Play abroad 101 book supports the transition process of pro athletes abroad

CHARTRES, France - Aug. 4, 2015 - PRLog -- Susan Salzbrenner’s recently published book “Play Abroad 101” provides guidance to professional athletes that are moving abroad for an international contract. Nine out of ten pro athletes abroad are experiencing challenges in the transition process, mostly due to cultural differences, language, and social isolation, as earlier interviews and research by Fit across Cultures, Salzbrenner’s company, found out. The “Play Abroad 101” book aims to support transition processes to foster long term success and sustainability for athletes abroad.

The main focus of the book is to coach athletes on how to maximize their opportunity before, during, and after their time abroad. “Leveraging international experience as a pro athlete can become an essential component of personal branding and sustainable career options past an active sports career. So it is important to start off with the right mindset and expectations.” highlights the author Susan Salzbrenner. This hands-on guide additionally talks about the long-term benefits of playing abroad, as well as supports athletes in finding overseas contracts, dealing with agents and clubs, handling logistics, and managing culture shock and jet lag. The book features checklists, multiple examples and quotes from interviews with former pro athletes, a resource link section, a case study, exercises, and bonus videos.

"Where was this book when I started researching playing abroad back in 2010?! Every page will help you understand if you're really fit to play sports abroad, and prepare you to make the jump overseas. It's a resource for the athlete, the family, the coach, the teammate, and the club!" says Christy Swagerty, a U.S. volleyball player with five professional seasons in Belgium and France under her belt.

"Being in the business of representing athletes for 12 years this is the first resource that I have ever come across that illustrates exactly how a person should prepare for a career as a professional athlete. It can be very difficult to navigate through this business and the various countries that players must play in but Susan does a great job of providing tools and practical ways of tackling on the issues that one is likely to come across. Highly recommend as a resource to keep while preparing for a life as a professional athlete.” adds Carolina Blanco of SIG Sports Management Agency.

"You may know all about playing your sport, but there is a lot more to being an athlete, than what you do on the field. Having played abroad early in my Volleyball career, I could identify with many of the pitfalls this guide addresses as well as the wonderful benefits of playing in a different country and culture. I love how Susan has laid it out with checklists, tips and comprehensive advice covering the practicalities as well as the emotions of playing abroad. This guide will help you prepare for all that didn't know to prepare for, and will give you the confidence to say yes to playing abroad." notes Annette Lynch, Olympian, former professional beach volleyball player and author of “Success Beyond Sport”.

Colleges, club, agencies or athletes interested in learning more can download a free chapter at http://www.playabroad101.com The book is available as a digital format for download (in .pdf and .epub) or as a paperback on Amazon worldwide. For more information contact Susan Salzbrenner via susan@fitacrosscultures.com