Program Description

WSS 3XXX – Soccer: A Brazilian Experience

In order to gain a better understanding of the world’s 5 th largest county one needs to examine the world’s best soccer team. The Brazilian Soccer team is the only country to win the Would Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002).

Soccer in Brazil in just not a sport, it is an important social cultural expression. Soccer is a ”way of life” for millions of Brazilians and a window into the Brazilian society. Understanding the influence that soccer has in Brazil allows for a better understanding to the social constructions of Brazil.

This influence is present in the streets of the country where children dream of becoming future soccer players, and through this dream, they promote the national soccer culture even more. This dream motivates millions of children who want a better life. They see soccer as a way of escaping poverty. Through soccer, they mix the joy of playing with the suffering of poverty as part of their total social environment.

Experiencing this soccer culture will lead one to ask the question, “Does soccer have a bigger influence on peoples' lives than subjects related to politics or economics?” Soccer: A Brazilian Experience will attempt to answer this question.

Class Description (4 Credit hours)

This course in an opportunity for current or past soccer players, coaches or fans to immerse themselves in learning about the world of Brazilian Soccer and thus gaining glimpse of Brazilian society. Students will have the opportunity to take part in training and playing within a professional club in Natal, Brazil. Other experiences will include: attending a professional game; visiting the inner city, orphanages and nursing homes; experiencing Brazilian beach soccer; sightseeing; and engaging natives of Brazil in order to gain a better understanding of their culture.

Academic expectations will include various readings about Brazil and soccer in Brazil, journaling during the experience, conducting an interview(s) with people of Brazil and completing a final paper using the experience to answer the question, “Does soccer have a bigger influence on peoples' lives than subjects related to politics or economics?”

Faculty

Christian DeVries is the Head Men’s Soccer Coach and Instructor in Wellness and Sports Science. He teaches courses in Sports Management with a personal interest on sports and society. He has earned the following soccer coaching endorsements:

USSF “A” License, NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and Brazilian “C” License

Itinerary

• Training at ABC Futebol Club and with Professional Coaches
• Friendly games with Competitive Teams
• Experience Brazilian Beach soccer
• City Tour of Natal and the market place
• All Day Dune Buggy Ride of the Genipabu Dunes (Largest Sand Dunes in Brazil)
• Opportunity to visiting the beaches and taking part in beach activities
• Visit to Orphanages, Nursing homes and inner city
• Classroom discussions with Professional coaches
• Attended practice sessions of a professional team
• Watch Professional Soccer Game

Natal Brazil and the Package

Natal, also known as “Sun City of Brazil”, has temperatures which range from 70-85 Degrees Fahrenheit. The city hosts 730,000 inhabitants and is the closest point to Africa and Europe from South America. While in Natal, some of the tourist highlights that will be provided for the University of Minnesota, Morris are visits to the cities landmarks, a visit to a variety of souvenir shops, and the famous Dune Buggy ride to the Genipabu Dunes.

 The package is well-equipped with the following amenities:

Training at ABC Futebol Club with Professional Coaches

Friendly games with Competitive Teams

Beach soccer

Conference room equipped with projector and surround sound

Beachfront hotel accommodations (www.lainashotel.com.br)

3 Nutritious meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Free Wireless Internet Access

Airport pickup and drop-off and daily local transportation for scheduled activities

City Tour

All Day Dune Buggy Ride

Visit to Orphanages and Nursing homes

Watch Professional Soccer Game

Projected Dates for Travel: (12 days/10 nights)

August 5– Depart for Brazil

August 6 – Arrive in Natal

August 6-16 - Training and Games

August 16– Depart Brazil

August 17– Arrive in USA

Projected Cost per player or parent:

Student: $2,625.25

(Includes above listed amenities, insurance, administrative fees, 4 credit hours tuition)

Parents/Others: $1,875.25

(Includes above listed amenities, insurance, administrative fees, 1 credit hour tuition)

Additional expenses:

Plane Ticket: $1000-$12000

Passport: $100-$150

Travel Visa: $100

Discounts available:

December 14, 2007: $150

January 25, 2008: $100

Financial Aid Available:

Students can qualify for summer school financial aid if they have completed a FAFSA and they enroll in at least 6 credit hours. Students will be given the opportunity to take the Soccer Coaching 2 credit hour course in conjunction with this course to meet the 6 credit hour requirement.

Reduced Program Fee and Scholarships:

Sign up by the early deadline to receive a $150 program fee reduction and be included in a drawing for an additional $500 fee reduction.

Regardless of when you turn in your application, you may be eligible to apply for UMM scholarships worth up to $750.