Clemson University and Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea have partnered to deliver an interdisciplinary study abroad experience in Madrid, Spain, beginning in 2025.

Led by the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS), the program will provide insight into the global sports industry and offer experiential learning opportunities with one of the most iconic sport brands in the world, Real Madrid C.F.

"As a College, we are delighted to embark on this partnership with Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea as it exemplifies the goal of Clemson Elevate to deliver the number one student experience through unique experiential learning opportunities," said CBSHS dean Leslie Hossfeld. "Clemson students across disciplines will benefit from this study abroad opportunity to grow in knowledge and expand their perspectives of the world."

Spring, Fall and Summer Programs

The partnership will include semester-long programs in the spring and fall and a 7-week summer session. Students will complete four courses and a business plan during the spring and fall semesters, earning 15-credit hours - and two courses during the summer session, earning 6-credit hours. The curriculum will cover topics such as technical management in sport entities, commercialization and marketing for sport, large event and sporting venue management and sales management and techniques.

Innovative Business Plan Projects

The objective of the business plan course will be to develop future leaders who embody the ethical standards and historical values of Real Madrid C.F.and will focus on the school's core values: entrepreneurship, leadership, integrity, teamwork and excellence (ELITE). Students will collaborate on projects with companies in partnership with Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea to simulate real-word experiences.

The Real Madrid Experience

Spring, fall and summer programs will include The Real Madrid Experience, an exclusive annual event featuring lectures from prominent figures in the sports world, covering topics such as marketing, digital transformation, venue management and more. Students will also visit Real Madrid C.F.'s facilities and other key venues in Madrid to develop a comprehensive understanding of different business models.

"We are thrilled to join forces with such a prestigious institution as Clemson University. This program provides a unique international education experience, combining coursework in both South Carolina and Madrid with insights from leading professionals in the sports field," said Emilio Butragueño, general manager at Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea. "We are confident this initiative will greatly benefit our students' career development and make a substantial impact on their professional journeys."

"This partnership will elevate our students' Clemson Experience," said Bob Barcelona, Ph.D., chair of the parks, recreation and tourism management department at Clemson University. "Working closely with renowned professionals from the world's leading soccer club, our students will develop a deeper understanding of the international sports industry in unique academic and profesional settings. We are eager to see how this collaboration will foster growth, learning and cross-cultural exchange and enrich the Clemson community as a whole."

To apply for the Clemson University study abroad program at Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea in Madrid, Spain, click here.

About the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is a part of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines - communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice - to further its mission of "building people and communities" in South Carolina and beyond.

About Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea

Founded in 2006 through a prestigious collaboration between Real Madrid C.F. and Universidad Europea, Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea offers a unique blend of academic excellence and world-class sports insight. Combining the expertise of one of Spain's leading private universities with the global renown of the "Best Fútbol Club of the 20th Century" (FIFA, 2000), the institution provides students with an unparalleled international and practical education in Spain.

Ranked among the top by Forbes and Deloitte and recognized as the third most-followed entity on social media, Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea allows students to gain invaluable insights into the innovative business and transformation strategies employed by Real Madrid C.F. This exclusive access ensures that our students are well-prepared for successful careers in the global sports industry.

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