[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The thought of living in America, having your university paid for, being treated like a professional athlete, all while getting a prestigious degree sounds<\/strong> like a dream for many people.<\/p>\n Becoming a student-athlete in the U.S. collegiate system means getting all of this, and more!! However, it isn\u2019t all rosy 100% of the time.<\/p>\n Anyone thinking about taking on this pathway has reservations and worries when applying for a US sports scholarship!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Moving across the world is no easy feat<\/span>, and it is more than expected to have reservations about whether or not this is something you want to pursue.<\/p>\n This blog looks to touch on a few of the biggest concerns our prospective student-athletes have, how they present themselves in reality, and how we can help overcome these ‘barriers’.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For more specific or personal worries or concerns, have a conversation with our U.S. experts!<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Being away from your support system is the main worry for any athlete leaving New Zealand to pursue this pathway. Homesickness is something that affects people in different ways<\/span>, but without sugar-coating it, is something that most people will come across.<\/p>\n However, being an athlete at a U.S. university means that you have a built-in family as soon as you arrive.<\/strong> The American athletes and their families will take you in as their own, so even though the support system will look (and sound) a little different from the past, you will still have a family you can rely on… your team!<\/p>\n Plus- every single one of your friends would trade places with you in a heartbeat! Yes you will miss out on things at home, and get a lot of FOMO at some points, but the trade off is well worth it!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The majority of the time, the motive for becoming a student-athlete is for the professional environment, intensive training, emphasis on strength and conditioning, as well as the opportunity to travel around the country to play against the top tier competition. However, when do I study? When do I see my friends? Am I allowed to leave campus? What if I miss class for an away trip?<\/em><\/p>\n The answer is\u2026 yep you guessed it, time management!!! While your sport will feel like a full-time job at some points, there is always time for your study, but also time for fun outside of the classroom as well. You will have the opportunity to go to class and study, as well as see your friends and go out, but you need to manage your priorities whilst trying to squeeze everything into your day.<\/p>\n It is important to understand that there will be sacrifices you are constantly making because of the commitment made by being a student-athlete and there is no getting around that.<\/strong> Understanding your priorities, and why you want to become a student-athlete is important and will help you recognise that these sacrifices are well worth it in the long run!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.athletesagency.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/St-Cuthberts-NZSS-Hockey-Federation-Cup-Champions.jpeg” title_text=”St-Cuthberts-NZSS-Hockey-Federation-Cup-Champions” _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The standard of competition is a concern for some people considering this pathway, although this happens at two ends of the spectrum. There are some people who are concerned that they have already reached the highest level in New Zealand of their age group, so will the competition standard in America be good enough? Or, majority of athletes haven\u2019t quite reached their full potential and are hoping to get more experience in the U.S., but are concerned that the level of competition is too high.<\/p>\n The reality of this is that either could be true, or ideally, neither of these would be a worry. Both scenarios come down to awareness or education surrounding the opportunities that are presented.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n There are two key aspects that you will need to honestly assess when you are looking into which schools you are going to target your communication toward. These are your:<\/p>\n Once you understand these things about yourself, it will allow you to then begin targeting schools that are at the correct \u2018standard\u2019 athletically, but also meet your wants and needs outside of your sport as well.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There is a large concern surrounding whether or not the degree you earn in the U.S. will be recognised or transferable to a career back home. This is a huge misconception that people need to realise is really nothing that you need to worry about as it either isn\u2019t true, or, it is something you can plan for.<\/strong><\/p>\n There are certain career paths that may require things to be done in order for your degree to be used in a practical sense once returning home.<\/strong> For example, there are certain fields where you may be required to take a \u2018bridging course\u2019 to get up to speed on the New Zealand mandates or curriculum. Or, there are some degrees, such as medicine or law, that may require you to do some post-graduate study in New Zealand, which is not uncommon here either.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n1. Leaving your Friends, Family<\/strong><\/h2>\n
2. Balance Between Sport, Studies, and Social Life!<\/b><\/h2>\n
3. Competition Standard<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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4. Transferability of my Degree<\/strong><\/h2>\n