Hoping to Share his Experience with Others
Through his work with an agency in his native Chile, Harald Bustamante was able to continue his soccer career in the United States.
As a junior Sport Management major at Midland University, Harald would like to return the favor to the next generation of athletes looking to continue their passion in the U.S.
“It is impossible to be a student-athlete in college in my country; you either have to turn pro or continue with your education. I worked with an agency that helped me find a place to play soccer in the United States. I would like to work with an agency myself and help athletes find scholarships like I was able to. This experience has been great for me, and I would like to help others find the same experience.”
Harald’s college experience started at Central Christian College in Kansas. After three semesters, he was ready for a change. Thanks to good references from some former teammates, Harald found his way to Midland. “I had some former teammates from my hometown who played at Midland and had good things to say. I did a virtual visit and really loved the smaller classrooms and the campus environment.”
Transitioning to life in the United States was not always a smooth process, especially considering Harald knew almost no English when he arrived. “It was very difficult when I first got here, but I knew I was here for a purpose. I worked very hard to learn the language.”
His transition to Midland was a little smoother, thanks to his soccer teammates and his willingness to get involved across campus. “There are many other international students on the soccer team, and they helped me learn the language, and it helped just having other people around like me. I met other international students across campus and got involved in Global Warriors.”
Harald is now part of the leadership team with Global Warriors and has familiarized himself with other people across campus by working in the dining hall and also being part of the campus security team.
“I live off campus, so it’s a great way for me to get involved. I like helping people, and these jobs have brought me closer to the Midland community.”
After graduation in 2026, Harald would like to stay in the States. His goal is to eventually start his own company and plans to utilize the skills he has gained with his Digital Marketing minor to help the company grow.
“I want to keep working to create new contacts, and Midland is teaching me how to do that. I am so glad I took this journey, and I will continue to work hard and continue to grow.”
Harald Bustamante is a junior Sport Management major from Santiago, Chile.
