There are many opportunities available for University of Illinois students to spend time studying away from campus, either on shorter trips during spring break and summer, or during more traditional semesters and years abroad.
The Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism offers multiple global and domestic experiential learning opportunities, and encourages students to consider studying off-campus during their time at Illinois.
Course-Related Experiential Learning
To participate in one of the opportunities listed below, students must register for its corresponding course.
RST 180: Professional Applications—East Coast Recreation, Sport and Tourism Destinations, Facilities and Operations and Professions
Second 8 Weeks (3 Hours)
Students get hands-on experience engaging with RST industry leaders to explore, discuss, compare and contrast RST destinations, facilities and professions and apply concepts from the classroom. Examples of East Coast RST destinations include Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, NY (Winter Olympics Host), Gettysburg Civil War Site/Park & Museum, and the Baseball Hall of Fame where students learn elements of RST event management and programming, facility planning and operations, and management at high profile RST destinations.
The course consists of 6 modules completed during the second 8 weeks and concludes with a 12-day domestic tour (offered in May/early June) of RST related destinations in Indiana, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
For additional information about this opportunity, please email Mike Raycraft at mraycraf@illinois.edu.
RST 199: Global Interpretations of Recreation, Sport and Tourism: Discovering London
Spring Break (3 Hours)
Students who enroll in this spring break study abroad experience immerse themselves in British culture by experiencing UNESCO tourism sites, innovative sport facilities, West End theatre productions, historic parks and green spaces and renowned cuisine and shopping districts.
Students gain insights about global management techniques, alternative models of event and facility management and develop cross-cultural competencies beyond traditional US norms.
For additional information about this opportunity, please email Mike Raycraft at mraycraf@illinois.edu.
ACE 398/RST 199: Recreation, Sport and Tourism Economics in Croatia
Summer—2 weeks (3 Hours)
Experience first-hand why Croatia is a top tourism destination with beautiful coastlines, storied cities, bucolic mountains, castles, delicious cuisine, forests and more! Communities rely on tourism and recreational activities to draw visitors, which enhances revenue that supports vital community resources that benefit residents. This experiential learning opportunity introduces students to the fundamentals of economics in tourism, sport, and recreation through site visits and meetings with government officials, businesses, faculty and local tourism leaders.
Topics include consumer demand, markets, investment, and global interactions related to the recreation, sport, and tourism industry. Additional attention is devoted to issues of environmental impacts and sustainability.
For additional information about this opportunity, please email Renata Endres at rendres@illinois.edu.
Questions?
For additional information about RST’s opportunities, please contact the instructor listed above for each program.