Taking a Leap of Faith and Opening Up My World
Shamine Chainani
Master in Sports Management student
From an amateur triathlete to a Master in Sports Management student
The moment I tore off my arm floaties at three years old and plunged into the pool, I didn’t just learn to swim – I dove headfirst into a lifelong love affair with sports, and in 2024, I took a leap of faith to pivot into the sporting landscape. It was a year of synchronicity – a series of events, linked together forming a pattern, a message, a calling. I wanted to chase my dreams, unclip my wings, and fly into new horizons. ESEI International Business School offered me the chance to make that happen.
After many months of research and strategic application submissions, ESEI, based in Barcelona and listed as having a top-tier Master in Sports Management programme, reached out to me for an admissions interview. I couldn’t contain my excitement; this West Indian girl could be going to Europe! It felt surreal. I sat with Simisola Okoya, the Head of Admissions, and all I felt was warmth and ease. The conversation drew me into the university even more. I was confident that I would be successful. Mere days later, I received my acceptance and all arrows pointed to Barcelona – Europe’s hub for various sporting activities.
Adjusting to Life in a New Cultural Environment
It was then that the first pangs of fear seeped in. I was giving up all my comforts in my cosy, warm Trinidad and Tobago and for the first time, at an older age, moving to the other side of the world. I was going from receiving an income to utilizing all my savings to fund my dream. Everyone told me I am brave. I didn’t feel brave; I felt determined. I understood the meaning of sacrifice. It’s taking the less popular path for a great, bigger picture.
Now, two months in Barcelona and one month into the Master in Sports Management programme, I embrace my path fully. I feel so alive and with a renewed sense of purpose. My mind is already blown away with what I have been exposed to.
I would describe ESEI as reflected in my interview, in two words: warmth and ease. The administration team is invested in your success. They are easy to talk to, accessible, and provide opportunities to enrich your learning journey. The faculty of lecturers are working professionals in the field of subject matter that they are teaching. Imagine meeting teachers and speakers who have worked in the sporting landscape of events, activities, and organizations that I have been exposed to on television or in the news. I am now having conversations with these people face-to-face. I am in awe and sure of my resolve.
Key Moments from My Journey So Far
Fluid Environment
Coming from a small island developing nation where opportunities and perspectives are limited, I knew the term “brave” was relative. Every other person I’ve met here is changing careers, enrolling in new programmes opposite to what they have done in the past, and lived in several countries. My venture is a big deal back home, but people here do this all the time. The fluidity here has been eye-opening for me.
Studying at an international business school like ESEI has exposed me to diverse perspectives from classmates who have lived across different continents and pursued varied career paths before joining this programme. This exposure has enriched not only my business education but also my personal growth as someone adjusting to life and studying in a new cultural environment.
Mobile World Congress
Through ESEI, I was afforded the privilege of attending the world’s largest connectivity event, trade show, and conference – Mobile World Congress (MWC). Stakeholders of the tech ecosystem converge here to discuss new trends in technology, showcase innovations, pitch ideas, network, and so much more.
I was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of MWC; as much as I tried to comb my way through the conference, it was challenging due to its scale. My approach was to focus on my interests and zone into those areas. Fortunately, I got a chance to join a couple of sport summits hosting panel discussions with experts from Amazon, YouTube, Blocksports—covering trends in the industry such as creating revenue generation streams in sports made possible by advances in technology. This experience highlighted how networking and career opportunities are integral parts of studying at an international business school like ESEI.
My Events and Facilities professor Julia Roca Valverde gave us homework: collect some information at the Barcelona Marathon’s sports fair along with an opportunity to volunteer for the event. This was a chance for me to witness a major sporting spectacle; I couldn’t miss it! Volunteering is not just about giving back—it’s also about meeting people, observing how things are done differently across cultures, and sometimes witnessing something remarkable.
I wasn’t disappointed because I saw 27,000 strong athletes conquer the marathon while Jacob Kiplimo broke the world record right before my eyes! This experience reinforced why pursuing business studies with a focus on sports management is so rewarding—it combines passion with practical learning.
Apps & Banking
Coming from a developing nation where e-commerce and banking are still traditional processes rooted deeply offline—I am amazed by Europe’s technological advancements! Here you can have an app just for letting your roommates know which chores you’ve completed today or conduct banking transactions without stepping foot into any physical branch—a convenience made possible by innovations shaping our world today.
These advancements highlight how studying abroad not only broadens your career opportunities but also exposes you firsthand to cutting-edge technologies that can inspire new ideas for business studies or entrepreneurial ventures back home.
Barcelona: A City Full of Opportunities
Sweet Barcelona—I think coming here was one of my best decisions yet! The city is beautiful beyond words while brimming with activity at every corner—perfectly complementing both academic pursuits at ESEI International Business School as well as personal exploration during free time.
From its vibrant cultural scene offering endless ways for students like me who are studying abroad seeking international experience—to its reputation as one of Europe’s leading hubs for sports activities—Barcelona truly has it all! However… one thing missing? A West Indian restaurant or grocery store where homesick students like myself could indulge cravings for Trini food!
Being away from home has given me newfound appreciation though—not only for familiar comforts but also recognizing untapped potential within Trinidad & Tobago itself when it comes down to generating novel revenue streams via tourism exports or culinary ventures abroad!
Cheers To Future Career Opportunities
As someone pursuing their Master’s degree within Sports Management amidst such dynamic surroundings—it excites me knowing how much lies ahead post-graduation whether leveraging insights gained here toward building impactful projects globally—or even locally back home contributing positively toward development initiatives there too!
ESEI International Business School continues proving itself invaluable resource equipping students like myself invaluable tools needed succeed navigating complex global landscapes today tomorrow alike bridging gaps between theory practice seamlessly ensuring graduates emerge ready tackle challenges head-on confidently poised thrive wherever paths lead next!
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