How To Study Sport Programs and Facilities in the United Kingdom

A study abroad program led by faculty at NC State’s College of Natural Resources allows students to spend several weeks in the United Kingdom as they engage with industry professionals and scholars who provide international perspectives on sports programs and sustainable facility management.

Michael Edwards and Kyle Bunds, both associate professors of parks, recreation and tourism management, teach the study abroad program, Sport Programs and Facilities. The program was first developed by Edwards when he started taking students to the U.K. over spring break several years ago.

The newest iteration of the program allows students to take PRT 366: Sport Programming and PRT 478: Sustainable Sport Facility Management in London for two and a half weeks. The courses include video recordings and lectures for students to watch on their own and debrief before doing on-site visits. 

Bunds said the courses ultimately help students to evaluate sustainability from a global lens and to consider the impact of sustainable regulations. Both courses are connected to NC State’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

“I was at the Oval in early October. Their sustainability coordinator talked about asparagus being shipped overseas and its high sustainability and environmental impact. We are trying to get students in front of sustainability experts,” Bunds said.

The Sport Programs and Facilities program will occur from May 20-June 7, 2023. There are only 14 spots available. The application deadline for the program is February 7. Please email Mike Edwards, mbedwards@ncsu.edu, or Kyle Bunds, ksbunds@ncsu.edu, for more information.