News

According to U.S. News and World Report, Syracuse Abroad has been ranked #11 for the best study abroad programs in the country.  In the Spring of 2019, U.S. News asked college presidents, deans, and academic officers from over 1,500 schools to nominate 15 institutions with exceptional study abroad programs. Colleges that received 10 or more nominations were ranked according, with Syracuse Abroad landing at #11 on the list. Criteria included academic curriculum, length of opportunities offered and the student and cultural interaction while abroad.

Read more about Syracuse Abroad on SU News: Syracuse Abroad Ranked No. 11 Best Study Abroad Program

SyracuseAbroad@Bird will host a Grand Opening and Open House event on Thursday, September 19.

SyracuseAbroad@Bird, located at Bird Library in room 002, is a new space for students to explore study abroad opportunities in a convenient location – with no appointment needed! The new satellite office gives students the opportunity to meet candidly with Syracuse Abroad staff on their schedule and learn more about programs of interest, the application process, and much more.

All students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the Grand Opening event, beginning at 3pm on Thursday, Sept. 19. The event will include Opening Remarks from Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly, an Open House and a chance to meet with Syracuse Abroad staff. Plus – sample international treats and grab some Syracuse Abroad swag!

Read more about the event: SyracuseAbroad@Bird Open House and Grand Opening to Be Held Sept. 19

SyracuseAbroad@Bird Grand Opening | Sept. 19, 3-5pm | Bird Library, room 002

Your journey abroad starts Thursday, September 5th at Syracuse Abroad Day!

At Syracuse Abroad Day, students will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff and representatives from a variety of programs and disciplines to learn about what Syracuse Abroad has to offer. Our annual event is packed with international food, travel experts and and over 25 program alum who will be ready to answer questions about life abroad. Students will also have the opportunity to visit stations, get their passport stamped and enter for a chance to win prizes essential to traveling abroad.

Read more about this event: Syracuse Abroad Day: The Gateway to Global Education

Syracuse Abroad Day | Shaw Quad | 11am-2pm

In January of 2019, students enrolled in our Syracuse London Center embarked on journey like no other. Before beginning their semester abroad in London, a group of students participated in an intensive nine-day Signature Seminar throughout Ireland.

As part of this Seminar, Borders in Flux: Identities and Conflict in Ireland, students traveled to Dublin, Belfast and Derry/Londonderry and discovered how Ireland’s past, and present, have a direct connection to today’s politics. Students had the opportunity to explore and evaluate the relationship between politics and religion in Ireland, what constructs a ‘national identity’, and how Ireland’s violent past impacts the present day.

In each of the destinations, students engaged in hands on, field learning activities such as walking tours of the city, visits to iconic sites and interactions with local activists. To complete their trip, students visited the World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway, one of Ireland’s most beautiful natural landmarks. During each of their experiences, students had the opportunity to reflect on how past remains visibly present in Ireland’s landscapes and buildings, and how these shifting borders help to understand, question, and reproduce conflicts of identity.

The Seminar was led by Dr. Maggie Scull, a modern historian whose work explores religious institutions, secularization, political violence, sectarianism, and peace. As an Irish Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow at the National University of Ireland, Galway, Dr. Scull focuses on the Northern Ireland Troubles and the role of society, religion, and politics in daily lives as well as international relations.

On August 25^th, Dr. Scull will once again lead a group of Syracuse London Center students on this journey through Ireland before their semester abroad begins.

Students on the Mount Everest Base Camp: The Human Response to High Altitude program created this great video about this amazing program!

Check it out!

Theresa Barone is the first face you’ll see when you walk into 106 Walnut Place, and she’s probably the voice you’ll hear on the phone if you call the Syracuse Abroad office. She began her work as the Syracuse Abroad Front Desk Coordinator in early March, where she coordinates the office’s work-study students, processes forms and applications, and directs any and all inquiries coming into the office.

What has been your career path so far?

I was self-employed for 15 years. I owned a clothing store on Marshall Street. It was women’s contemporary clothing and then we moved down to Amory Square. Then I took a gap to stay at home with my kids. I then took a position with the book store, worked in accounts payable and that’s how I got here!

Did you study abroad?

No, but I lived abroad in London when my husband’s job took us there. I loved traveling Europe, every weekend we went somewhere different.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

I always wanted to get to Greece, and I finally got there when we were living in London in 2009. The food was spectacular, and the water was so blue.

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

Probably because I lived abroad with two small kids and I saw what it did for them. They pick languages up so easily so I saw an immense growth in them.

What was your favorite traveling experience?

My favorite traveling story has to be when my family was in the Alps in Austria. My daughter was young and we turned away for a moment and she was climbing a snow bank next to an avalanche warning sign! She was fine, but it was definitely a crazy moment.

Twelve seniors have been named as the 2018 Syracuse University Scholars, the highest undergraduate honor that the University bestows. Eight of the students are alumni of Syracuse Abroad programs. Congratulations to all!

• Jordan Barrett: Discovery Strasbourg
• Fanta Drame: World Partner, SIT Health and Community
• Katie Duggan: Syracuse Florence
• Caitlin Harrison: World Partner, AMIDEAST Jordan
• Jacqueline Page: Syracuse London; Jackie is a London global ambassador
• Sarah Ritchey: Summer Architecture seminar and Syracuse Florence
• Elen Safarian: Florence Summer Session
• Danika Van Niel: Syracuse Hong Kong

University Scholars will represent the entire graduating class at the May 13 Commencement ceremony. On Wednesday, May 9, the scholars will be honored at a reception at the Chancellor’s house hosted by Chancellor Kent Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen, at which they will receive special medallions to be worn at Commencement. The scholars will also be honored at the One University awards ceremony on Friday, April 20, at Hendricks Chapel.

The Syracuse University Scholars Selection Committee, a University-wide faculty committee, selected the 2018 scholars using criteria that included coursework and academic achievement, independent research and creative work, evidence of intellectual growth and/or innovation in their disciplinary field, a personal statement and faculty letters of recommendation.

Joelle Orecki isn’t new to the Syracuse Abroad staff – she has been the front desk coordinator since late 2016. But she recently moved into a new position as the admissions counselor for the Syracuse London and Strasbourg centers, where she’ll coordinate the admissions and pre-departure process for about 300 students each semester!

Did you study abroad? If so, where and what inspired you to go?

I studied in Paris in 2014, through the SUNY Oswego program. I was a French major at SUNY Geneseo, so I wanted to use my major while abroad.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

Australia! My sister studied abroad there.

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

It’s all about perspective. If you can immerse yourself in a culture, you can see how people from around the world think and act. I think it’s especially important in today’s day and age which is moving towards globalization.

What was your favorite traveling experience?

I was on a train from Cannes to Monaco and a very nice old man was telling me about the book he was reading in French and I could understand him! And respond in French! This was the last week of my abroad experience, had it been my first week I wouldn’t have been able to understand him.

What language have you always wanted to learn and why?

Spanish. I mostly know the food words and so many people speak it, so I’d definitely like to learn. Also Irish is fascinating, but dying out so I don’t have any plans to learn it, I just think it’s interesting.

What is the best story you’ve heard from a returning student?

A boy who studied abroad in London went hiking in the Lake District as an activity to represent different countries and groups. The hike separated the groups into Londoners, Americans, and refugees. He said he learned so much about the refugee crisis and how we can work together to solve it.

Do you have any advice for students about to go abroad?

Take advantage of your city while you’re there! Explore your city, don’t just go to different countries every weekend.

Joelle Orecki is a graduate of SUNY Geneseo and the current London and Strasbourg admissions counselor.

Syracuse University Abroad will host its annual Study Abroad Day on Thursday, February 8 from 12 – 3 p.m. Schine 304ABC. Study Abroad Day is a chance for students in every major and at every class level to explore over 100 study abroad options available to them through Syracuse Abroad.

In addition to Syracuse Abroad staff, representatives from 13 partner programs will be present to share information with prospective students. SU students can meet with representatives from the University of Sydney, CET Academic Programs, American University, SIT Study Abroad, SEA Semester, AMIDEAST, University College Dublin, CEA Study Abroad, South India Term Abroad, UPCES-Charles University, DIS (Copenhagen and Stockholm), the University of New South Wales, and Colgate University.

Staff members from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs will be available to talk to students about financing and budgeting for their abroad experience, and Syracuse Abroad’s global ambassadors will be on hand to share their personal experiences with prospective abroad students.

By Meghan Stark, Abroad Alumna: Spring 2017 University College Dublin

1. Get ready for some new tastes

As a pretty picky eater, I figured going abroad was going to be tough on my limited palate, but once I opened up to the local tastes I realized I could find some super tasty things! I felt closer to my new home when I could appreciate the local cuisine.

2. Be a penny pincher

You already know that living in another country is going to come with some added expenses, but it’s important to remember that if you’re studying abroad you can’t get a job for some extra cash on the side. So save extra for those “what if” moments.

3. Be vigilant

Being cautious should be an everywhere rule, but it’s especially important while abroad. Your passport and credit cards are your lifeline because you’re oceans away from your home bank! Carry your credit cards close to your body in an over the shoulder bag. Keep your passport locked in your room unless traveling, and make a copy of it to carry with you during your day-to-day travels.

4. Research!

I wish I researched the city I was living/studying in more extensively rather than the cities I was just visiting for a few days.

5. Interact with the locals

They’re your new neighbors! I wish I knew how enriching it was to get to know the people in my new home.

6. Keep a journal or a blog

I wish I had kept some type of log of my journey from the beginning. It was so special to look back on the way other students decided to commemorate their abroad experience and I wish I had done the same!

7. Public transit RULES

Research your city’s options for public transport! I wish I knew how easy getting around town in a foreign place could be.

8. Get out and explore!

You’re living in an incredible international city – get to know that city! Then get to know the country you’re living in – explore places off the beaten track. And then visit the surrounding countries! Before I went abroad, I wish I knew how rewarding international travel could be. You’re on your own in a brand new country, and you learn so much about yourself. Have fun!