Although one could consider me a wanderlust, studying abroad was never quite on my radar as a college student. It is probably because my mind is still trying to adapt to living in another state across the country. When the opportunity to go to Munich as part of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications first ever study abroad experience opened, however, I could not pass up the opportunity. I was honored to be chosen as one of 12 students to participate in a class called Globalizing the NFL. This class offered us students the once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to cover different aspects of the NFL’s first regular-season American football game at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. As part of my quest to understand the hype of American football in another country, I chose to cover the German Sea Hawkers: an affiliate fan club of the original Sea Hawkers booster club in Seattle. I learned a lot about this group of die-hard fans, but overall, I was overwhelmingly inspired by every aspect of learning I did while studying abroad.

American football for German fans

To begin, American football takes on a whole new meaning to people in other countries. For most Germans, it’s not about which player is going to do the best on their fantasy roster. No. It’s really about the fascination with American sports: the traditions, the parties, the food and the atmosphere surrounding an American football game. It’s about the things that come naturally for us Americans but not so naturally or culturally-sound for Europeans. This concept urged me to perhaps not take sports so seriously back at home and to rather appreciate the unity that it brings to so many people. To hear Germans talk about their love for American football in their element was heart warming and inspiring.

I had the chance to talk to Max Länge, the founder of the German Sea Hawkers chapter. When asked what his and other NFL fans assumed favorite parts about American football are, his immediate response reflected the traditions. He specifically mentioned tailgating and sitting up late on a Sunday evening with friends and family to enjoy a game – especially the Seahawks, of course.

While covering this niche group of fans, it opened up my eyes to the fact that Europeans don’t have a home team, rather they form their love based on how American media presents them. Our American influence across the world really struck me when I stumbled upon a sports television network called ProSieben Maxx. Two German-speaking sports hosts dress up as if they are Troy Aikman and Joe Buck to report on NFL games. This is all happens in an arena-like atmosphere, where fans gather at long tables to watch the German sports reporters cover NFL games that are played on a 360 degree big-screen above them. The most notable part, however, is the attempt to mimic American sportscasters. They use the same clichés, syntax, and American lingos all while still speaking in German. It was rather fascinating to sit in my hotel room and see this attempt to recreate aspects of American football while across the world.

Going back?

I’ll admit. Before I studied in Germany or even considered the efforts that the NFL constantly makes to expand their footprint globally, I never thought about the possibility of pursuing sports reporting or writing in another country. We are blessed to get the sports education we do back in America and specifically at the University of Florida. Our sports-oriented journalism program can allow students to bring a heightened element to sports reporting in another country like Germany. Now, I just need to learn German… 

I consider it a blessing to have a sports-related study abroad component on my resume. This opportunity took my confidence in reporting to another level. As I continue to narrow down my career path in sports or in other forms of journalism, I now know the advantage I have in being able to say I broke language barriers, time differences, and creative aspects in order to still create a detail-oriented, and well-written story on a deadline.

Beyond sports in Germany

On a more non-sports related note, I was humbled by the fact that I did not understand how to use the train system very well. I relied on my classmates and professor to guide us in the right direction. Looking back though, I wish I had taken the extra time to learn. If I ever consider studying abroad or living in another country for a longer period, one of my priorities will be to know this aspect. It is quite literally one of the most efficient pieces of technology in the world. The train systems in Europe have the capability to transport people to different places in such a short amount of time. Whether students study abroad for just a few days, or for a few months, I highly recommend leaving your base town at least once in order to experience what the rest of the country has to offer.

While it was part of a student’s story to travel to the American military base in another town outside of Munich, I had the opportunity to travel with her to explore a different part of the country.

What we saw that day was breathtaking. We traveled to the top of Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany, and got to take in views that not many people may get to see in their lifetime. Each crevasse of a mountain looked picture perfect, and the way the sun reflected off the snow-covered peaks was immaculate. They looked like they were painted perfectly over a blue back drop that just happened to be the sky. I stood in awe looking over the mountains and reflecting on not only that moment, but this whole trip.

Closing in on this experience

To close in on just a snippet of what this journey to Munich looked like, I would like to say that, if possible, all students should consider, if not require themselves to study abroad in their college career. If you are a sports journalism major specifically, don’t set your sights too narrow. This world has so much to offer regarding how you can be involved in sports, and if you don’t think living in another country will suit you at any point in your life, at least explore a new place to understand the different aspects of why people love the very same sports we do in America.

To be able to capture the essence of this NFL fan experience for Europeans was quite an opportunity. This trip especially aided in what it’s like to report on big events. It forced me to ask big questions, to dig for stories that need to pursue unique angles, and to stand out due to the hype surrounding big events like this. This opportunity allowed me to take on the role of a real reporter. I had to be bold to get the answers I wanted, and I had to step into uncomfortable positions at times. Being prepared and doing your research is so important as an aspiring reporter, and because I learned the importance of this in a foreign learning environment, I feel much more prepared to take on big stories in my career and at home. I am forever grateful for this opportunity!

Posted: December 5, 2022
Category: CJC in Munich