Student-athletes study abroad

Troy University Chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., and Director of Athletics Brent Jones announced an initiative to provide TROY’s 400-plus student-athletes each an opportunity to study abroad over the course of their collegiate careers.

“Study abroad is a vital part of the TROY experience, and every student should have this opportunity,” Dr. Hawkins said. “It has been a remarkable experience to see our students go abroad, many of whom have traveled so little, and come back not only appreciating the world around them but, more importantly, appreciating this great country.”

Backed by an initiative from Dr. Hawkins, the trips will allow student-athletes to expand their knowledge by visiting unique cultures and participating in educational experiences, community service projects, and competitions or clinics with local athletes and youth.

“This is an incredible initiative that continues to build upon our standard of providing the best student-athlete experience possible at Troy University,” Jones said. “I am so appreciative of the support and vision from Chancellor Hawkins to make this program become a reality. The study-abroad initiative will provide our student-athletes an opportunity to travel outside of our borders, often for the first time in their lives, and enrich their life experience by immersing themselves in other cultures through community service, education, sport and some fun as well.”

Funding for the trips will come from the Athletics Department and the Chancellor’s Award for Global Competitiveness, which is available to all of TROY’s student population thanks to TROY license plate sales.

The initiative has already begun to see returns as Head Coach Scott Cross took his Men’s Basketball team on a week-long trip to Costa Rica in August. It was the first time that 12 of the 14 student-athletes on the trip had been outside the United States. While in San Jose, the Trojans competed against the El Salvador National Team twice and the Costa Rica All-Stars in addition to gaining valuable team-bonding time, assisting youth in the area with clinics and exploring the vast cultural offerings in the country. Additionally, in the fall, TROY Men’s Golf traveled to the Bahamas and competed in the Bahamas NCAA Invitational.

Student-athletes that compete on teams that do not have an opportunity for international competition will be granted efforts for individual or group travel within their sports with a focus on camps and clinics, learning opportunities and community service.

Troy University is home to international students from 60 countries worldwide and is proud to carry the title of Alabama’s International University. This new TROY Athletics initiative centers on providing student-athletes with experiences across the globe, primarily focusing on South America and Latin America.