Rachel Harris

This experience was a study abroad opportunity focused on sport economics and global sport business. I traveled to London to take Sport Economics with Dr. Rodney Paul and met with various companies to learn more about the international sports industry. While in Dublin, I also visited the Leinster Rugby team, an organization I had previously worked with on a project, which made the experience especially meaningful. The trip allowed me to connect classroom concepts to real-world sport organizations and see how global markets operate firsthand. I most enjoyed building professional relationships abroad and gaining a deeper understanding of how sport functions as both a business and a cultural force.

One thing that surprised me was how globally interconnected the sports industry truly is. I expected to learn about European sport structures, but I didn’t realize how differently revenue models, league governance, and fan engagement operate compared to the U.S. system. Seeing firsthand how a club like Leinster Rugby balances tradition, community identity, and commercial strategy gave me a new appreciation for the cultural role of sport outside of America. I was also surprised by how accessible industry professionals were and how open they were to discussing real business challenges. It made the global sports world feel both much bigger and more connected than I had imagined.

Building on this experience, I plan to further explore international sport economics through additional research and applied analytics projects. I am particularly interested in comparing European and U.S. league revenue models, governance structures, and competitive balance using data-driven analysis. I also hope to incorporate insights from my visit to Leinster Rugby into future class projects or presentations, potentially developing a case study on global sport business strategy. Professionally, I plan to stay connected with the organizations and professionals I met abroad to continue learning from their perspectives. Long term, this experience has motivated me to pursue opportunities that combine sport analytics with international sport business and economic strategy.

Receiving the study abroad grant from the Syracuse University – Renée Crown University Honors Program made this experience possible by significantly reducing the financial burden of international travel and coursework. The award allowed me to fully commit to the program without worrying about the added costs of flights, housing, and program fees. Because of that support, I was able to focus entirely on learning, networking, and making the most of each company visit and academic opportunity. Beyond the financial impact, receiving the award also made me feel supported and recognized by the Honors community, which motivated me to represent Syracuse well while abroad. I am incredibly grateful that the Honors Program invested in my academic and professional growth in this way.

This experience strongly contributed to my academic and professional goals by expanding my understanding of sports as a global business. As a sport analytics student at Syracuse, I often focus on data and performance, but this trip helped me see the broader economic structures that shape teams, leagues, and decision-making. Learning from Dr. Rodney Paul in an international setting deepened my understanding of revenue models, governance, and market differences across countries. Visiting organizations like Leinster Rugby also reinforced the importance of relationship-building and real-world application of analytics and economics concepts. Overall, the experience helped me think more strategically about how I want to work in sports long term, whether in analytics, operations, or front office decision-making.