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Before studying abroad, I often struggled to identify my own interests and sense of self, frequently mirroring the people around me. Moving to London — without knowing many people — allowed me to carve my own path, and I embraced it fully. What began as a semester abroad quickly became one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

Once I settled into the rhythm of the city, I began taking daily walks through London. For someone who once considered themselves “too lazy” to take walks, this shift surprised me. I quickly realized it had never been about laziness, but rather a lack of motivation in the life I had been living before. These walks became moments of peace and clarity, offering space to reflect amid the chaos of coursework, internships and city life. They taught me the importance of independence, balance and intentional self-care — lessons I will carry with me long after graduation.

Academically, I took Working in a Global Workplace (BPS 400) and Race and Gender in the Media (COM 346), courses that pushed me to think critically about global communication, workplace culture and media representation. These classes complemented my professional internship experience perfectly, especially while working as a Consumer & Lifestyle Public Relations Intern at FINN Partners UK. I loved my role so much that I expanded my hours to the maximum allowed by my visa, gaining hands-on experience in pitching, client research, media monitoring and campaign development. This internship confirmed my passion for public relations and strengthened my confidence in pursuing a global career in communications.

Outside of academics and work, my living situation helped shape my experience. I lived in a flat with three roommates — one friend from Syracuse and two students from another university — creating a supportive, social home environment. Together, we navigated cultural differences, shared late-night meals and built friendships that turned into lifelong connections.

One of my greatest highlights abroad was a weekend trip to Tromsø, Norway, where I experienced the Arctic Circle firsthand. From trying a reindeer hot dog and visiting the northernmost McDonald’s in the world to floating and jumping into the Arctic Ocean during a snowstorm, every moment pushed me beyond my comfort zone. This trip showed me how diverse human experiences can be and sparked a deep desire to continue traveling and exploring the world.

Throughout my fall semester abroad, I also balanced leadership roles as Public Relations and Marketing Director for Fetch Collective Magazine and Creative Director of Zeta Phi Eta, Syracuse University’s communications fraternity. This experience taught me the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing balance, all valuable experiences I would pass on to future study abroad students.

I left for London as a hesitant, dependent student, and I returned as a confident, motivated and deeply independent individual. Studying abroad did more than expand my worldview — it allowed me to truly find myself. For anyone even slightly considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: go. The growth, clarity, and perspective you gain are life-changing, and the memories will stay with you forever.

Riley Padron ’27

London Center, fall 2025

Public Relations

¡Hola todos! My name is Lauren Valadez, I am a junior and I had the amazing opportunity of studying abroad in Santiago, Chile the semester of fall 2025. The fall program was so great that once I returned from abroad, I added a Spanish minor to my anthropology major. I decided on this program because I wanted to improve my Spanish skills, which I definitely did, and take advantage of the smaller cohort size in Santiago. I also decided to participate in the signature seminar in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which I thought was a perfect way to transition into the abroad program.

It was very important for me to take advantage of Syracuse’s amazing abroad programs because before going to Argentina, I had never left the country. It was a bit intimidating being in a country that looked and sounded so different than what I was used to but after a short time I realized that with a little bit of effort I could fit right in! While in Buenos Aires, my cohort of 6 took a Spanish class that taught us a concise overview of Argentinean history which we all found to be both extremely informative and fun. After our class, we would often walk to a nearby café for lunch then continue walking around the gorgeous city until our legs got too tired. We would then return to our host families for dinner and do it over the next day!

While in Santiago, Chile our cohort grew to 8 people but with a cohort so small, we ended up becoming very close friends. We all took classes at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, a highly ranked university in all of South America, where we were welcomed with so many other abroad students from all over the world. While taking classes at two campuses, we had built in travel days to Valparaiso and Patagonia. Along with that, I and other students decided to use our free time and travel to the Atacama Desert, Uruguay, Pichilemu, Puerto Varas, and even Rio de Janeiro. Living in the longest country meant that there was so much to explore right in Chile, which we all took advantage of.

Another plus in this program is that it is very clear that we were put into amazing hands. The staff in both Buenos Aires and Santiago were very helpful and very friendly. We were warmly welcomed by the staff in Argentina and were able to see the ways a local Porteño lived day to day. It was very evident that the staff knew how valuable this time was for students and made it their mission to give us significant and educational experiences. While in Chile, the start of our 5 month stay was made easy thanks to the staff. They made it clear that they would always be available for us and with the program director also teaching two classes, we were able to build a strong relationship with him and found his guidance useful throughout the semester.

This program is incredible and I could not recommend it enough. Living like a local, traveling and being in a different hemisphere, along with learning and speaking Spanish everyday was such a unique experience that I would not have found anywhere else. I instantly loved Buenos Aires and Santiago and still feel that they are my second home. There were so many things that I learned and experienced while being abroad that I still cherish and remember fondly today.

Lauren Valadez ’27

Santiago Center, fall 2025

Anthropology major, Spanish minor

We spoke with International Relations student SA Masih Ghazanfari about his study abroad experience in Morocco.

Why did you choose to study abroad in Morocco?

I chose to study abroad in Morocco because I wanted my education to go beyond the classroom. As an International Relations major focused on the MENA region, I knew that truly understanding the culture and language meant full immersion. I didn’t want to learn Arabic only from a textbook in Syracuse; I wanted to hear it in the streets, use it in the market, and speak it with my host family. Morocco gave me a real-life learning environment where I could see the ideas I studied actually happening around me.

What courses and academic experiences did you enjoy or find most interesting?

The most impactful academic experience I had was my Community-Based Learning (MENA 390) course with Dr. Rachid Touhtou. It gave me the foundation I needed to understand Moroccan society, which directly strengthened my internship. My Arabic classes were also essential. Their impact was even greater because I could use what I learned right away at my internship and in daily life, moving from memorizing vocabulary to having real conversations.

What aspects of Moroccan culture did you most enjoy or appreciate? How did you adapt to local customs or social norms?

I really appreciated the warm hospitality and how important food and community are in Morocco. My homestay mom was an amazing cook, and sharing couscous together became something special. I adjusted by fully joining local life. I learned my way around the busy Medina, found calm in the Kasbah of the Udayas. Embracing daily traditions helped me connect with people and show respect.

How has your semester abroad prepared you to succeed in college and beyond?

This experience has had a big impact on my career path. Interning at Fondation Orient-Occident gave me real, hands on experience with the challenges refugees and migrants face the same human rights issues I study. Working in a professional setting in a foreign language improved my communication, adaptability, and problem solving skills. It also gave me confidence and resilience that will help me in my future work.

You participated in a Community Based Learning course that included a volunteer placement with a local organization – talk about that experience and how it impacted your semester and studies abroad?

My internship at the Fondation Orient-Occident was the most important part of my time abroad. Working at the front desk put me directly in contact with refugees and the organization’s work with UNHCR. I answered calls, helped visitors, and used my improving Arabic to communicate. This experience connected what I study to real life it turned migration from an academic idea into a human reality, with faces and stories I won’t forget. It also strengthened my commitment to working in the human rights field.

How has fall study abroad shaped your time at SU?

Returning to Syracuse, my classes in International Relations and Human Rights now feel very different. My studies are no longer abstract they connect directly to the people I met and the experiences I had at the Fondation Orient Occident. I now have real stories and insights that will make my final year seminars and my senior thesis more meaningful, grounded, and passionate.

What would you tell someone who is unsure about studying abroad in a non-European based location? What travel opportunities did you have while studying in the North African region?

I would tell them that the personal and academic growth you gain in a place like Morocco is unmatched. Studying in Europe is great, but Morocco pushes you to rethink your assumptions and see the world from a completely new angle. The program staff offers strong support, so you’re guided, but you also learn to navigate a new environment on your own. The rewards the friendships, the insights, and the personal growth are truly priceless.

In Morocco, I explored the different parts of my host city, Rabat, from the busy Medina to the peaceful Kasbah. While I focused mainly on immersing myself in daily life in Rabat, the country’s great travel network also makes it easy to visit places like the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, making it a perfect base for exploring North Africa.