Train like a local: 10 cities to learn a new sport in

We always say that the best way to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in the local culture. When studying abroad you can get proactive (get it?) about enriching your cultural experience by learning a new sport. 

Many countries have national sports which are deeply rooted in the local culture. Joining a sports club is also a brilliant way to make new friends and develop your language skills. Pack your sports ‘fits — it’s time to break a sweat in the name of language learning. These are some of the best cities to connect with the culture by learning a new sport.

1. Tennis – London

Much like strawberries and cream, tennis and England are the perfect combination. London is the home of Wimbledon — the historic grass courts where the world’s best tennis players serve up games in the classic all-white outfits. Indoor and outdoor courts can be found all across the city. You can hire a court with friends, or join a club for lessons and competitions.

2. Surfing – Sydney

Dream of surfing? Go to Sydney. The city is blessed with long summers, warm waters, and a laid-back culture where other ocean-worshippers abound. It boasts an impressive number of top-class surfing beaches, such as Bondi and Manly, which attract surfers from around the world. From wide bays with rolling waves ideal for lessons to secluded spots with bigger swells, Sydney has surf for all abilities. 

3. Judo – Tokyo

Japan is the birthplace of judo, a martial art in which two athletes grapple, wrestle, and try to (safely) throw the other to the ground or immobilize them with a hold. It requires patience, practice, and attention to the person opposite you — much like learning a new language! In Tokyo, find a dojo with multilingual instructors so you can improve your Japanese while developing your grappling skills.

4. Volleyball – Miami

With volleyball, you never have to choose between spending a day at the beach or playing sports again. Volleyball originated in Massachusetts, but Florida loves this sport, where teams play opposite each other and use their hands to knock a ball over a tall net. Many of Miami’s sandy beaches have courts, and the city has community leagues if you want to join a team and play competitively.

5. Ice Hockey – Toronto

Ice hockey is Canada’s fast-paced, much-loved national sport. The objective is simple: two teams wearing ice skates and protective clothing try to hit the puck (a small disc that skids across the ice) with hockey sticks into the other team’s goal. Toronto has a huge ice hockey culture, with many ice-skating rinks and schools for all abilities where you can learn to play.

6. Soccer – Barcelona

Soccer (or, football, to my fellow Brits) has made quite the home for itself in the city of Barcelona. In fact, it’s the most popular sport in Spain. The Spanish capital has plenty of football training camps and playing footie — or at least following it — is a great way to bond with the locals.

7. Rugby – Auckland

Rugby is not just a popular sport in New Zealand; it’s a core part of Kiwi culture and identity. The All-Blacks, New Zealand’s iconic national rugby union team, begin their games by performing a haka — a traditional Māori dance. Familiarize yourself with the game’s complicated terminology and join one of the many local clubs to get started. 

8. Rowing – Oxford

Rowers swear there’s something magical about a sunny morning on the river, pulling your oars in perfect synchrony with your teammates. With the river flowing through the city, Oxford has a rich rowing tradition and is a great place to learn. You can choose your crew size, too. Team players can race in a boat of eight, four, or two people, or you can opt for a one-person boat called a single scull.

9. Diving – Sliema

While scuba isn’t Malta’s national sport, this gorgeous Mediterranean island nation is a brilliant place to learn to dive, and underwater exploration is popular. Sliema and St. Julian’s have several diving schools and the clear blue coastal waters boast a range of reefs, cave formations, and shallow sunken wrecks.

10. Taekwondo – Seoul

The martial art Taekwondo is South Korea’s historic national sport. You’ll find numerous dojos and training centers in the bustling capital city of capital city of Seoul. There’s no better place to master the sparring techniques, as well as embrace the spiritual elements that have come to define the sport, such as discipline, honor, and respect.