abroad programs worldwide. That emphasis on global education, says Michael, is part of what makes a Guilford education unique.

“We want our students out there experiencing new places and new ideas,” he says. “The world is more connected than ever, and that trend will only grow. Trips like these help students build those connections — and give them an edge.”

Viv, a rising sophomore on Guilford’s volleyball team from Mechanicsburg, Pa., agrees. She knows how competitive sport management positions are. “It can be scary looking from the outside and wondering how you get in,” she says. “Taking this trip and learning some of the ways that I can get into the business, even talking to the people running these teams, now I have some knowledge and connections.”

Sarah Munro ‘09, Director of Guilford’s Office of Global & Off-Campus Initiatives, accompanied Michael and the students on the study abroad trip. She said the trip has proven so popular with students that the College is organizing a similar one exclusively for alumni.

“"Guilford students often tell us these trips are life-changing,” says Sarah. “By offering a version for alumni, we’re honoring that same spirit of exploration and making space for lifelong learners to reconnect — with Guilford and the world."