Driven by a lifelong love of sports, Jose Manuel Diaz-Shop relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he joined a local tennis club, rekindled his passion, and built new connections. His fellow countrymen in the United States earned scholarships through his athletic dedication, unlocking opportunities he had not imagined back in Alicante. After four years, he returned home with a plan to blend his chemical engineering training with the things that truly energized him.
That spark evolved into Deaquiparafuera, a decade-long venture aimed at helping Spanish students access sports programs and study opportunities at North American institutions. The journey began with university students, and by 2018 a sharper focus emerged: high school athletes. The emphasis shifted toward younger students, guiding families toward international study routes where sports serve as a bridge to education in the United States.
“More families now see that staying in the United States can boost their children’s education,” Diaz-Tendero notes, while admitting that the path isn’t right for everyone. The majority of clients come from upper-middle-class backgrounds, often needing support to manage costs.
On average, the yearly cost of an international schooling experience runs between $60,000 and $70,000, covering tuition, housing, and meals. For students who demonstrate strong athletic ability alongside solid academics, scholarships can reduce costs by more than half, and in some cases by as much as 70%, thanks to incentives from participating centers.
In this framework, the CEO of Deaquiparafuera explains that students do not need to be elite athletes at the outset. A reasonable athletic level and strong academic results suffice, especially in a country like Spain that shines in football. The company notes that many students pursue this path because it offers a realistic chance to study and compete in the United States.
Deaquiparafuera conducts an initial evaluation of sports skills and academic readiness. If a student is accepted into the program, a scholarship is secured. Over the years, the organization has helped more than 2,000 Spanish secondary school students explore opportunities in North America, with scholarships totaling around eight million dollars.
This year alone, the firm aims to place about 250 Spanish students aged 12 to 17 at contracted high schools. The business reports roughly one million euros in annual turnover, reflecting steady demand and the trust families place in international options for their children.
From its Alicante origins the organization has expanded to offices in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, and now operates with collaborators in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Dubai, Italy, the Netherlands, and Brazil to provide scholarships to students from these regions. In the United States, a dedicated team handles communications with centers and contract signings for high school placements.
In contrast to common assumptions, José Manuel Díaz-Tendero explains that adaptation is achievable for middle and high school students. Living in American dormitories can be easier for younger teens than for college students. The primary aim is to be present and participate in sports, while older students may pursue broader social opportunities. Some families remain cautious, but enrollment continues to rise. High schools themselves are increasingly eager to recruit female athletes, creating meaningful pathways to broader opportunities in sports and education.
[citation: sources note the program’s impact on families pursuing U.S. study options for their children and the growing interest among schools to support young athletes. Attribution: Deaquiparafuera and related entities.]