In winter 2023, I had the opportunity to complete a sports business internship with BeFootball, a virtual reality software company based in Madrid, Spain. Although I have always loved sports, soccer was never a sport that I had much appreciation for while growing up in the United States due to limited exposure. My supervisor advised me to attend as many matches as possible during my eight-week stay in Madrid, and so I ended up attending matches featuring Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid. What I witnessed first-hand was truly amazing–the passion, atmosphere, and religious-like devotion that people around the world have for soccer was inspiring. From the chants to the stadiums, everything was on a completely different level than what I was accustomed to in the United States. It was an unforgettable experience that left me with a newfound appreciation for soccer and its global significance.

In addition to the invaluable work experience I gained in the sports business industry in Europe, the opportunity to travel and explore different countries and cities every weekend was the highlight of my study abroad experience. My favorite moment stemming from those travels was witnessing Neymar score a goal during a Ligue 1 matchup at Parc des Princes. Ultimately, I believe studying abroad is imperative for any student as it introduces a new way of life, work, and culture that we may not be exposed to otherwise.

Shaan Nahal

GlobalWorks Internship in Madrid, Spain, Winter 2023