This past fall, Syracuse University and Syracuse Abroad partnered with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and East China Normal University to establish a program for first-year international students in Shanghai, China where they could bond with others in their cohort, despite COVID-19 related travel restrictions.
Our Open Doors ranking captures 1,351 study abroad stories. Here’s one of them.
In this year’s release of the Open Doors report from the Institute of International Education, Syracuse University has been ranked #2 for total student participation in mid-length (semester) study abroad programs for doctoral institutions. This ranking is based on student participation data from the 2018-2019 academic year, accounting for 1,351 Syracuse University students who studied abroad. The ranking reflects the number of students who spent approximately four months living and studying in another country.
During their semester long program, students have the opportunity to live like a local and experience the city as their own. They are able to become ‘regulars’ in their neighborhoods, finding favorite restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Students are fully immersed in their culture by living with host families, building close ties and experiencing local traditions around food, home life, and holidays. Students are also able to conduct work experience with local companies, forming professional relationships with colleagues of a different nationality and generation than themselves. Over 50% of Syracuse students study abroad throughout their college career.
This top ranking, up from #4 last year, showcases Syracuse University’s dedication to study abroad opportunities and global education. Students from all over the world choose Syracuse Abroad for its academic excellence, unique programming and dedicated faculty and staff abroad. As a top-ranked study abroad organization and provider, Syracuse Abroad offers flexible study options, quality academic coursework and innovative experiential learning opportunities so students can build the knowledge and skills to help them succeed anywhere.
Erin Hernandez ‘21 of Syracuse University School of Education reflects back on her time at Syracuse London Center in fall 2019. “Studying abroad in London was an adventure of a lifetime, and studying at the London Syracuse Center provided me with opportunities that I never imagined having, but very much appreciated. During the semester, I enrolled in many interesting classes—most of which centered around spending time outside of the classroom and exploring London. My professors saw the importance of making sure I felt like I knew the history and London culture while I was living there for four months.”
Erin also looks back on her participation in a Syracuse Abroad Signature Seminar, a 10 day traveling course that provides students with hands-on learning experience, prior to their semester abroad. “One of those classes was a Signature Seminar in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, called Borders in Flux. It was a great foundation to start my semester abroad because it was wonderful to read about a topic the night before, and the next day, talk to real people and get to see where the events I read about on paper took place.”
Erin also had the opportunity to volunteer while on a school organized field trip to Lockerbie, Scotland. “The London Center gave students the chance to visit the Scottish community of Lockerbie, serve as a mentor to local students, and learn more about the significance of Pan Am Flight 103 for both Scotland and Syracuse. This experience demonstrated the resilience of the human spirit and how positive it can be when people come together to honor those who were lost. I meet wonderful people and will forever appreciate the connection I personally have with Lockerbie. These valuable experiences would not have been possible without Syracuse London.”
Open Doors is a comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars studying or teaching at higher education institutions in the United States, and U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit at their home colleges or universities.
Leading doctoral universities recognized by IIE for total student participation in a mid-length program include the following:
- New York University
- Syracuse University
- Indiana University
- University of Wisconsin
- Pennsylvania State University
2020-2021 Gilman Scholarship Cycle 1 Recipients
Congratulations to the 6 Syracuse University students who received Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships for their upcoming study abroad programs in summer or fall 2021! In addition to the 6 recipients, 5 Syracuse students were named as alternates. The total amount received by the students is $28,000, with the average award size being nearly $4,700.
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/university to participate in study or internship programs abroad. We encourage all Syracuse Abroad students who meet the qualifications to apply for awards that can reach up to $8,000.
The deadline for Cycle 2 of Gilman Scholarships will be Tuesday March 2, 2021. Eligible students can apply during Cycle 2 to obtain funding towards a summer 2021, fall 2021, or spring 2022 semester abroad. Syracuse Abroad and the Center for Fellowship & Scholarship Advising (CFSA) will hold a Gilman Interest Session on Friday, February 5, 2021 via Zoom (12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.), as well as virtual writing workshops leading up to the application deadline.
For more information on Syracuse Abroad programs, students can make an appointment to meet virtually with an advisor.
Our Cycle 1 recipients are:
- Brianna Gonzales: Spain (semester TBD)
- Taylor John: China (fall 2021)
- Arturo Ligai: Kyrgyzstan (summer 2021)
- Zoe Quinones: United Kingdom (fall 2021)
- Marel Pryor: France (summer 2021)
- Ayah Salei: Italy (summer 2021)
Our Cycle 1 alternates are:
- Shiyu An: United Kingdom (spring 2021)
- Alexis Chu: Spain (spring 2021)
- Andrea de Haro: Italy (fall 2021)
- Ha Sun Paek: South Korea (spring 2021)
- Emma Purce: Spain (spring 2021)
Abroad@Home: New Spring 2021 online courses
Syracuse Abroad is excited to announce the last-minute addition of spring Abroad@Home online courses offered by Syracuse Abroad faculty from across Europe and Latin America. These Syracuse University courses will be available to Syracuse University students during main campus registration for spring 2021 courses. We encourage students to take advantage of these fantastic offerings taught by our dynamic instructors featuring exciting and timely topics:
- HST/IRP/LAS/PSC/SPA 424 Dictatorships, Human Rights & Historical Memory in Chile & the Southern Cone (taught by Syracuse Santiago faculty)
- Taught in Spanish. Pre-req: SPA 202 or equivalent proficiency.
- PHI 300.1 Philosophy, Money and the Good Life (taught by Syracuse Strasbourg faculty)
- STS 300.1 Scientific Controversies (taught by Syracuse Strasbourg faculty)
- ECN 361 Economics of European Integration (taught by Syracuse Madrid faculty)
The following courses will be taught be Syracuse Florence faculty:
- HST 300/NSD 452 Mediterranean Food and Culture
- BUA 300/DES 322 Made in Italy: Business, Craftsmanship, and Branding Success
- MGT/CRS 300 Cross Cultural Management: Communicating in the Global Workplace
The following courses will be taught by Syracuse London faculty:
- GEO/NAT300 Climates of Resistance: Environmental Racism and Collective Action
- FIL/QSX/WGS 416 British Masculinity on Screen: James Bond and Sherlock Holmes
- HST/PSC 300.6 Death as Political: Violence, Grief and Protest
- SOC200/QSX 300 Business of Nightlife: London Subcultures
- CRS 300.2 Fashion in Focus: Discourses and Meanings
In addition, Syracuse Abroad center instructors will also offer the following winterlude 2-week classes online. All of these courses are offered for 1 credit:
- BUA 400 The Global Workplace (taught by Maggie Scull from Syracuse London)
- HEA 200 Coping with Crises in College (taught by Amy Kleine from Syracuse Florence)
- HOM 400 Sounding Black: Black British Music & Identity (taught by Jacqueline Springer from Syracuse London)
- HST 300 / NSD 400 Food, Culture and Identity in the Mediterranean (taught by Peter Fischer from Syracuse Florence)
We encourage students to explore these courses and consider building connections with our wonderful, dynamic instructors at our centers! As always, all course selections should be reviewed with Syracuse University academic advisors prior to registration.
These courses are open to all Syracuse University students pending any necessary prerequisites.
Syracuse Abroad Spring 2021 Program Updates
Syracuse Abroad, in partnership with University leadership, has made the difficult decision to suspend center study abroad programs for spring 2021. Although every effort has been made to offer students a robust study abroad experience next semester, including modified programs complete with comprehensive Coronavirus health and safety measures, much to our disappointment, we are unable to guarantee the quality global learning experience expected from Syracuse Abroad programs.
We understand how truly disappointing this decision is for students, but remain optimistic and excited about summer and fall 2021 programs. We hope that students who are able choose to participate in these programs, as each of our centers will have exciting new activities, courses, travel and field study opportunities to make these sessions a dynamic and meaningful experience.
Applicants in need of assistance with their spring semester on campus can reach out to the following Syracuse University departments:
- If you need support finding off-campus housing for the spring 2021 semester, please contact the Office of Student Living, at orlsc@syr.edu or 315-443-3637. For on- campus housing, please contact the Housing, Meal Plan and ID Card office at housing@syr.edu.
- If you need to register spring 2021 courses on main campus or make adjustments to your existing schedule, please contact your assigned academic advisor in your home school/college.
We all at Syracuse University are committed to helping students pursue alternative plans for the spring semester, and hopefully for a future semester abroad. For more information, students can contact Syracuse Abroad at suabroad@syr.edu.
This decision does not apply to World Partner programs at this time. Students attending World Partner programs in the spring should continue to monitor their program’s COVID-19 plans and updates. Syracuse Abroad will inform students of any program cancelations or modifications as they are determined.
Application cycle open for Fall 2021 programs
The application cycle is now open for students who wish to apply to Fall 2021 semester programs. Choose from a wide range of programs, courses and experiences to make the most out of the semester abroad! Students can visit OrangeAbroad to start their application.
Fall 2021 Programs:
- Featured Program: Exploring Central Europe
- Florence Center
- Florence Center & Intensive Language Program at the University of Florence
- Florence Center & Direct Enrollment at the University of Florence (Courses Taught in Italian)
- Florence Center: Architecture
- Florence Center: Studio Arts
- Florence Center & University of Florence (Courses Taught in English)
- London Center
- London Center: Architecture
- London Center: Drama
- London Center: Computer Science
- Madrid Center
- Madrid Center & Liberal Arts in Spanish at UAM
- Santiago Center
- Santiago Center: Cuenca, Ecuador Immersion
- Strasbourg Center
- Strasbourg Center & French Language Institute
- Strasbourg Center & U. Strasbourg
- Strasbourg Center: Engineering
- World Partner Programs
Application deadline is March 15. Program applications are reviewed as they are completed and submitted, prior to the deadline.
Questions?
- Schedule a General Advising appointment to learn more about our programs
- Meet with a Peer Advisor to get their perspective about studying abroad
- Join a program drop-in session to learn more about specific programs
- Make an appointment with an International Program Advisor
View our Meet with an Advisor page to get started!
Photo: M. Prior
Syracuse Abroad announces Funding Opportunities for Summer 2021 programs
Summer Program Grants & Scholarships
Syracuse University is committed to making the Syracuse Abroad experience possible for all students. In partnership with ESE and Invest Syracuse, Syracuse Abroad is pleased to provide a variety of assistance options available to students participating in summer 2021 programs, including scholarships and grants listed below.
Summer Grants

Funding is available for Summer Center programs! Summer grants will be allocated to Syracuse University undergraduate students in medium, high and high plus need categories applying to summer 2021 programs at Syracuse Abroad centers in Florence, London, Madrid and Strasbourg. In combination with need-based financial aid for summer programs available to all students who qualify, undergraduates with the highest need applying to study in one of these locations this summer could receive up to $9,000 in grants.
Summer programs application deadline: February 10, 2021
- Florence Summer Session
- London Summer Session
- London Summer Internships
- Madrid Summer Session
- Summer Internships in Strasbourg
Summer Merit-Scholarships
Syracuse Abroad is excited to announce the return of our merit-based scholarship for summer 2021 study abroad programs. Syracuse University undergraduate students with high academic achievement have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of $1,000 merit-based scholarships to participate in our exciting, academically challenging, and innovative summer programs abroad.
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate matriculated Syracuse University student
- GPA of 3.4 or higher (no exceptions)
- Must have a completed summer application at the time of submission
How to Apply:
Students will find the scholarship application within their OrangeAbroad Portal after starting an application for a summer 2021 Program.
Application:
- Personal essay (up to 500 words) OR
- Creative personal statement video (up to 3 minutes)
*Selection Committee will review all applicants after the deadline of January 30 (no rolling admissions review)
Scholarship application deadline: January 30, 2021
Need-based financial aid
The Office of Financial Aid awards Study Abroad Grants (SAG), based on financial need, that range from $250-$2,000 for 3 credits and $500-$4,000 for 6 credits. Need is determined by the previous academic year’s FAFSA information.
Why choose a Summer program?

Summer programs are a great way to study abroad without missing a beat on campus. These programs allow you to stay on track academically, boost your resume and gain culturally immersive and hands-on experience in a global context. Next summer, spend 4-5 weeks at one of our Centers, join a faculty-led program for intensive field-study or embark on an internship abroad. During your time, your will immerse yourself in a new culture, earn credit and develop your global identity.
View all summer 2021 programs:
For questions about summer programs, email Summer International Program Advisors Stephanie Ramin or Myles Chalue.
Applications for summer programs are reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted by February 10, 2020.
Application deadline extended for Spring 2021 programs
There is still time to apply! Syracuse Abroad is still accepting applications for select Center and World Partner programs for the Spring 2021 semester. Our Center locations are continuing to offer robust programming, valuable courses and exciting extracurricular activities for students planning on studying abroad.
Center programs accepting applications until November 1:
- Florence Center
- Florence Center & Intensive Language Program at the University of Florence
- Florence Center & Direct Enrollment at the University of Florence (Courses Taught in Italian)
- Florence Center: Studio Arts
- Florence Center: Engineering
- Florence Center: Design
- London Center
- London Center: Design
- Madrid Center
- Madrid Center & Liberal Arts in Spanish at UAM
- Santiago Center
- Santiago Center: Cuenca, Ecuador Immersion
- Strasbourg Center
- Strasbourg Center & French Language Institute
- Strasbourg Center & U. Strasbourg
- Strasbourg Center & Music Performance (Conservatoire Strasbourg)
For more information about Spring 2021 Center programs, view our Program Modifications and Frequently Asked Questions.
Select World Partner Programs are accepting applications until October 15, apply now!
Spring 2021 programs – apply by October 1!
Apply now to spring 2021 programs! The deadline is Thursday, October 1.
Syracuse Abroad ranked #7 in Study Abroad
Syracuse Abroad has been ranked #7 in Study Abroad, up from #11, in US News & World Report
“Syracuse University offers undergraduates a variety of study abroad opportunities, including through the school’s overseas centers and programs with partner institutions. Freshmen interested in the liberal arts can spend their first semester studying abroad through the Discovery Programs in Madrid; Strasbourg, France; or Florence, Italy.” -US News & World Report