Abstract: The expansion of the sport industry is a global phenomenon and international sport employment opportunities continue to grow. Students should gain the knowledge, communication skills, open-mindedness and cultural sensitivity to be prepared to successfully work abroad (Mumcu, Trendafilova, & Thibault, 2018). Significant deep learning can occur in students engaging in study abroad and service learning (Kuh, O’Donnell, & Reed, 2013). The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of six students who participated in service learning and travel abroad in the Dominican Republic to explore whether these practices are useful in gaining the competencies needed to work internationally in sport. This is a qualitative study in which the researchers used students’ personal journals and focus groups to collect the data. Although sample size is small, the analysis revealed evidence that service learning and travel abroad can be useful for students to gain competencies to work internationally in sport.

Cynthia M. Veraldo, Dan Yost

Keywords: qualitative methodology, sport management education, travel 0abroad, service learning

Citation: Veraldo, C. M., & Yost, D. (2021). Service learning and travel abroad in the Dominican Republic: Developing competencies for international sport management. International Journal of Sport Management, 22(2), 170-194.

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