From Maine to Montreal: Expanding Perspectives Beyond the Classroom

In November, 15 students from the Maine Business School embarked on an unforgettable journey to Vermont and Montréal, gaining firsthand insights into the worlds of sport management and international business. This experiential learning trip, led by Dr. Nick Swim, Associate Professor of Sport Management, and Dr. Stefano Tijerina, Senior Lecturer in Management, blended educational exploration with cultural immersion.

Expanding Perspectives Beyond the Classroom

Dr. Stefano Tijerina, who has been leading student trips to Canada since 2005 through his work with UMaine’s Canadian-American Center, emphasized the importance of these cross-border experiences. “My goal is to facilitate cross-cultural connections that help expand the lens through which students see the world,” Dr. Tijerina says. “The trip also helps deconstruct misconceptions about Canada, especially the Anglo-centric view of the country.”

This year, Dr. Tijerina was joined by Dr. Nick Swim, who incorporated unique sport management experiences into the itinerary.

Behind-the-Scenes Sports Experiences

The trip began with a stop in Burlington, Vermont, where students toured Centennial Field, home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, a collegiate summer baseball team. This gave students a close-up look at how smaller sporting organizations operate and engage their communities.

In Montreal, the group explored several iconic sporting venues:
• The Royal Canadian Curling Club, where they learned about the history and culture of curling in Canada.
• The Formula 1 Montréal Circuit, home to the world-famous Canadian Grand Prix.

“This was my first time in Canada, and my favorite part of the trip was the Formula 1 track,” says Regan Lawn, a student from Egg Harbor Twp, New Jersey. “The sponsorship team gave us an engaging presentation on how they maintain relationships with their partners and gave us a tour of the facility.”

For the second year in a row, students attended a Montréal Canadiens hockey game—an unforgettable experience that immersed them in the passion and energy of Canadian sports culture. “Attending the Montréal Canadiens game allowed students to see sport management principles in action,” Dr. Swim says. “From the marketing to fan experience, the Canadiens provide a world-class environment. Attending a game pushed them to watch an NHL game, but also see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into putting on a professional sporting event.”  

Experiential Learning

Experiencing business internationally is only a 5-hour drive away for MBS students. Having the opportunity to visit cities in Canada, such as Quebec City and Montréal, exposes students to a new business culture by immersion. “Students can witness the challenges and opportunities of international business dynamics, exploring how companies market products, adapt customer service strategies, and navigate cultural and linguistic differences,” Dr. Tijerina says. It’s also a lot of fun.

In addition to structured tours, students on this trip also had time to explore Montréal independently, allowing them to appreciate the city’s vibrant culture, history, and diversity. Some students took advantage of the city’s outdoor opportunities with a hike of Mount Royal, while others explored the bustling streets and cultural landmarks.