In 1997, the University of Chicago’s men’s soccer team took a preseason trip to Scotland, beginning an athletic-department-wide tradition that is still in effect today. Since then, UChicago varsity sports teams have traveled to 23 countries – including Turkey, Iceland and Uruguay – marking international travel a hallmark of the Maroon athletic experience.
Supported through team fundraising efforts, alumni donations and department support – such as the Edith Ballwebber fund, an endowed fund specifically for female athletic teams’ international experiences – these trips typically combine traditional sightseeing with countries’ sports scenes. Whether they are watching professional matches or scrimmaging local teams, UChicago athletes have the opportunity to learn and integrate themselves with international communities at no cost beyond passport fees and souvenir money.
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This story was first published by UChicago College.
