Groningen Management Games

As part of the Sports and Event Management department at Coventry University, I have had the opportunity to travel with classmates to two different management games. Management games are week-long competitions of various sports and event management related tasks among groups of students. My first management games was at Center Parcs in England with third year students. During these games, I was part of the faculty for my internship helping with the organization and grading.

This last week I attended the Groningen Management Games in The Netherlands. These games involved students from over 12 countries, mainly from Coventry University, Groningen University and Cologne University. The tasks at this event involved the Bupa Great North Run. We wrote job descriptions, organized new side-events, presented strategic plans, recorded promotional videos, debated, and much more. Along with the various tasks each day, every team joined in on a volleyball tournament. Instead of being on the faculty side, I joined a student team to execute the tasks. All of the other students at these games were receiving credit for their time. There was very little motivation for myself to work hard because I wasn't receiving any credit for my work or participation there. Yet, many of the tasks were very interesting to me and it reminded me of Deca/BPA in a way. My team was made up of four students from Groningen and myself. It was so great to work with them and discuss the differences among our cultures. They taught me some Dutch phrases and suggested many things to do and things to eat during my time in Groningen. They spoke very good English, but I ended up having to write a lot of our work due to my English background. Although we didn't win any prizes, we passed the week with flying colors and it was great to apply what I have been learning at university!!

Group 14: Anouk, Hessel, myself, Judith and Iris 

Beyond the hard work that we put in throughout the week, we also had free time to explore the town and meet other international students. Groningen was absolutely beautiful!! There weren't any major attractions, but every where you went it was just stunning! We ventured to the football stadium, one of the red light districts, the main square of Groningen, many markets, and just throughout the streets. We met so many lovely people!

Joey, myself, Bailey, Adam and Zane out to dinner

When we were getting ready to leave, everywhere throughout the Netherlands was preparing for King's Night and King's Day, a national celebration. I wish we could have stayed the weekend to enjoy the festivities!! It reminded me of America's Fourth of July a bit. There were concerts and festivals being set up everywhere and everyone was wearing orange. I would love to attend this event someday! Amsterdam is also on my to do list for the future!

We've Hit the Halfway Mark!!!

Today is the official halfway mark for my study abroad experience... strange! I can remember arriving in Dublin, Ireland, for our pre-travel like it was yesterday. There was so much anxiety and excitement for what was in store for me. I had so many different expectations for everything and I can honestly say that I have been pleasantly blown away! Of course, there have been bumps in the road, but I am so thankful for my experience so far! 

Thinking back on these last 63 days, I am just amazed of the memories I have created! I have had the opportunity to travel all around the United Kingdom, join the Coventry Women's Basketball team, make friends with people from around the world, gain real life marketing experience in a new culture, learn Harvard Style writing, make many cultural mistakes and learn from them, expand my chef abilities, eat pigs blood (black pudding), get my ear pierced, enjoy the pub life, realize I can't stay up late enough for the English clubbing culture, splurge on a little shopping and so much more!!!!! 

Yet, it is not just about the memories. This journey has also led to much personal growth. By being immersed into the culture of Coventry, I feel that I have gained a better understanding of not only my own culture in America and Minnesota, but also the cultures of the diverse population here. The way in which education, work, sport and social run in England has many differences than what I am used to. I have learned to adapt, accept, and even enjoy some of the differences. My experiences so far have impacted me for the better and I look forward to how they will influence the rest of my time here abroad as well as my future.

It is sad to think that it is half over, but I am looking forward to everything in store for me within the next 63 days before flying back to the states! We are currently in the process of planning our St. Patrick's Day Weekend, possibly going to London and the Harry Potter Studios or Manchester. The following weekend I will be taking a day trip to Cardiff with the Lets Go program from Coventry University. On March 25th my dad will be arriving in England. He will being doing some work in Coventry and spending a little bit of time with me as well! On March 28th the whole gang arrives! My dad and I will be meeting up with my mom, two brothers and grandparents on my mom's side in London. We will be visiting London, Bath, Stonehenge and Warwick castle in England then make our way to France to visit Normandy Beach and Paris. My mother and I will then begin a girls week in Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice, Italy. Sending my mom off on April 13th back to the states, I am hoping to be leaving on a train to Salzburg, Austria to meet up with one of my roommates, Ana. From there I will head home to Coventry for a day of recuperation before flying out to Groningen, Holland for another Management Game with the SEM Department on April 21st. We will return to Coventry on the 25th to prepare for exams and papers. Yeah, it's not all fun and games. During an open few days we may be traveling with our exchange group and director to Scotland for some mountain biking. Then, on May 11th the Coventry Women's Basketball team will be in a tournament that I will be able to be apart of. Finally, on May 13th I will be heading to Waco, Texas to reunite with my boyfriend for (hopefully) the last time after 4 years of long distance!! After his graduation, packing up, and a little traveling, we will road trip back home to Minnesota for the summer. WOW!! I am exhausted just thinking about the craziness to come within these next few months!

Let the second half of my adventure begin!!!

The Lake District ~ Windermere, United Kingdom

Traveling around the world has become one of my passions in life and I am so thankful for all of the places I have already traveled with family and friends within the United States and beyond! Of the many places I have traveled, there are only a few places that I have absolutely fallen in love with. A few of these places include the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Toledo in Spain and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. The beauty of these locations are insatiable!! You simply have to be quite and take in the view because no photo will ever capture the real essence of the moment. The Lake District has just joined this list as one of my favorite places on earth!

The Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous region in North West England with many fresh water lakes. This region is highly regarded by vacationers with incredible hiking and mountain biking paths, variety of boutiques and outdoor shopping, water sports, and thrill seeking adventures. Since being in England, I have heard so many amazing stories about trips to The Lake District and have been itching to experience it first hand. 

Yesterday, Bailey and I had that opportunity to travel to Windermere in the southern part of the Lake District. It exceeded all expectations! Bailey and I hoped on a coach full of international students from Coventry University for a four hour bus ride to Windermere. I had never felt like the complete minority until then. We were traveling with students predominantly from Asian or Arab countries. When I wasn't sleeping, I had the chance to meet a few of the other students and hear their stories.

Arriving in Windermere, we had absolutely no plan. We just knew that we wanted to go on an adventure. Windermere was the perfect old fishing village filled with cafes, boutiques, outdoor stores, and lots of ice cream and chocolate shops!! Everything was so tempting!! We began by walking just over a mile down to the water. At Bowness Bay we ate our packed lunches staying clear of the many birds, ducks, and massive swans. After a few pictures, we decided to take a tour boat to two other small villages on the northern side of the 10 mile long and 1 mile wide lake. The buildings, castles, homes, and hotels along the lake were incredible!! People have money here!! Bailey and I got off at the second stop in Ambleside. What we didn't realize was that the city centre was a mile away! By the time we got into town and look around a bit, we had to turn around in order to make the boat back to Windermere. Thankfully we had beautiful weather, but we missed a huge hail storm by just a few minutes!

Our next destination was Post Knott Viewpoint. The hike up to the top was filled with sweat, lots of mud, and even more laughter. The rain and hail made the pathway to the top a little tricky. No one fell, but there were way too many close calls! Getting to the top of Post Knott Viewpoint was such a reward in every direction. We could see the entire lake, rolling hills, Windermere village, the English countryside, and snowy mountains in the distance. It was absolutely gorgeous! We didn't want to leave!

The trek down the hill was far worse than the trek up... So much mud!! After safely getting back to our meeting point in town, we were able to treat ourselves to a nice meal at Lazy Daisy Lakeland Kitchen before returning home. I'd say it was a successful day! Can't wait to return someday!!

Center Parcs Elveden Forest

Today I returned back home to Coventry from a week at Center Parcs Elveden Forest. It was a wonderful week, but I am exhausted!

Elveden Forest is set in over 400 acres of forest in Suffolk, England. Being at Center Parcs was a wonderful glimpse of home, Minnesota. We even saw a baby dear! Beyond the beautiful outdoor landscape, Center Parcs included a Village Square, Subtropical Swimming Paradise, Sports Plaza, Golf Course, Adventure High Ropes Course, and much more!

This trip was run through the SEM (sport & event management) department as a requirement for third year students. The five of us American exchange students had the opportunity to join in on the fun! There were about 70 students on the trip. Each morning the students received tasks to be completed and on the last day there were presentations summarising the weeks results. There was also a career development aspect of the trip.

But don't worry, it wasn't all school work! In our free time we enjoyed the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, exploring the hiking trails, and meeting new friends within the SEM department. Bailey and I even took on the challenge of the high ropes course and zip line. There were also a few planned events as a large group including a badminton tournament, a 3 course meal at Cafe Rouge, and bowling. It was a blast!

As the SEM department intern I had the opportunity to help plan for the week. I designed a ten page booklet for all of the students and faculty that included information about the week including accommodations, the weeks schedule, and much more. Also, during the week I didn't complete the tasks, but instead I graded them. That was a nice perk!

A Month of Memories

Had to include a C. S. Lewis quote after returning from a weekend in Oxford!!

It has officially been a month since arriving here in Coventry, United Kingdom. My pre-travel in Ireland and Wales was incredible, but actually living in the same place abroad for an extended amount of time is a whole different experience! My day to day life isn't always something spectacular, but there are constantly memories to cherish. My weekdays include attending lectures and seminars, putting in internship hours, blogging, doing a little homework, cooking, roaming Coventry, and occasional day trip and much much more. My weekends have tended to drain my bank account with the traveling and hanging out with friends. It is amazing the amount of memories I have captured within this last month! I can't wait to see what these next 3 months have in store for me!!

My Month of Memories:

Touring Coventry

A day trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon with the French

An evening in Birmingham

Kazbah and Hush

The Phoenix & Quids Pub

Starting school at Coventry University

Getting placed as Marketing Intern in the Sport & Event Management department

A weekend in London (staying with Kaitlin)

A day trip to Liverpool with the French

An evening at the Bucher's Arms Restaurant in Priors Hardwick with Tony and Sue

Joined the Coventry Women's Basketball team

Getting my ear pierced

Attending the Aston Villa v. West Ham United football match (stay tuned for a blog post)

A weekend in Oxford (stay tuned for a blog post)

and more...

Keeping The Dream Alive

Sports have always been a major part of my life! Backyard games were a daily activity with neighborhood friends and family growing up, and as soon as I was old enough I joined community soccer and basketball leagues. I continued to play soccer until my senior year in high school with many successes and wonderful memories. Basketball lead me to an incredible senior year of high school placing second at state and then onto two years at the College of Saint Benedict. It was within these teams that I have met some of my best friends to this day. Being apart of a team with my best friends has become a main source of laughter, competitiveness, and pure enjoyment. I definitely owe much of my competitive nature to my two brothers and father, despite my grandma Arloa's claim that it came from her:) Sorry grandma! Growing up I had to be competitive in order to stand any chance against my brothers and my fathers competitiveness was always something that I strived for.

My love for sports lead me to this opportunity to study abroad at Coventry University where I am studying Sport & Event Management while having a Marketing Internship within the Sport & Event Management department. Unfortunately though, studying abroad in the spring hindered me from playing basketball for a third year at CSB. It was so fun to support the team in the fall, but I just wanted to be on the court!

This week I went to check out the women's basketball team at Coventry University and see if I could get involved at all. I ended up practicing with them on Tuesday and officially became a part of the team Wednesday morning just in time to play a game with them. It was so exhilarating to get back on the court!! Even though I haven't played basketball since last season and I only have running shoes here, I didn't play half bad!!

Collegiate sports in the UK are much more relaxed than the US. We will be having practices on Mondays and Tuesdays then play on Wednesdays. The rest of the week we are free. How strange. Also, collegiate sports here at Coventry University don't really get spectators. There isn't room for them to watch and no one really cares too much ha. My parents wanted to know if they could watch via streaming... Ya that won't happen. The level of play is definitely different than what I am used to as well, but like all other experiences abroad, it is something that I will have to adapt to. There are a few girls that just started playing basketball this year even.

Marketing Extroidinare Goes Global

As a Global Business Leadership major, what better way to get a global experience than actually studying and working abroad?!?! The opportunity to study and intern abroad is one of the main reasons I was so passionate about applying to this exchange program between The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. When applying for this program we were promised the opportunity to study within their Sports & Event Management department as well as gaining experience through a sports marketing & management related internship. I couldn't be more happy with my decision! Sports have always been a very big part of my life and marketing is a passion of mine that I am striving to pursue for my career. This program fit my perfectly and life goals perfectly!

I have truly enjoyed my time so far as a student at Coventry University. It is definitely a change from my university in Minnesota, but that is part of the experience. My three modules this semester are Sports Marketing & Sponsorship, Global Inequality & Development, and Sports Public Relations & Media. Even though it has only been a week and a half of lectures and seminars so far, I can tell that I am going to learn a ton of valuable information moving forward! Within my Sports Marketing & Sponsorship class we have been covering the 4 P's, 8 P's, and 4 C's of marketing as well as other elements of marketing plans and how they correlate with different sports teams and related institutions. Next week we will already be doing a group presentation on our marketing recommendations for the Coventry Jets to increase fan presence and consumption, an American Football Team. 

Along with being a full-time international student at Coventry University and traveling around Europe in our free time, I have also just began a Marketing Internship within the Sports & Event Management department at Coventry University. What can I say, I enjoy being busy! Yesterday I was able to meet many people within the department that I will be working with and outlined many of the projects that I will be working on throughout the semester. The range of experience and knowledge that I will gain through this internship is incredible! I will be aiding in the planning and implementation of various events including an Coventry University Internal Conference, the Coventry Management Games, and the European Sport Management Conference. I will also revamp their department website and their department news source, The Scoop. Other smaller projects will be within the social media realm, creating event pamphlets for Coventry students, planning short trips around Europe for international students, creating an Alumni connection with the Coventry Blaze Hockey Team and Coventry University, and much more.

Coventry University Welcomes a World Traveler

The first day of classes has always been a day that I both look forward too and dread at the same time. It is always exciting to figure out who will be in your classes, what you'll be learning, and to get in the groove of a schedule. Even though those aspects are exciting, the start of new classes also means the homework, studying, papers, and exams are soon to follow...

Bailey and I on our first day

This Monday marked the day that I was no longer just a world traveler. I am officially embarking on the adventures of an international student at Coventry, University. My lectures and seminars this week really opened my eyes to the differences in the university experience from the US to the UK regarding classes. At CSB/SJU we are graded upon many different elements including attendance, participation, assignments, group work, papers, exams, etc. Even though the papers and exams tend to carry the most weight, everything you do within the class makes a difference. Furthermore, the classes at CSB/SJU tend to be a few times a week for about an hour, more or less depending on the day. The classes at CSB/SJU are very small and often are discussion based with some lectures and group work. I am used to working on homework on an average of 3 hours a night. It amazed me how little we are assessed on here at Coventry University as well as how different the class schedule is. I will be assessed very similarly across my three modules here: 50% of my grade will be on a mid-term case study or paper and the other 50% will be from my final exam. That's a lot of pressure! With the assessment guide in mind, that means that we will have little to no homework and won't be graded on it.. I can deal with that! It just means that I am really going to have to work hard to prioritise my schedule to do further reading and study the themes discussed in the lectures and seminars. Beyond the difference in assessment from the US to the UK, the class schedule is very different. For each of my three modules, I have a lecture 2-3 hours long and then a 1-2 hour seminar each week. Simply, a lecture is a lecture. The seminars involve a small group of students from the lecture to discuss further in depth the themes of the lecture. This will definitely be a little strange to get used to within the first few weeks, but I am ready to call this University my home.