Exploring European Sport Psychology


Innsbruck, Austria

Exploring European Sport Psychology


Location: Munich, Germany and Innsbruck, Austria
Language of Instruction: English
Term: Summer
Program Type: Faculty-led
Open to non-KU Students: Yes
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Tour the Olympic Stadium in Munich, Germany
  • Learn about Munich sport facilities and programs for youth and adult sport and physical activity 
  • Tour facilities and engage with sport psychology faculty from the Technical University of Munich and the University of Innsbruck
  • Attend and participate in the European Congress of Sport and Exercise Psychology (FEPSAC) in Innsbruck, Austria
  • Interact and network with industry professionals from diverse countries

2024 Program Dates

  • July 10, 2024 -  Depart U.S.
  • July 11, 2024 -  Arrive Munich, Germany
  • July 14, 2024 - Travel to Innsbruck, Austria
  • July 15 -19, 2024 - Participate in FEPSAC Conference
  • July 22, 2024 - Return to U.S.

Students on the Exploring European Sport Psychology program will gain an understanding of international approaches to sport psychology while developing professionally through attendance at and participation in the 2024 FEPSAC conference. 

In advance of travel, students will learn about and assist in the preparation of academic abstracts for posters, workshops and symposiums, and complete required readings and assignments related to the psychology of sport and physical activity.  In July 2024, students will travel to Munich, Germany and tour the Munich Olympic stadium with the purpose of understanding how Olympic sport may influence a city post-Olympic games. Students will also visit facilities and interact with faculty from the Department of Health and Sport Sciences at the Technical University of Munich and the Department of Sport Science at the University of Innsbruck.  After, students will spend one week at the European Congress of Sport and Exercise Psychology in Innsbruck, Austria to experience a multicultural sport psychology conference from a European perspective and network with academics and industry professionals. 

Munich and Innsbruck are European cities known for their international sport venues, including World Championships, European Championships and quadrennial Olympic games.

Munich, Germany

Munich is the capital city of the German state of Bavaria. It is the largest city in the region and a regional transportation and cultural hub. Situated near the Bavarian Alps and the border with Austria, there are numerous opportunities for exploration of the city and nearby recreational activities in the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is situated 575 m above sea level and is surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Alps and is known for its Old Town, City Tower and the Golden Roof.  Its location as a bridge between north, south, east and west, as well as its long tradition as a university city, gives Innsbruck political and cultural significance and makes it a dynamic and vibrant place with a high quality of life.

In July 2024, Innsbruck will host the European Congress of Sport and Exercise Psychology (FEPSAC), which will bring to the city international attendees and presenters from diverse countries and offer a unique opportunity for students to engage in and experience a world view of sport psychology.  

All students on this program will enroll in one of the following courses for the summer 2024 term:

  • EPSY 598  Special Course: European Sport Psychology (undergraduate students)
  • EPSY 896  Seminar In:  European Sport Psychology (graduate students) 

This course will provide students with the opportunity to prepare for a professional sport psychology conference, engage in European travel and a study abroad experience, as well as build skills as a professional in the fields of educational psychology and the psychology of sport and physical activity, and develop teamwork experiences and practices conducive to international travel to a professional international sport psychology conference.

Participants in this program will:

  1. read and interpret research in sport psychology 
  2. learn and practice fundamental abstract submission for professional conferences
  3. gain exposure to applied sport psychology and mental skills training from a European perspective
  4. engage in discussion with international conference attendees, share ideas with peers, and document their experience
  5. pursue a topic in-depth that will support their future academic and/or professional interests.

Students will be housed in double-occupancy rooms at centrally-located hotels in Munich, Germany and Innsbruck, Austria.  Breakfast will be included daily.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Considerations for Austria and Germany

Both Austria and Germany have laws in place to protect ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, individuals of different abilities, and other groups. Same-sex marriage is available in each country and most large city governments officially encourage and host LGBTQIA+ pride events.

Cities and public transportation in both Austria and Germany are generally accessible to individuals with disabilities.  Older sections of the cities and smaller towns may be less accessible due to centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and small indoor spaces, however services are available for people who are mobility, sight, or hearing impaired.

Source: U.S. Department of State country information pages and Diversity Abroad.

Additional Resources

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Open to undergraduate or graduate students in the School of Education and Human Sciences, specifically Health, Sport, and Exercise Science or Educational Psychology majors.  KU students from academic areas outside of SOEHS will be considered with permission from the Program Directors.

For more information contact:

Dr. Darrell Phillips

Department of Educational Psychology

University of Kansas

602 J.R. Pearson Hall

1122 West Campus Road

Lawrence, KS 66045

785-864-7268

D.Phillips@ku.edu

Dr. Mary Fry

Department of Educational Psychology

University of Kansas

604 J.R. Pearson Hall

1122 West Campus Road

Lawrence, KS 66045

785-864-1862

mfry@ku.edu