Name: Anna Meehan ’26
Majors: International Relations; Russian Literature, Language and Culture; Minor: Music Performance
Semester abroad: Fall 2023
What was your most unforgettable experience abroad? I will never forget the experience I shared with my peers at Auschwitz and Treblinka. Although I had studied these locations in depth for years ahead of my arrival in Poland, I realized that nothing can replace the emotional experience of confronting these spaces, and therefore history, physically. When visiting, I felt closer to the victims who suffered at these locations, and learned details that would not be available nor equally appreciated outside the confines of the camps. The experience also opened up a larger conversation after the site visits, in which we discussed how the Holocaust is perceived around the world, the ethics of maintaining tours and potential commodification of concentration camps in the 21st century, and how individuals should act when visiting sacred spaces of mass atrocities.
Contact: aemeehan@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Winter Cameron ’27
Majors: Economics, Political Philosophy
Semester abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most unforgettable experience abroad? The most valuable experience is the travel seminars around Central Europe. Beyond giving context to the historical and cultural lessons our classes would teach us, we’d get to explore a city both with the guidance of experts and then we’d get to explore these places by ourselves. It makes for an unforgettable experience where we get to see what most people who travel to these places don’t.
Contact: wvcamero@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, LGBTQ+, Selecting a program option
Name: Susanna Kauth ’26
Majors: International Relations and Women’s Gender Studies
Semester abroad: Fall 2024
What would you say to a student undecided about going abroad? Going abroad to Poland is economically smart and allows you to expand your knowledge in ways other places can’t.
Contact: sekauth@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Emma Poper ’26
Majors: Broadcast & Digital Journalism
Semester abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most unforgettable and valuable experience while traveling with the Exploring Central Europe Program was our trip to Auschwitz. To say our trip to Auschwitz was life-changing is a gross understatement; Auschwitz has changed my perspective on life and how I show empathy to others. While there we went on a 6-hour tour with the most informed and professional tour guide. This comprehensive tour explained why visiting Auschwitz matters now. Everyone should visit and experience this site at one point in their lives. I am so grateful to say that I was able to visit this place while studying abroad at Syracuse. Auschwitz never leaves my mind and informs every decision I make in my life; remembering the place where so many suffered reminds me exactly why I study history and how valuable it is to treat people with kindness and respect.
Contact: empoper@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family