ISELP 2026: Two Continents. One Sporting Vision.
ISELP – International Sports Experiential Learning Programme, the journey that redefines how you see sports.
From witnessing iconic sporting face-offs to learning directly from global sports leaders and networking on international platforms, ISELP is where your ambition finds exposure.
Hence, on the quest to explore sports beyond boundaries, this year, IISM students travelled to two global sporting hubs, the City of Gold, Dubai, and the Land Down Under, Australia.
ISELP 2026 went far beyond conventional learning.
Students experienced immersive exposure to international sporting ecosystems, world-class venues, celebrated leagues, and sessions by globally renowned industry leaders.
From motorsport circuits and cricketing landmarks in Dubai to the Australian Open in Melbourne, the experiential programme blended learning, networking, culture, and inspiration.
It wasn’t just a study tour; it was a lifetime memory wrapped in a global sports experience.
Dubai: Where the Spirit of Sports Rises as High as the Skyline
The journey began in Dubai – a city synonymous with innovation and business excellence. Before diving into sports industry immersion, students experienced one of the city’s most popular lifestyle sporting destinations, Topgolf Dubai.
Blending sports, entertainment, and hospitality, the visit offered a glimpse into how modern sporting spaces are designed not just for competition, but for experience.
The programme then shifted gears, quite literally, at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, home to the season finale of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Students received an exclusive insider tour of the circuit, exploring the driver’s briefing room, pit lane, race control room, and paddock areas. They deep-dived into the operational precision required to host one of the most-watched motorsport events in the world.
The adrenaline carried forward to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, where students not only experienced Formula Rossa -the world’s fastest roller coaster but also understood the engineering excellence and brand philosophy behind Ferrari’s passion for speed.
The journey continued with an insightful workshop at the ICC Headquarters, where IISM students gained an exposure to global sports governance and operations. The session offered valuable viewpoints into industry practices, high-performance systems, and international career pathways, along with the opportunity to interact with who’s who from the global sports ecosystem.
The experience marked a defining moment for the students, blending academic learning with real-world exposure and meaningful industry connections.
Next, Cricketing history awaited at the legendary Sharjah Cricket Stadium, a venue etched in the memories of every cricket fan. Students explored its rich legacy, infrastructure, and operational backbone.
A highlight was the exclusive session with Mr. Mazhar Khan, General Manager of Sharjah Cricket Stadium, whose real-world insights offered students a rare behind-the-scenes understanding of venue management and international cricket operations.
The experience extended beyond stadiums
Visits to the desert safari, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall added cultural context to the sporting exposure, reinforcing how global cities integrate tourism, entertainment, and sports into one thriving ecosystem.
Students also explored the emerging Baseball United ballpark at The Sevens, Dubai. Understanding the formation of a newly established league whose first season concluded recently allowed students to see firsthand how new sporting properties build identity and market presence. An exclusive networking dinner with Dubai’s business leaders further expanded their global industry perspective.
As Dubai ISELP concluded, our students experienced not only knowledge and exposure but also many memories, laughter, and connections with peers, friends, and faculty.
Australia: Where Sports Defines Generations
If Dubai demonstrated ambition, Australia revealed legacy.
ISELP Australia began in Melbourne, widely regarded as one of the world’s sporting capitals. The journey set in with dreams served live! IISM students have the opportunity to experience the Australian Open live. Immersed in the dream-like atmosphere, they witnessed a live face-off between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
What a great start to a learning expedition!
Their academic immersion continued at Deakin University in Geelong, Victoria. Faculty-led sessions offered insights into Australia’s sporting ecosystem, governance structures, and infrastructure development. Students also gained a macro understanding of how nations build and sustain sporting excellence.
The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) stood as a monument to cricketing greatness. Even though it was not packed with 90,000 fans like on Boxing Day, the stadium radiated history.
A veteran MCG member guided students through the arena and the Australian Sports Museum. Moreover, an exclusive interaction with Australian Olympic sailor Tess Lloyd added personal inspiration to institutional legacy.
At Hockey Australia, students attended a masterclass and stepped onto the indoor turf, blending learning with some fun moments. Exposure extended to sports nutrition and manufacturing at Yakult’s facility in Victoria, outlining the intersection between sports, science, and business.
The programme also included a visit to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) and exploration of the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, home to the Australian Grand Prix. Students interacted with professionals while learning the operational scale of global motorsport events.
Not to mention, an especially meaningful moment was the IISM Alumni Meet in Melbourne. Miles away from home, students connected with alumni who have been building careers abroad, getting inspired to make dreams into possibilities.
Beyond Travel: What ISELP 2026 Truly Meant
ISELP 2026 was not simply about visiting iconic venues or attending prestigious events.
It was about:
- Understanding how global sports ecosystems function
- Learning venue operations, brand management, and event execution firsthand
- Networking with international professionals
- Experiencing sports as culture, business, and identity
- Seeing theoretical concepts come alive in real-world implementation
Students returned not just with memories & photos but with perspective.
They witnessed how sports marketing, venue management, motorsport operations, cricket administration, tennis Grand Slams, hockey governance, and sports infrastructure are executed at a global level.
For IISM students, ISELP is a transformative experience. It bridges ambition with exposure. It replaces imagination with experience.
Two countries. One vision. And a generation of sports professionals is now thinking globally.
ISELP 2026 will not just be remembered as an experiential tour programme, but as a defining chapter in the journey of IISM’s future leaders in sports.
