Students at the Syracuse Strasbourg Center recently met with the European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho, who shared insights into her professional path and experiences as an ombudswoman. The event was part of the center’s European politics speaker series held throughout the month of February.
In addition to the ombudsman, a recent session was held at the European Parliament with European Member of Parliament Dario Nardella (Italy), who was also the Commencement speaker at Syracuse in 2024.
As the European Union Ombudswoman, Anjinho is responsible for investigating cases of maladministration within institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union. These issues involve matters related to transparency, delays in access to documents or the management of funds. She described herself as a public servant, bridging European citizens and EU policy-making bodies through building trust and legitimacy.
Six more students are taking their interest in social justice to the Southern Hemisphere as Lender Global Student Fellows in a unique study abroad opportunity that furthers their research skills and broadens their knowledge of an important period in Chilean history.
The students, based at the Syracuse Abroad center in Santiago, are continuing work initiated by two previous student fellows last fall. They are exploring the human rights violations of the Pinochet dictatorship in that country and contributing to work that is underway at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights in documenting the stories of victims and creating biographical profiles in their memory.
Syracuse Santiago center director Mauricio Paredes shares his passion for the vibrant arts scene, natural beauty and cultural experiences that await Syracuse Abroad students.
Mauricio Paredes has a weekend ritual with his family: visiting a different museum in Santiago every week. As director of Syracuse University’s Santiago center, he’s on a mission to share that same cultural enthusiasm with students.
Mauricio Paredes
“There’s something for everybody looking to enjoy a cultural and transformative study abroad experience in Santiago,” Paredes says. “For any students considering a study abroad, I encourage you to take advantage of the cultural advantages of Santiago.”
Those advantages are considerable. Culture permeates every corner of Chile’s capital city, extending far beyond vibrant concert halls and historic art museums into the streets, parks and natural landscape.
Traveling with sixty strangers through one of France’s most beautiful regions sounds like the premise for a novel of twists and turns—and, in many ways, it was: full of close friendships, budding acquaintances, adventures and personal growth.
After a few days in Strasbourg, exploring the city with our peers, the cohort boarded a double-decker train and headed off to Aix-en-Provence. Situated to the south, a mere forty-five minutes from the Mediterranean, this quiet city winds through narrow corridors and streets of cobblestone reminiscent of an ancient fortress.
Upon our arrival, we stored our belongings in our hotel rooms and departed for a brief walking tour of the city. As I strolled through Aix with my newfound friends, I was overcome by a sensation of tranquility. The sun was setting, the church bells were ringing, and the breeze felt light. Aix exudes peace.
The next day, we left Aix early for a trip to Marseille. If Aix is steeped in deep legacy and intention, Marseille is its foil: the city is large, bustling, and full of contemporary life.
First, we visited Cathédrale la Major, which is built with beautiful white stone and boasts striking dark stripes that draw the attention of every passerby. We then made our way over to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization. This building, of recent construction, houses several exhibits exploring the deep connection of Marseille and France to the rest of the Mediterranean. Prominently featured were multiple displays discussing North Africa, a central, but often forgotten, player in the birth of Mediterranean societies.
Conveniently adjacent to the museum is Fort Saint-Jean, dating to the 17th century. Nestled within the structure’s walls is an extensive spiral staircase leading to some of the best views of the city’s harbor. This journey is not for the weak, however—my friends and I almost fell a few times from dizziness!
After lunch, we discovered a different side of Marseille. Wandering around the city with no exact destination, we uncovered incredible street art, a student cafe with rich character, and a gallery showcasing local artwork. These boundary-pushing spaces remind visitors that Marseille stands as a center of new ideas and experimental thinking.
We also came across many soap shops and received an informative history of soap in Marseille (which is surprisingly extensive) from a local vendor and soap maker!
Our last excursion in Marseille was a journey aboard a petite tourist trolley that haphazardly climbed up to Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, which sits atop a large hill overlooking the city. The beautiful structure is the most imposing in all of Marseille and houses a breathtaking gilded interior.
I was so moved by the basilica and its location that I felt compelled to buy a souvenir, which took the form of lavender oil, for which Provence is famous.
The following day, the cohort rediscovered their spirit of outdoor adventure while hiking in the Calanques. Guided by wonderful experts, we climbed steep, rocky grades to enjoy a series of spectacular views, catching sight of the Mediterranean and the small housing settlements buried deep in the Calanques ravines.
Once we had been thoroughly exhausted by hiking, we ventured to Cassis, a picturesque port on the Mediterranean. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in southern France by the water, Cassis would be your destination! I must warn you, however, that finding an espresso midafternoon on a January weekday might prove a bit difficult, as it did for me.
Our final day in the region was spent exploring Aix, the city we were staying in. The morning was occupied by Calisson tasting, a specialty of Aix. The small treat traditionally contains almond paste and candied fruit, topped with a light coat of hardened sugar. Calissons come in many flavors, and I tried the basic almond version, raspberry, lavender, and rose.
We spent the afternoon exploring a small art museum, featuring Rembrandt’s self-portrait and Giacometti’s slender sculptures, as well as a former chapel with works from Picasso and Monet. These slow and intentional visits left space for reflection and appreciation, inviting the cohort to find meaning in each piece.
Our early departure the following day was bittersweet: my friends and I were sad to leave the sunny, idyllic Aix, but excited to open a new chapter of adventure in Strasbourg. Confident in the knowledge that our beautiful novel had just begun, we boarded the train to continue our story up north and said goodbye to seventeen-degree weather.
European leaders, academics and youth representatives gathered in Strasbourg, France, on Nov. 26 and 27 for the inaugural Europa Power meetings, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at debating, and laying out plans for, building a “Superpower Europe.”
The summit tackled questions about Europe’s future, including proposals for an all-Europe stock market, a pan-European military force, and the creation of transferrable pension systems across member states. Day one convened at the historic Palais Universitaire of the University of Strasbourg, while day two took place at the European Parliament. The first vice president of the Parliament, Sabine Verheyen of Germany, delivered remarks to participants.
Syracuse University played an important role in the landmark gathering held in Strasbourg and was the only U.S. institution present.
Syracuse Abroad congratulates the many students who have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships for upcoming study abroad programs in spring and fall 2026.
Gilman received over 7,700 applications this cycle and awarded scholarships to 1,550 students. Of Syracuse’s 58 applicants for the October cycle, 14 students were awarded scholarships! The total amount received by the students is $47,000. The students plan to study in Madrid, London, Santiago, Ireland and several other locations.
Syracuse Abroad partners with the Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) to advise students during the application process. Throughout the recent cycles, CFSA and Syracuse Abroad held information sessions and writing workshops to help students prepare their applications and essay submissions.
Gilman Scholarships are open to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study or internship programs abroad.
All who meet the qualifications with plans to study abroad are encouraged to apply. Gilman encourages applications from students from diverse ethnic backgrounds; students planning to study in non-traditional destinations; students in fields underrepresented in study abroad; and students with high financial need. Students studying a critical need language (such as Arabic, Korean, Japanese or Portuguese) can apply for an additional $3,000 supplement for a total possible award of $8,000.
The application deadline is the first Tuesday of March for summer/fall/full-year programs; and the first Tuesday of October for spring semester and summer (early application). Funding for fall, spring and summer study abroad opportunities is available.
For more information on Syracuse Abroad programs, students can make an appointment to meet with an advisor for more information.
A new admission process for Syracuse Abroad World Partner programs will begin with the upcoming fall 2026 application cycle. Moving forward, World Partner (WP) admission decisions will be made based on a holistic review of the applicant including academic advisor approval/feedback, GPA, response to short essays, and overall academic rationale for pursuing a WP program.
World Partner Admission and Process Changes
This revised World Partner admission process includes the following:
The minimum GPA requirement for all World Partner applicants will be a 3.0 cumulative GPA
The WP Student Advising form will be pre-decision step. Students can obtain this form prior to the opening of the application cycle to prepare. Forms can be found on the Apply page.
Low GPA petitions and academic probation appeals will no longer be considered for students applying to a WP program.
To best ensure equity among applicants and transparency in admissions considerations and processes:
World Partner applications will open the same day as the Center applications.
Students will be advised to pick and commit to one track (WP or Center); movement from one program to another will be less fluid, and limited to the options available.
Both Center and WP applicants will be asked to complete the “Alternate Program Preference” questionnaire at the time of application to choose second and third choice program options.
Application Dates & Deadlines
World Partner applications will have a priority application deadline with the first round of offers of admission being made after the priority deadline and any remaining spots will be filled on a case-by-case basis between the priority deadline and the application deadline.
For Fall 2026
Applications open (all programs: Center and WP): November 15, 2025
Priority deadline (WP only): February 1, 2026
Final application deadline (for all programs with space available): March 15, 2026
For Spring 2027
Applications open (all programs: Center and WP): May 15, 2026
Priority deadline (WP only): July 1, 2026
Final application deadline (for all programs with space available): October 1, 2026
It’s almost time to apply for one of our fall 2026 study abroad programs. Learn what students can expect during a fall semester abroad, then be sure to get your application in.
The fall semester offers unique study abroad opportunities for students across a wide range of academic disciplines and degree programs. With immersive learning experiences, integrated travel, and distinctive course offerings, the fall is the perfect time to broaden horizons and engage in transformative global learning.
Applications open on Saturday, Nov. 15, to study abroad during the Fall 2026 semester.
