My Study Abroad Story

First impressions: a new home away from home

Travelling to a new country is thrilling, but can also be intimidating. When I first arrived in Scotland for North Carolina State University's Global Leadership Minor (GLM) program at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), I wasn't sure what to expect. Can I adapt to the new academic and cultural environment? How different would it be from studying in the U.S.? Looking back, I realize that my time at UWS was an incredibly enriching and eye-opening experience.

One of the first things I noticed about UWS was the warmth of its people. From the moment we arrived, the staff and students welcomed us with open arms. It wasn't just about attending lectures but about feeling at home and gaining a unique perspective on the sport, tourism, and event industries. I also loved the town of Paisley, which has a rich history and charm that made settling in much easier. And, of course, getting used to hearing "cheers" instead of "thank you" was an adjustment I was happy to make.

Academically, the difference between the U.S. and the U.K. system was immediately evident. While American universities tend to focus more on assessment through quizzes, tests, and homework, Scottish education placed a stronger emphasis on class discussion and hands-on experience, which we gained through guest speakers and site visits. This was a refreshing shift of pace. It allowed me to think more critically and learn about the sport, tourism, and event industries, and how they work in the real world.

Exploring Scotland beyond the classroom

Beyond academics, one of the highlights of my experience was exploring Scotland, whether on my own or with the group. We kicked things off with a competitive scavenger hunt around Glasgow. Unfortunately, a pigeon pooped on my head about ten minutes in, but it was a great way to see the city. Plus, they say that's good luck! Every excursion deepened my appreciation for Scotland's beautiful landscapes and cultural richness, from the historic streets of Edinburgh to an awesome Snow Patrol concert at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).

Visiting Edinburgh was a stand out moment for me. We visited the British Council and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), where we got a firsthand look at how global engagement and event planning shape the city. We also went on a walking tour with a member of the Cockburn Association, who shared stories about Edinburgh’s rich history and the ongoing efforts to protect Edinburgh's built heritage, natural environment, and civic amenities. It really opened my eyes to the challenge of balancing tourism’s economic benefits with the need to preserve the city’s unique character and support the community

The role of sport, tourism, and events in local communities

One of the key parts of the course was examining the role of sports, tourism, and events in shaping communities. We had the chance to visit various organizations and venues, including St. Mirren Football Club, the SEC, the Emirates Arena, Celtic Park, and more. Hearing from leaders at each site visit highlighted these industries' economic and social impacts on Scotland.

Sports, tourism, and events are powerful drivers of community development, bringing people together, creating jobs, and boosting local economies. For instance, major event venues like the SEC and Emirates Arena play a crucial role in attracting visitors, generating revenue for local businesses, and enhancing Scotland's global reputation as a destination for world-class events.

I learned that tourism is not just about the visitors but about a whole system of organizations working together to create an experience. From events that promote tourism to local governments ensuring infrastructure is in place, each step of the process contributes to a destination's success, and I thoroughly enjoyed what I learned in each class, field trip, and from guest speakers.

Final reflections: leadership lessons and cultural insights

NC State's GLM is designed to educate students on the complexities of leadership in an increasingly interconnected world through interdisciplinary coursework, immersive cultural experiences, and hands-on learning. Our time in Scotland did just that. Our coursework and site visits provided theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences to examine leadership models, ethics in decision-making, and the challenges of managing organizations in the sports and tourism sectors.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was understanding the importance of ethical leadership, especially when navigating controversial issues like human rights concerns in major sporting events. Global leadership is about more than just managing different locations or cultures - it focuses on inspiring and guiding people to align their thoughts, attitudes, and actions to work together effectively towards shared goals and a common vision.

This experience reinforced that authentic leadership requires empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical decision-making. Whether in business, sports, or community development, the most impactful leaders prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and the well-being of the people they serve. As I move forward in my career, I will carry these lessons with me to lead in a way that not only drives success but fosters positive change in the world around me.

Blog written by Fiona Finchem, North Carolina State University | March 2025