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Yi Zhang, a doctoral student from the Graduate School of Sport Sciences, participated in a study abroad program at the University of Bath from September 2023 to December 2023. This program was sponsored by the Top Global University (TGU) Program. Ms. Zhang was able to plan new research for her doctoral dissertation and revise the logic of her previous research while studying at the University of Bath.
Please read about her experience below!

Ⅰ. About the travel support

From September 12th, 2023 to December 11th, 2023, I gained the valuable chance to embark on an academic journey as a postgraduate student visitor under Dr. Rui Biscaia’s supervision at the University of Bath in the UK. Thanks to the support of Waseda University’s esteemed Top Global University (TGU) AY2023 Travel Grant Program, which provided me with a grant covering the costs of my round-trip airfare and accommodation, I was able to study in the UK. The purposes of this visit were 1) to do collaborative research with and gain guidance regarding my doctoral dissertation from Dr. Biscaia; 2) to conduct collaborative research with Dr. Elizabete Cardoso; and 3) to experience what it is like to study and work as a researcher in a different cultural background and gain an international perspective.

Ⅱ. About the University of Bath

The University of Bath, a prestigious institution that received its Royal Charter in 1966, has established itself among the top 10 universities in the UK thanks to its superior research and teaching prowess. The Times named it the 2023 University of the Year and its commitment to educational brilliance is undisputed. The university attained impressive standings in various rankings: 5th in the Complete University Guide 2024, 6th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2024, and within the top 150 globally by the QS World University Rankings 2024. Furthermore, the Research Excellence Framework 2021 recognized 92% of its research as world-leading or internationally excellent. The university’s aspirations are clear: to spearhead outstanding education, foster an inclusive academic community, and fortify strategic partnerships. Set against the scenic backdrop of Claverton Down in the historic city of Bath, a jewel recognized by UNESCO for its heritage significance, the campus is not just a hub of academic activity but a cornerstone of innovation and inclusivity. With a commitment to creating a sustainable campus environment, the university is recognized for its vibrant student community and state-of-the-art facilities, including comprehensive libraries, advanced scientific laboratories, and a dynamic sports training village.

The Department for Health at the University of Bath is ranked 1st in Sports Science according to the Guardian University Guide 2024 and within the top 10 for Sports-Related Subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. Students at the Department for Health have the unique opportunity to work alongside elite athletes, benefiting from interactions with top-level sports teams and individuals who make use of the university’s superior facilities and expertise at the Sports Training Village. These experiences not only enhance the learning environment but also prepare students for high-performance careers in the health and sports sectors.

Ⅲ. About studying at the University of Bath

The University of Bath kindly offered me an unconditional place as a full-time visiting research scholar as part of the Visiting Postgraduate Scholar scheme (Department for Health). Studying with Dr. Biscaia and his group for three months was a fabulous experience for me. Dr. Biscaia is a prestigious scholar in the sport business field. His research interests include sport consumers, organizations, athletes and sponsors, and delves into consumption experiences, fan well-being, online environments, brand management, and mega sport events. He was also invited to be a guest lecturer at Waseda University in the summer semester of 2023. With over 50 peer-reviewed articles and contributions to significant sport management texts, Dr. Biscaia’s influence extends globally in the sport field. He also serves as Associate Editor for European Sport Management Quarterly and on several editorial boards, highlighting his commitment to advancing sport management research and practice. During the three months, I was able to design the third study in my doctoral dissertation under his guidance and revised the logic of all three studies. Dr. Biscaia and I had personal meetings once or twice a week to update my progress and discussed data analysis or research design. I also presented my overall doctoral research and gained invaluable comments from other faculty and postgraduate students in the Department for Health.

Moreover, I attended two courses: Research Method and Sport Marketing conducted by Dr. Biscaia and his colleagues, allowing me to review and enhance my research method skills and accumulate marketing cases from the UK. Furthermore, Dr. Cardoso and Dr. Andrew Manley also kindly offered me advice about qualitative research by personal consultations. I also gained the chance to interact more and collaborate with Dr. Cardoso regarding her research on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Lastly, the University of Bath offers a cozy environment for postgraduate students. Every Ph.D. student can get a seat in a shared office, which offers not only a comfortable place to conduct research but also a platform to interact with other Ph.D. students. I had good communication with colleagues in my office, sharing research, life, and career experience. I enhanced my English speaking skills and also nurtured my vision from different cultural backgrounds. In addition, the library website also provides extensive knowledge. The most impressive point is the online data courses with various software available 24/7. The Student Union in the university offers different kinds of clubs. I attended a dance club and took dance courses to keep fit in the evening of Monday and Thursday after school.

Ⅳ. Life in Bath

Bath, a city steeped in history and elegance, offered me a living experience that was both enriching and serene. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bath is famous for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, which provide a picturesque backdrop to everyday life. Outside the city center, one is immediately enveloped in historic streets lined with stone buildings that echo the city’s rich past. I took a bus to school on workdays and I could enjoy the fabulous scenes across the city. On weekends, my friend from the department and I toured the Roman baths and gained a sense of the special bath culture from 2000 years ago. I could also practice golf at the public golf courses and met local residents there. The city’s commitment to arts and culture was palpable, with numerous events throughout the year, reflecting a vibrant community spirit. I attended the Bath Marathon as a spectator and talked with local people about their experience, which felt like a field study that related to my research. Dr. Biscaia and his family kindly invited me to try one of the best fish and chips in Bath. In December, with the approach of the Christmas season, the Christmas market began, and the whole city emerged amongst the atmosphere of Christmas.

Ⅴ. To Conclude

Overall, my study abroad experience at the University of Bath has been an immensely enriching and transformative journey, both academically and personally. Working under the guidance of Dr. Biscaia and collaborating with him and Dr. Cardoso, I have not only advanced my doctoral research but also broadened my academic horizons. The dynamic and supportive environment at the Department for Health, combined with the rich cultural tapestry of Bath, has allowed me to deepen my understanding of sports science and management while embracing diverse cultural experiences. The interactions with faculty, fellow students, and the community of Bath have contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. This exchange program, supported by Waseda University’s TGU grant, has been an invaluable part of my academic journey, leaving me with lasting knowledge, skills, and memories that I will carry forward into my future endeavors.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rui Biscaia for his exceptional guidance and support during my three months at the University of Bath. I am also deeply thankful to my supervisor at Waseda University, Dr. Shintaro Sato, for offering me this incredible opportunity and for his unwavering support. Moreover, I’d like to thank the faculty, lab members, and friends at the University of Bath, as well as the administrative staff at Tokorozawa Campus, Waseda University, for this fabulous experience in Bath, UK.