A Recap of Walk With TFB's Internationalization and Athletics (IAA) Summit

Walk With TFB recently wrapped up it's second Internationalization and Athletics (IAA) Summit. The summit was over a span of 5 days with 13 sessions, 26 speakers, 22 unique organizations, representing 7 countries, 5 continents and 4 time zones and Motthan had the opportunity to attend the ENTIRE summit.

We sat in on all 13 sessions, to bring you an inside scoop into what the engaging speakers revealed about what's to come for all things Internationalization & Athletics.

We've included the sessions and speakers for each session below, so you can see not only who was present but how powerful each session was. Each speaker brought a distinctive approach and dedication to internationalization and sports, leaving a lasting impression. Their commitment to supporting international athletes prepares the US for global integration.

Here's a glimpse of the engaging sessions and speakers from each session:

Session 1: Critical Digital Internationalization

Dr. Taylor Woodman, University of Maryland College Park

Dr. Melissa Whatley, School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute

Dr. Chris R. Glass, Boston College

Dr. Woodman, Dr. Whatley, and Dr. Glass raised questions about the impact of digitalization on international education, considering whether it represents progress or contributes to more disparities. They explored the opportunities and challenges emerging at the intersection of technology and international education, drawing from their research and book titled "Digital Internationalization in Higher Education: Beyond Virtual Exchange."

Session 2: It's Happening: Internationalization and Athletics (Fireside Chat)

Dr. Fanta Aw, NAFSA Executive Director & CEO

Timothy Bryson, Walk With TFB

A fireside chat with Tim and Dr. Aw shed light on the role of college athletics in the future of international and higher education internationalization. Dr. Aw serves as the Executive Director and CEO of NASFA, where Tim previously served as a NAFSA RISE Fellow.

We got a glimpse into Dr. Aw commitment to NASFA's mission to advance international education and exchange, long before she became the Executive Director and CEO of NASFA

Session 3: NCAA International Outreach

Elizabeth Thompson, NCAA International Outreach and Strategic Partnerships

Elizabeth emphasized the significance of the NCAA International Outreach and Strategic Partnerships team in facilitating the participation of international college athletes in the NCAA. The NCAA is focused on ensuring colleges and international athletes are well-informed and equipped to ensure a successful collegiate experience.

Session 4: Demystifying Study Abroad for College Athletes

Lucy Pandit, Athlete Futures Abroad

Lucy discussed the various opportunities available for student-athletes who wish to study abroad. Prior to this session, I'd never considered a student-athlete's desire to study abroad. It was delightful to hear that her company sole focus is on connecting student-athletes with the ability to not only study abroad but to participate in sports while abroad as well. Lucy highlighted the differences in one's eligibility to play sports in the UK versus the US and the different tiers of collegiate sports, solidifying one's ability to continue playing a sport they love while studying abroad.

Session 5: International Career Development

Dr. Raquel Dailey, Best Life Abroad

During this session, Dr. Dailey delved deep into the process of planning and managing one's career globally. She highlighted the importance of not only conducting research before deciding to move to a country but about considering what's important to each of us and to find which country provides that for our comfort and ease of transition. She highlighted the various countries that she's lived in, what drew her to those countries and shared some meaningful memories that made living abroad worthwhile.

Session 6: Sport, Para Sport, & Internationalization at Loughborough University (UK)

Matt Hanson, Emma Wiltshire, Femi Akinsanya, Alasdair Donaldson, Ben Daly

The discussion at Loughborough University highlighted the range of services and programs offered for sports and para sports. Renowned for its sports facilities, Loughborough University prioritizes internationalization to support its goals through sports initiatives.

Session 7: Incorporating Virtual Exchange in Sport Management Curriculum

Dr. Kelsey Slater, Dr. E. Jara Pazmino, Dr. Maria D. Brito-Rohr

Dr. Slater, Dr. Pazmino, and Dr. Brito-Rhor shared insights on integrating virtual collaborations with international institutions into their courses. They discussed strategies to overcome challenges like time zones, cultural and language differences and promoted the use of technology for seamless interactions.

While difficult at times, the differences in culture and language provided the students with the opportunity to be intentional and creative about how they learned from and interacted with each other in the courses.

We left empowered and equipped with tools and knowledge of how to effectively implement virtual exchanges in sport management programs and others, enhancing both educational outcomes and intercultural competence.

Session 8: Sport in Saudi Arabia

Tatyana Ellerbe, Consultant

Tatyana discussed the evolving landscape of sports for women in Saudi Arabia and anticipated changes in the near future. She illustrated how the country's focus on tourism has opened up opportunities for women in sports.

Session 9: Sport Entrepreneurship in Africa

Elvis Nshimba, Umoja Sport Foundation

Shodunnke Shogo, Phreestyle Sport Limited

Elvis Nshimba and Shodunnke Shogo from Africa explained how sports are utilized to educate youth, foster social development, and encourage entrepreneurship. They highlighted the different purposes of sports in Africa compared to the US.

Session 10: NFL Internationalization: Marketing and Content Creation

Elizabeth Cove, Maria Jose Rodriguez, George Eghator

The session delved into the NFL's global marketing efforts through the NFL Global Markets Program. Representatives from the NFL, NFL International, and the Pittsburgh Steelers emphasized the importance of marketing in expanding the NFL's global reach.

Session 11: Sports Immigration

Chloe Dybdahl, Jetr Global Sports + Entertainment

Chloe explored immigration requirements for sporting events held in various international locations and emphasized the need to consider these factors in the bidding process. She advocated for smoother immigration processes for athletes and fans to ensure seamless participation and support at events.

Session 12: Culture Travels x Global Sport

Leroy Adams, Mayokia Fowler

Following up on a previous interview between Walk With TFB and Culture Travels, we were able to learn more about how leveraging sports travel can help learn more about global cultures while also connecting the African diaspora.

Tim brought up his visit to Paris for the NCAAW women's basketball opener between South Carolina and Notre Dame in 2023. Tim, an alum of South Carolina, while thrilled to be in attendance was shocked to see that not only was the audience predominately Black but that most of the attendees had traveled from South Carolina to partake in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Session 13: NIL x International College Athletes

Bri Cassidy, Opendorse

Bri highlighted Opendorse's role in supporting athletes navigating opportunities through NIL (name, image, and likeness). Opendorse assists athletes in understanding, building, protecting, and monetizing their brand value, enabling them to secure partnerships and benefits.

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Tim, the founder and CEO of Walk With TFB set out to showcase and speak in depth about the relationship between internalization and athletics. Whether you joined because you have a deep interest in the intersection of internalization and athletics or if you wanted to see what heat Tim was bringing this year, you left with far more than you bargained for.

The IAA Summit took place May 6-10, 2024. Learn more about this year's IAA Summit and what's to come at: Walk With TFB.