Global Players Launches New Study Abroad Program for Student-Athletes in Rio De Janeiro Summer 2015

    RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, November 14, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- According to a white paper by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln 70% of college athletes regret not studying abroad. Enter Global Players, an industry leader since it's inception in 2008, and the first study abroad program developed by former NCAA athletes for student athletes.

Global Players has teamed up with academic partner IES Abroad to launch a new summer program in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The program offers an academic focus on sports and society while exploring the rich and vibrant culture of Rio. Student-athletes will train with local teams; have weekly strength and conditioning sessions with a dedicated Global Players Athletic Director, while also attending college classes in this dynamic, well-rounded program. When possible, participants will also take part in tournaments or competition on a Global Players team or integrated with a local team enhancing their athletic skills, forming meaningful friendships with fellow foreign and local students, for a life changing experience as global citizens. The application deadline is March 1, 2015. It is now available online at http://www.playtheglobe.org.

In feedback surveys, 100% of student-athlete participants report they chose to study abroad with Global Players because of the athletic component. "We use sport as the vehicle of cultural immersion," says Founder and Director of Program Development, Tara Michael, "but the academic component adds a dimension of theory and context, and for many, justifies the cost of six weeks abroad. We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the caliber of study abroad professionals at IES Abroad to launch our new program in Rio."

Global Players was founded in 2008 by two former Division I student-athletes, Tara Michael from American University and Jess Beard Thornton from James Madison University, both of whom played Women's Lacrosse. Since its onset, Global Players has represented over 50 higher education institutions in the United States and more than 10 nationalities on tournament teams. Global Players is launching its first program with IES Abroad, in June of 2015 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Global Players programs are designed for all student-athletes, from Varsity to Club, so participants can 'bring the athlete' when they go abroad to have the best of both worlds - around the world!

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