Name: Olivia Roccia ’27
Major: Marketing
Semester abroad: Summer 2024
Summer program: Florence Summer Session
What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most valuable experience in Florence was meeting locals and being shown their love and passion of their culture through their food. During class one day we took a field trip to a local food market off the beaten path of tourists, where we tried samples from a variety of vendors. We tried everything from cheese samples, homemade sauces, fish dishes, and cow stomach, a dish near and dear to the locals. Being integrated into a new culture was an experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to so many unique opportunities. Each day abroad exploring a new country and culture gave me experiences I will never forget and memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact: omroccia@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Mark Leaf ’27
Major: Engineering
Semester abroad: Summer 2024
Summer program: Tel Aviv University Internship
What was your most memorable experience abroad? Welcoming community, professional approach and a lot of studying from my colleagues. First-hand Hi-Tech development experience and endless studying from the professionals within my field. I enjoyed every second of full time work and countless challenges that I overcame.
Contact: maleaf@syr.edu
Name: Keira Bowers ’27
Major: Biology
Semester abroad: Summer 2024
Summer program: Design-scape of South Korea
What was your most memorable experience abroad? The most unforgettable experience was when our group dressed in traditional Korean clothes (Hanbok) and walked around the ancient palace grounds in Seoul. Studying abroad is truly an unmissable experience. You learn so much about yourself and your independence. I also believe the best way to travel/see the world is to experience it with a group of people around your age and/or going through college with you.
Contact: kebowers@syr.edu
Name: Dora Gordon ’27
Major: International Relations & B.S. Environment, Sustainability, and Policy
Semester abroad: Summer 2024
Summer program: The European and Global Internship Program in Brussels
What was your most memorable experience abroad? One of the most valuable experiences I had while studying abroad in Brussels was immersing myself in a city full of motivated young professionals. Brussels is filled with ambitious individuals driven to make an impact on government and politics. It’s home to the headquarters of the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament, making it a hub for policymaking and international relations. I had the opportunity to connect with peers involved in shaping EU policies, and these interactions were incredibly inspiring. I saw how engaged and knowledgeable they were in their work, and their dedication left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the importance of being proactive and motivating me to pursue a career in foreign affairs. It wasn’t just about the connections I made; it was also about witnessing the real impact that young professionals can have on the world stage.
Contact: dgordo10@syr.edu
Name: Ariela Franco ’28
Major: Accounting, Psychology minor
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Madrid Summer Session
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? As someone who likes to be ahead and plan things in advance, the biggest advice I would give is to go in with an open mind and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the best memories I made in Madrid happened when plans were spontaneous or when I tried something new, even if I had no idea what I was doing. Don’t stress too much about having every day planned out. There is so much to explore and you truly never know what you’re going to see or who you’re going to meet, so you definitely have to go with the flow in many situations.
Contact: afranc21@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Health, safety, and support, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Eric Gegiu ’27
Major: Political Science
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Strasbourg: Pre-Law program in Europe
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? Don’t be scared to try new things. The first few days abroad can be tough because of a new environment but you will quickly adapt and have a good time from then on. Explore as much as you can, try to spend as little time as possible indoors outside of the time in class and studying.
Contact: edgegiu@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, Health, safety, and support, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Jack Pasquale ’28
Major: Acting and journalism
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Inclusive Schools and Societies: Lessons from the Italian Context
What would you tell students interested in studying abroad? Whatever you are worried about missing on campus at Syracuse will be there when you come back and whatever opportunities you think you will have abroad there will be even great opportunities and experiences that will last a lifetime and make you an even better, more rounded student when you return to Syracuse.
Contact: jcpasqua@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Disability resources, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience
Name: Samuel Reinhard ’28
Major: Acting
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Madrid Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience abroad had to be staying with a host family and being able to speak in Spanish. I had been studying Spanish for 5 years before then and so the opportunity to use it in a Spanish-speaking country was extremely special and educational. Being surrounded by Spanish, even at home with my most family, helped me improve my conversational abilities and create long-lasting relationships.
Contact: streinha@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, LGBTQ+, Living with a host family
Name: Stephen Woolston ’27
Major: Political Science and Philosophy
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Strasbourg: Pre-Law program in Europe
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable experience that I had abroad was during my trip to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which our program set up for us. It was fascinating to not only be in a building where such important things take place, but also to get to hear from a judge who is involved in said important things. Listening to the judges’ perspective and motivations was truly a surreal experience and is something that I value a lot and view as motivation for wanting to take real action.
Contact: sewoolst@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option