Deloitte’s 2025 global sports industry outlook highlights the global growth of sports leagues, teams, and events. A portion of the growth is a result of predominantly American sports, such as tackle football and baseball, moving to new markets. For the 2025 regular season, the NFL will contest games in Brazil, Ireland, England, Germany, and Spain. Other growth is a result of sports such as ‘the world’s game’, soccer, growing in popularity in the United States. The US hosted the Copa America tournament in 2024, just finished hosting FIFA’s Club World Cup, and will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup next year. Tackle football and soccer are just a snapshot of the ratings, attendance, and investment in sport around the world.

Thankfully for UISRM students, the program’s faculty are aware of the implications of the global growth of sport discussed in the Deloitte report. Students are encouraged to explore far and wide for opportunities that align with their interests and goals; UISRM’s curriculum allows students to make progress toward degree completion and earn required field experience credit while acquiring industry experience in all corners of the United States and abroad.

Three students earning independent field experience this past summer outside the US were Elizabeth Froehlich, Madigan Schmidt, and Daianne Hayashida. Elizabeth, from Story City, IA, is a third-year student and interned with American Football Bund Österreich in Vienna. Madigan Schmidt, from Park City, UT, is a fourth-year student and interned with sports camps through IES Barcelona. Daianne, from Lima, Peru, is a fourth-year student-athlete and interned with Club La Bombonera while living at home. Continue reading to see what Elizabeth, Madigan, and Daianne have to say about securing their positions and what earning field experience abroad means for their aspirations in sport and recreation.

Elizabeth Froehlich (ex. BS 2027)

I secured my internship position at American Football Bund Österreich (AFBÖ) through the IES Abroad program. IES facilitated the placement process for me and helped match me with an organization that helps fit my academic and professional goals. During the placement process, I worked alongside IES correspondents to refine my Austrian resume and my interview skills. I then interviewed with the company and was accepted to be a Communications Intern.

Working at AFBÖ this past summer has given me high-quality, hands-on experience in sports communication in an international environment. I’ve been able to create social media graphics and posts, write press releases, work on event promotion, and do photography for a national sports organization, giving me the ability to connect diverse audiences to American football. Working through cultural and language barriers has helped me to develop and refine my cross-cultural communication skills, which is vital in today’s global media environment. This internship has sharpened my collaboration skills, given me irreplaceable opportunities and connections, and has given me confidence and preparation to enter the sports communication field after graduation!

Madigan Schmidt (ex. BS 2026)

I worked with both the Sport and Recreation Management (SRM) program and the University of Iowa Study Abroad office to apply through IES Barcelona. After being accepted into the program, I had a series of meetings with local advisors in Barcelona to discuss my interests and goals. From there, I was matched with my internship placement at Maristes La Immaculada. 

This has been one of the best experiences of my life. Interning abroad has pushed me to grow personally and professionally in ways I never expected. I’ve learned so much about myself and how to adapt in unfamiliar environments. Beyond the internship, living in Barcelona has been unforgettable. The people, the city, and the friendships I’ve made here will always hold a special place in my heart.

Daianne Hayashida (ex. BS 2026)

Getting field experience outside the U.S., especially in Lima, my hometown, is very meaningful to me. It allows me to stay connected to the local sports industry, understand how management works in the context I plan to return to after graduation, and begin building a professional network in the place where I want to grow my career. It also gives me the chance to apply what I’ve learned at the University of Iowa in a real-world setting back home, which makes my education feel even more relevant and impactful.

This internship is helping me become more prepared for a career in the sports industry. I’m gaining real-world experience handling administrative tasks, assisting with event planning, and working directly with clients and staff. These hands-on responsibilities are teaching me how to be organized, think quickly, and adapt to the needs of a busy sports facility—skills that will be essential when I enter the job market after graduation.

In addition to Elizabeth, Madigan, and Daianne earning field experience outside the United States, 41 additional students earned independent field experience during the summer outside the state of Iowa with such organizations as the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bears, Ripken Baseball, St. Paul Saints, Milwaukee Brewers, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Football, Nashville Predators, and many others. Check out the many states in which the program had students #UISRMatwork and growing their experience portfolios.