Syracuse Abroad Center Directors to Visit Main Campus March 25-29

Directors Hall of languages

The University is welcoming our Syracuse Abroad center directors to main campus at the end of this month from Florence, London, Madrid, Strasbourg, Santiago and Wroclaw/Central Europe. From Monday, March 25, through Friday, March 29, students, faculty and staff will have opportunities to meet the directors and student alumni for Coffee & Conversation sessions about the exciting programs, initiatives and experiences available at centers overseas.

Read more: Connections & Conversations with Center Directors

Syracuse Madrid launches new semester mini-trips

From early February to early March, Syracuse Madrid hosted four different weekend “mini-trips” to Barcelona! Around 50 students attended each of the weekend trips. The trips are part of the new one-credit Mapping Madrid CAS course, although the destination may change by semester, the first round of trips were to Barcelona, which is only a 3 hour train ride from Madrid.

After taking a bullet train to Barcelona Friday morning, the itinerary included a walk down Las Ramblas, the city’s iconic main boulevard, and a visit to the lively Boqueria Market. While in town, professors gave a tour of the gorgeous Gothic Quarter and the Cathedral of Barcelona, after which students enjoyed several hours of free time and a buffet dinner back at the hotel.

Saturday was jam-packed–a breakfast buffet at the hotel, a tour of the modernist architecture in the city center, a tour of Gaudí’s famous Casa Milà, and a visit to none other than the Sagrada Familía itself, all followed by some more free time.

On Sunday, students and staff visited the Barcelona Maritime Museum and took a boat from the port around the Mediterranean Sea, then boarded a bullet train back to Madrid in the evening.

Details and photos provided by Cat Braza, Syracuse Madrid Communications team

University Named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for US Students

For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has named Syracuse University a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. students. This recognition is given to the U.S. colleges and universities that received the highest number of applicants selected for the 2023-24 Fulbright U.S. Student Program cohort.

Discovery Madrid program alum Kiana Khoshnoud ’23 is currently engaged in an English teaching assistantship in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan. She says her Fulbright experience has been life changing.

“Becoming an educator has brought so much challenge and joy into my life. Tajik students are incredibly respectful, and I have been able to connect with hundreds of students,” she says. “Moreover, on the weekends, I get to pursue one of my passions, horseback riding.”

Read more about Fulbright Scholars

Studying Abroad While Defending Democracy and Human Rights

Syracuse University students studying in France gain new insights into democracy while broadening their global perspectives.

Charlotte Bingham ’27 had never traveled outside the United States until last fall, when she enrolled at Syracuse Strasbourg in France, one of Syracuse University’s five study abroad centers. The first-year student wasted no time exploring the historic, diverse city, built on an island in the River Ill and straddling the French-German border.

In November, Bingham was one of 10 Syracuse students who, as part of their coursework for “Politics of the European Union” (PSC 405) and “European Human Rights” (PSC 429), had the rare opportunity to serve as official rapporteurs at the World Forum for Democracy. As notetakers, they reported on key discussion points at the three-day event, which was attended by representatives from more than 80 countries and focused on defending democracy and human rights.

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Council of Europe Agreement a ‘Gem of an Opportunity’ for Syracuse Strasbourg Students

It is not every day that Syracuse University partners with an international organization representing more than 700 million people.

The Council of Europe and Syracuse University have announced a new agreement that strengthens and expands an existing relationship by providing internships for students studying abroad in Strasbourg, France, as well as research opportunities for students and faculty. 

This partnership adds internships for those studying in Strasbourg, France, as well as research opportunities for faculty and students interested in human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

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Life Trustee Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20 Honored With Keys to the City of Florence, Italy

Alumnus, philanthropist and Life Trustee Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20 was recently celebrated by the city of Florence, Italy, for his dedication to the city and his support of the Syracuse Abroad program in Florence. In a ceremony hosted by the mayor of Florence, D’Aniello was presented with the keys to the city. University leadership, students, faculty and staff and local dignitaries attended the ceremony on Oct. 19 in the city’s town hall, Palazzo Vecchio.

“We are honored to open this ceremony in Palazzo Vecchio to give you the keys of the city, which is a sign of our friendship—our way to say to you thank you for your love and for your passion for our city, for our community,” Dario Nardella, the mayor of Florence, said.

D’Aniello, an alumnus of the Florence abroad program, has recalled his time in Florence as some of the most memorable of his college career and his recent support of the program and future generations of students reflects his deep connection.

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Syracuse Madrid hosts student-led Sustainability Symposium

On the evening of Monday, November 13, Syracuse University Madrid hosted a student-led symposium titled “Transcultural Approach to the Sustainable Development Goals: A Personal Journey Abroad.” Roughly two-thirds of the fall 2023 student cohort presented projects on behalf of five different classes in the economics, Spanish, psychology, earth science, and business departments. 

“One of the best parts of living in Europe as a student is the unique opportunity to look first-hand into different cultures, governments, and ways of thinking, and being able to share that was incredible,” says Michaela Warren ’24, Communications and Rhetorical Studies major in VPA.

The core idea behind the symposium was to “help students reflect on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) setup by the UN to be achieved in 2030.” Michaela notes that the symposium was a “phenomenal opportunity to share new knowledge and learn, while also practicing teamwork to develop presentations and public speaking skills.”

Student presentations included:

  • Earth Science: What are the SDG’s and what would we like them to be?
  • Economics of European Integration: Taking action: Examples of EU policies to achieve the SDG’s.
  • Healthcare in Europe: Air Quality in China: How pollution is costing the country money and Botswana and how to deal with the third objective of the SDG’s.
  • Doing Business in Europe: Sustainability and renewable energies in Turkey and Economic Sustainability and circular economy in the German public transportation sector.
  • De Madrid al Cielo: Madrid como ciudad sostenible
  • Drugs and Human Behavior: The impact of addiction on health and wellbeing, The relationship between drug abuse and quality education and Consequences of drug abuse on peace and justice.

The symposium brought together professors, staff and students from different courses and disciplines to examine the present sustainability goals and how they will impact the future.

“Highlighting sustainability was the perfect topic choice due to the range of angles students were able to discuss in different regions. It was also an important community-building opportunity for students to collaborate on topics they are exploring in different classes”, says Micaela Warren.

“Great symposium,” says Dr. Juan Iso, Spanish language and literature professor. “Students went from global to local emphasizing the importance of achieving sustainable development goals in order to shape a better future for all.”

Explore New Programs and Experiences for Fall 2024

Callie Amill’s passion for the Spanish language and culture began when she started learning the language at the age of 10.

“I quickly realized that I wanted to incorporate study abroad in Spain into my academic pursuits,” says Amill ’24, who is studying marketing in the Whitman School of Management and political science in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Having never left the United States, but wanting to explore her Spanish roots, she spent the semester in Spain at the Syracuse Madrid Center.

Students are encouraged to explore Syracuse Abroad for all of the possibilities an abroad experience brings, including new opportunities for fall 2024. The University’s experiential-based programs are designed to enhance students’ academic and career paths, both personally and professionally. Through hands-on coursework, field study trips and dedicated staff on campus and abroad, students can feel welcomed and supported throughout their entire journey.

Through Syracuse Abroad, students can study at University center locations in Florence; London; Madrid; Santiago, Chile; and Strasbourg, France. Centers offer unique coursework and internship opportunities while focusing on out of the classroom and immersive learning experiences.

For students searching for a more specific experience abroad, Syracuse Abroad offers additional study locations through World Partner programs in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, New Zealand and Sea Education Association. Through partner universities and programs, students can study such niche subjects as forensic science in Australia, global health in Kenya and film studies in Prague. View all fall study abroad programs.

Read more about fall 2024 programs and experiences abroad

Syracuse University named Gilman Scholarship Top Producer

Syracuse University has been named a Gilman Scholarship Top Producer for the 2021-22 academic year in the medium institution category. In that application cycle, 24 University students received and used the award to fund study abroad experiences.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers study abroad awards of up to $5,000 to undergraduate students in good standing who are U.S. citizens and Pell Grant (federal financial aid) recipients, and up to $8,000 for undergraduates studying abroad and learning critical need languages (such as Mandarin Chinese or Arabic).

Gilman applications are a collaborative effort between the University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) and Syracuse Abroad offices. Syracuse Abroad is dedicated to helping students choose study abroad programs that align with their academic and cultural interests, and CFSA has taken the lead on planning outreach to eligible students and working with Gilman applicants through writing workshops and one-on-one advising meetings to review drafts of their application materials.

“Studying abroad provides students with unparalleled opportunities to advance their studies, personal growth and professional skills in ways that help them to thrive in diverse local and global communities and workplaces,” says Erika Wilkens, assistant provost and executive director of Syracuse Abroad. “Helping students apply for prestigious scholarships like the Gilman is one way to advance our commitment to making international study available to all students.”

Read more: University named Gilman Scholarship Top Producer

Syracuse Abroad brings new perspectives to DEIA Symposium

“During a time when diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) efforts are under attack on college campuses across the country, the University’s depth and breadth of DEIA efforts were showcased at the inaugural event, The D.E.I.A. Symposium, on October 3rd.”

Syracuse Abroad participated in the poster presentation at the Symposium, detailing it’s DEIA student working group and project plans for the future.

DEIA working group and symposium poster
DEIA working group and symposium poster

The poster, titled ‘Belonging Abroad: Empowering Students through Syracuse Abroad’s DEIA Student Working Group,’ showcased the group’s work and dedication to inclusive practices both abroad and on campus.

The poster outlined the origin of the student working group, it’s purpose and plan of action. The goal of the student working group, comprised of student leadership, oversight from staff and engaged program alumni, is to “create an avenue for students to share their experiences with staff.” Through meetings and guided conversation, the group plans to lead the development of new initiatives that address identity-based concerns centered around a core framework.

The group plans to focus on three main areas of improvement: website redevelopment, content creation and growth. The group hopes to attract students of diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities to join the group and participate in the evolving conversation of DEIA related to studying abroad. The team also plans to add content to the Syracuse Abroad website to include cultural norms for each Syracuse Abroad Center location to help guide students as they prepare to study abroad.

Delaney Van Wey, Campus Outreach Manager and co-lead of the working group notes, “We seek to enhance overall student cultural engagement and understanding of cultural competence and humility.” She sees this group as “uniquely positioned to support the Academic Strategic Plan objectives and the potential difficulties that may arise from an increased number of students studying abroad as it pertains to DEIA-related issues.”

episode on spotify

The DEIA Student Working Group also contributed a supporting podcast to further reflect on DEIA in the abroad space. Identity Abroad with Syracuse Abroad features the DEIA Working Group as they share their stories of self-discovery and advice for making the most out of a study abroad experience.

In the first episode ‘Belonging in Spain’, three students discuss their unique journeys studying in Spain. The episode discusses how to navigate culture shock, difficult situations, loneliness and other challenges students might face while abroad.

Read more about the DEIA Symposium