Visit our study abroad awards page to learn how you can receive financial aid for our programs. Be sure to check out our domestic trips as well!
International Trips
U201 in Ireland
Spring Break 2025 (March 8-15)
Program Fees: $2,500 plus airfare, tuition and applicable fees
Faculty Lead: Karen Edwards and Scott Kaplan | kedwards@hrsm.sc.edu • sgk@sc.edu
Payment Deadlines: $1,250 due by Dec. 15, 2024, and $1,250 due by Jan. 5, 2025
Program Description: Join HRSM’s U201 in Ireland for an unforgettable Spring Break! Explore Ireland’s iconic cities —Maynooth, Galway, and Dublin — while diving into a rich cultural experience with exclusive site visits to premier locations in hospitality, tourism, retail, fashion and sports, tailored to broaden your career perspectives. Imagine touring Croke Park Stadium, exploring the Little Museum of Dublin, and marveling at the Cliffs of Moher, all in one incredible week! This one-credit-hour study abroad course offers a unique chance to network internationally, gain hands-on experience and create memories to last a lifetime. Special funding opportunities are available for first-gen HRSM majors — contact Scott Kaplan (sgk@sc.edu) for details! Secure your place now and step into Ireland’s vibrant history and future.
SPTE 570 – The Spanish Sport Experience
Early Maymester 2025 (April 29 – May 9)
Program Fees: $3,900 plus airfare, tuition and applicable fees
Faculty Lead: Stephen Shapiro | shapirsl@mailbox.sc.edu
Payment Deadlines: $1,950 due by Feb. 10, 2025, and $1,950 due by Feb. 28, 2025
Program Description: Join us for an unforgettable study abroad experience in Spain that combines the excitement
of sport management with the rich history and vibrant culture of Madrid, Valencia,
and Barcelona! This trip offers a unique opportunity to delve into the European sports
industry through exclusive activities, such as attending the thrilling Quarter-Final
matches at the Mutua Madrid Open, a La Liga football match featuring Real Madrid vs.
Celta de Vigo, and insightful sport management lectures at the University of Valencia.
Students will explore iconic sports venues like the Territorio Atleti and Barça Stadium,
experience a padel lesson with a business twist, and take part in engaging visits
to key sports facilities such as L’Alqueria Basket Venue and Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
Alongside the sports-focused activities, participants will enjoy cultural highlights,
including a guided tour of Madrid’s historic Austrias district, a catamaran cruise
on the Mediterranean Sea, and savoring authentic Valencian paella. This program provides
a comprehensive view of the sports business landscape in Europe while immersing students
in the diverse and dynamic culture of Spain. Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance
your global perspective on sports management and create lasting memories!
HTMT 590 – Economically Sustainable Hospitality Operations in the Galápagos
Maymester 2025 (May 11 – June 1)
Program Fees: $500 Deposit + $4,850 (does not include airfare to/from Galápagos Islands)
Faculty Lead: Kevin Ayres | kmayres@hrsm.sc.edu
Payment Information: Students accepted for the program will receive an email with payment instructions.
Program Description: Experience learning in one of the most exclusive tourism and natural heritage destinations in the world, the Galápagos Islands. The islands are treasured by biologists and explorers alike for their diverse ecosystem, idyllic location and wide variety of beautiful plants and wildlife. Students will analyze the financial impact of sustainable operations initiatives in the economic environment of the Galápagos as it relates to the hospitality and tourism industry. In addition to visiting multiple islands of the archipelago off the coast of Ecuador, students will enjoy snorkeling excursions to Kicker Rock, La Loberia and its sea turtles, and Darwin Bay. The trip also includes a tour of Quito, Ecuador.
SPTE 570 – The Business of Sportainment in Mexico City
Maymester 2025 (May 12-18)
Program Fees: $3,500 plus airfare, tuition and applicable fees
Faculty Lead: Armen Shaomian | armen@sc.edu
Payment Deadlines: $1,750 due by Jan. 24, 2025, and $1,750 due by Feb. 7, 2025
Program Description: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Mexican sportainment! Experience the thrill of a Lucha Libre wrestling match, a captivating spectacle of athleticism and showmanship. Enjoy a live performance by a renowned Mexican performance group, showcasing the country's rich musical heritage. Explore iconic historical sites like the 1968 Olympics rivers and the Aztec pyramids, gaining a deeper understanding of Mexico's past. Learn from industry executives through daily lectures and gain valuable insights into the Latin American market and the ever-growing music festival scene. Tour major venues, meet with promoters, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Mexico City. Note: This course can be applied toward your Graduation with Leadership Distinction (GLD) program.
RETL 592-02 – Fashion and Sustainability in London
Maymester 2025 (May 27 – June 2)
Program Fees: $3,550 plus airfare, tuition and applicable fees
Faculty Lead: Donna Watts and Karen Edwards | dwatts@hrsm.sc.edu • kedwards@hrsm.sc.edu
Payment Deadlines: $1,775 due by Dec. 30, 2024, and $1,775 due by Jan. 25, 2025
Program Description: This program is designed to enhance students' academic, personal, and cultural learning through the education abroad experience. Under the guidance of course leaders, students will attend pre-departure workshops at USC plus three program-specific guest lectures at partner organization, CIEE Custom Programs (London, England). In addition, as an iconic fashion and design center, our itinerary in and around London, England will provide students with a unique opportunity to observe and experience key European retailing venues and services with an emphasis on sustainability. It will also provide visits to important museums, markets, and related businesses that will reinforce and enrich the academic experience. Studying fashion and sustainable products and services in London will help students appreciate the uniqueness of international markets and be better prepared as professionals in their fields.
RETL 592 – Innovation and Sustainability Management in Denmark
Summer II 2025 (June 26 – July 5)
Program Fees: $3,200 plus airfare, tuition and applicable fees
Faculty Lead: Mike Watson | mikew@mailbox.sc.edu
Payment Deadlines: $1,600 due by Jan. 20, 2025, and $1,600 due by Feb. 17, 2025
Program Description: Discover sustainability and innovation in retail in Copenhagen, Denmark. Known for its Nordic style, world-class cuisine and green lifestyle, Copenhagen offers an ideal backdrop for immersive learning. Guided by industry experts, you'll participate in upcycling workshops and innovation-focused lectures while exploring key retail and sustainability venues in the city. From iconic fashion hubs to museums and markets, you'll gain valuable insights into how innovation shapes the global retail industry. This experience will enhance your academic, personal and professional development, preparing you for success in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
SPTE 570 – The Business of Sport in the United Kingdom
Spring Break 2025 (March 7-16)
Program Fees: $3,000 plus airfare, tuition and applicable fees
Faculty Lead: Matt Dunn and Nick Watanabe | md36@mailbox.sc.edu • nmwatana@mailbox.sc.edu
Payment Deadlines: $1,500 due by Nov. 1, 2024, and $1,500 due by Dec. 1, 2024
Program Description: The Study of Sport in the United Kingdom is a unique experience that provides students with direct connection to English sport and culture! Combining weeks of in-class development, networking, and community engagement with a 10-day on the ground academic experience across United Kingdom cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, students will participate in educational forums on topics such as English football, live entertainment, corporate sponsorship, player development, marketing strategies, and so much more! Experiences unique to our program will include visits to Manchester City and their Etihad Campus, Co Op Live and an immersive forum on live entertainment through the vision of Oak View Group, a hospitality experience with AFC Wimbledon, and more! Email Matthew Dunn at md36@mailbox.sc.edu to be added to the information list. Note: Content is subject to change pending availability.
HRSM 301 – HRSM Professional Development Seminar in Germany
Spring Break 2025 (March 9-15)
Program Fees: $2,575 plus airfare, tuition and applicable fees
Faculty Lead: Jana Xanthakos and Collin Crick | jnchris1@hrsm.sc.edu • cwcrick@hrsm.sc.edu
Payment Deadlines: $1,287.50 due by Nov. 15, 2024, and $1,287.50 due by Dec. 9, 2024
Program Description: Enhance your professional skills in the sustainable hospitality, retailing, and sport and entertainment industries with our seminar in the Green City of Freiburg, Germany. This program offers visits to iconic sites, engaging with specialized guest speakers to boost your cultural and academic growth. Highlights include a guided tour of the Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies, a day trip with hiking in the Black Forest and an exploration of sustainable tourism at the Green City Hotel. Experience the vibrant local culture with walking tours, food sampling at the Munstermarkt and a four-course dinner with business etiquette instruction. The seminar also includes a day trip to Strasbourg, France, featuring a tour of the EU Parliament and visits to historical landmarks. Join us for an enriching journey that combines professional development with unforgettable experiences.
HTMT 502 / RETL 592 – Luxury Management in Italy
Maymester 2025 (May 6-14)
Program Fees: $3,995 plus airfare, tuition and applicable fees
Faculty Lead: Karen Edwards and Sandy Strick | kedwards@hrsm.sc.edu • strick@mailbox.sc.edu
Payment Deadlines: $1,997.50 due by Oct. 20, 2024, and $1,997.50 due by Jan. 5, 2025
Program Description: This study abroad trip to Italy offers an immersive experience in Italian culture, luxury and craftsmanship. Highlights include a private tour and tasting at Castillo Banfi Winery, a guided visit to the Lamborghini factory and a hands-on leather upcycling workshop. You'll explore Parma's Parmesan cheese production, enjoy guided tours of the San Lorenzo Market and Ferragamo shoe museum, and have high tea at the St. Regis hotel. The itinerary also includes an Italian cooking class, lectures from luxury experts, and visits to the Leather School, Uffizi Museum and a live opera performance. This trip provides a comprehensive and luxurious exploration of Italy's rich heritage in fashion, wine and hospitality.
Domestic Trips
SPTE 590 – Professional Tournament Planning and Operations
Learn about professional golf and tennis tournament management along the South Carolina and Florida coasts!
Maymester 2025 (May 12-17)
Program Fees: Tuition for SPTE 635 + $900 (Includes five nights hotel, 2 nights Charleston, 3 nights
Jacksonville; Van transportation from Columbia to destination cities as well as local
transportation; Some meals, including a Charleston SPTE alumni dinner; Entrance tickets
to events and tours listed on final itinerary)
Faculty Lead: John Grady | jgrady@sc.edu
Payment Information: $450 due by Nov. 1, 2024 (Note: trip may be full before this deadline), and $450
due by Feb. 1, 2025
Program Description: This course provides an in-depth exploration of professional golf and tennis tournament management along the scenic coasts of South Carolina and Florida. Students will learn about tennis tournament operations and sponsorship at the Credit One Charleston Open, visit TPC Sawgrass, home of the PLAYERS Championship, and meet with PGA Tour staff. They will also experience the renowned Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, a former PGA Championship host. In addition to these professional sports venues, students will enjoy walking tours of historic Charleston, beach time on Jacksonville Beach, and cultural excursions in both cities. The course includes a networking event with Charleston alumni, as well as an opportunity to attend a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball game to learn about unique fan experiences.
Note: This trip is limited to 12 participants.