Sports tourism study abroad program gives student-athletes an experience that matches their passion – and their schedule
Salve linebacker James Minotti ’28 shares some highlights from his two weeks in Ireland.
In June, 18 Salve Regina University students, many of them student-athletes, participated in a short-term study abroad program exploring the cultural and economic world of sports tourism in Ireland.
The faculty-led academic program, offered in partnership with host institution Mary Immaculate College in Limerick (often abbreviated Mary I) is a three-credit, two-week program. Students can apply those credits to general or business electives, or toward minors in sports management and hospitality and tourism management. The agenda is jam-packed. These are just some of the things the students experienced in the recent program:
- Attended the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship at Croke Park and had a private facility and skyline tour
- Toured Thomond Park Stadium, home of Munster Rugby
- Got demonstrations of Gaelic football and hurling and tried out the techniques for both
- Spent two days and nights exploring Dublin, including the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and GPO museums
- Learned from Elaine O’Conner, Ryder Cup 2027 coordinator and Limerick city council member, to discuss plans for the Cup coming to the city
- Learned from Seamus Heaney of Visit Cork, a GAA referee, an elite camogie player, a tourism business entrepreneur and other experts
- Toured County Clare – visited the Cliffs of Moher, surfed in Lahinch, explored Bunratty Castle, where they attended a medieval banquet, and more.
James Minotti ’28, a business administration major and a linebacker on the Salve football team, shared some insights about his experience.
Q: What interested you about this program?
A: I learned about the Ireland program during my UNV101 University Seminar writing course in the fall semester of my first year. This program immediately caught my attention because it was a short-term summer program – ideal for me as a student-athlete, since studying abroad for a full semester is nearly impossible. I was also drawn to the program’s focus on sports tourism in Ireland, as it combined two of my greatest interests: sports and learning about new cultures and ways of life. Also, traveling to Europe has always been on my bucket list.
Q: What was the most memorable or most valuable part of the experience for you?
A: There were so many memorable and valuable moments but the one that stood out most was attending the hurling match at Croke Park. Throughout the course we learned, played and discussed the sport of hurling, but witnessing the game live was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing the passion of the fans and the skill of the players brought everything we studied to life.
Q: Did anything you learned change your understanding of the business of sports?
A: This program broadened my understanding of how sports organizations operate outside the United States. I realized that in Europe, sports are deeply rooted in community engagement, cultural pride and collective passion. In contrast, the business of sports in America tends to be more individualistic and driven by personal gain. This perspective helped me appreciate the cultural dimensions that influence how sports are structured and valued around the world.
Q: How do you think this program might help you as you start looking for your first professional role?
A: While I’m not specifically pursuing a career in sports management, this program had a significant impact on how I view my future career path. It helped me realize how much I enjoy collaborating with others and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. The experience strengthened my interpersonal and communication skills, which I know will be valuable in any professional role – especially one that involves teamwork and cross-cultural interaction.
Q: Anything else you’d like to tell other students about the Sports Tourism in Ireland program?
A: I would highly recommend the Sports tourism in Ireland program to other Salve students. It offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Irish culture while exploring the beautiful landscapes of the country and gaining insight into the intersection of business, tourism and sport. It’s an unforgettable experience.
For more student experiences from this program, visit the Salve Sports Tourism Abroad blog.
If you’re interested in the tourism and/or sustainability aspects of this program outside of sports, Salve is offering a similar summer program in summer 2026 looking at sustainable tourism in Tanzania.
