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Studying abroad in Madrid

There were many factors that led me to choose to study abroad in Madrid. I wanted to go to a program by myself (my roommates went to Florence) where I could make new friends and have my own experience. I also wanted to go a country that was warm and in Western Europe, so I could travel around that area more accessibly. Spain happened to check all of those boxes, which made it the perfect place for me to go.

The signature seminar was one of the best parts of the abroad experience. I went on the Azahar excursion, which took us to five cities around Spain in ten days. Those cities included Toledo, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga and Sevilla. Being constantly on the move from city to city getting to meet people in new cities every couple of days was amazing. The seminar had a course coincide with it; and being able to visit the places and monuments we discussed in lectures made learning much more engaging and interesting.

I took many interesting classes abroad that opened me up to the intricacies of foreign culture. Two of my classes were psychology courses, cross cultural psychology and drugs and human behavior, which provided me a foundation for the psychology minor I am pursuing. I also took a Spanish class to further learn the language, as well as a history of arts in Spain course and a global economics course.

While many students chose to live in a homestay for their living arrangements abroad, I chose to live in the El Faro dorm in Madrid. Living in the dorm was one of the highlights of my abroad experience. Being with my friends all the time and getting to eat, study and travel to classes together allowed us to get close with each other. There were also students from other US and Spanish universities living in the dorm who we were able to meet and become friends with. The El Faro staff was extremely friendly, and they put on several events for the students living there throughout the semester.

All of the study abroad programs provide many opportunities to get involved, and Madrid is no different. They have “MadWorld” events for students to participate in at the school to meet other students and faculty and get involved within the school. There is also an internship program available for eligible students where students can complete an internship with local companies in the Madrid area. This is an amazing opportunity to experience Spanish work culture, as well as give a huge boost to your resume! I would definitely recommend completing an internship abroad to anyone who is interested.

Ethan Kamen ’21

Supply Chain Management & Finance

Madrid, Fall 2019

 

Syracuse Abroad announces Fall 2021 Center Program Details

Syracuse Abroad is excited to announce updated programming for Fall 2021 Center programs. At this time, we are optimistic about the future of study abroad and would like to reassure students and the Syracuse University community that we are confidently planning to move forward with fall 2021 programming.

Over the last several months, we have prepared a dynamic set of programs for fall 2021 that include all the stand-out features that make us a leader in the field: enriching coursework and stimulating cultural activities, engaging professors, strong student support, exciting educational field trips, and a myriad of experiential learning opportunities. These strategic program enhancements give students the flexibility to study abroad without upfront visa and flight costs, while still offering a robust experience and memories for a lifetime. While our goal is to move forward with fall study abroad opportunities, our highest priority is the health and safety of our students, and we will continue to review public health and travel advisory guidance leading up to the fall 2021 semester.

Program details at a glance:

  • Most of our Fall Center programs will shift to a later start date, while continuing to meet academic requirements
  • Academic and co-curricular travel will remain an integral part of your semester experience, along with new, expanded travel opportunities within your host country
  • Condensed programming allows for most students to avoid visa requirements*
  • Co-curricular activities and student support at our centers will remain robust
  • Program fees will be reduced and adjusted based on updated programming

Visit our program pages for more details about the fall semester and highlights of each program:

  • Exploring Central Europe
  • Florence Center
  • London Center
  • Madrid Center
  • Santiago Center
  • Strasbourg Center

We also encourage students, parents and faculty to learn more about our COVID-19 Center plans. These comprehensive plans have been developed in collaboration with campus experts and public health officials, in line with local regulations and resources. These health and safety precautions provide Center staff and faculty with the knowledge and guidance to keep each program running smoothly and efficiently – with academic, health & safety, and on-the-ground support plans in place.

Ready to apply?

Apply now

*Some fall 2021 programs have visa requirements.

Syracuse Abroad Provides Generous Financial Support for Upcoming Summer Abroad Experiences

Summer 2021 is just around the corner and Syracuse Abroad is ready to revitalize the spirit of summer study abroad at its European Centers. Syracuse Abroad Centers allow students to spend four to five weeks in a dynamic European cultural hub, stay on track academically, boost their resume and gain culturally immersive and hands-on experience in a global context.

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 financial aid, scholarships and grants. Review summer funding opportunities here.

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Nothing Can Beat a Summer in Spain

My name is Jackie and I am currently double majoring in Finance and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Information Management and Technology, set to graduate in Spring 2022. In 2019, I had the fortune opportunity of being a part of the summer study abroad program in Madrid, Spain.

After creating the lofty goal for myself to travel to over 100 countries, I felt that Spain with its rich culture and gorgeous architecture was the perfect place to start this lifelong dream. Studying in Madrid after my freshman year at Syracuse was the best way I could have possibly spent my summer. After a friend of mine raved about the amazing summer she experienced in Madrid, I knew I had to go experience it for myself. To me, summer was the best time to go abroad because I was able to get the slightest taste of abroad life while not feeling as if I was missing out on something back in Syracuse.

I took two classes while part of the Madrid Summer Session, both of which were uniquely taught and distinct from my on-campus classes. My first class was Cross Culture Psychology, I learned about the cultural differences between the United States and Spain, which was much more subtle yet understandable than I would have previously thought. As a class we analyzed videos and customs that each country had and tried to explain why we thought things were the way they are. It completely opened my eyes to all the similarities we all share while also continuing to be different countries, built for specific people.

My second class was Sociology of Sports. As a huge sports fan myself it was incredible learning about Spanish specific sports and their role in the global world. Because class sizes are small and tight knit over the summer, I became very close friends with my classmates. Since the class was small, our discussions became much more in-depth and were tailored to our specific interests in sports. My favorite part was the different field trips we would take, once we went to the park to observe the various fitness activities of people and another for another trip, we analyzed a soccer match.

Making friends within the program and outside of Syracuse Madrid felt completely natural. I met people from Syracuse, other universities in the US and Madrid natives which I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Since the summer session group was smaller than semester programs, I felt that we all got to know each other much more and felt comfortable with each other. It was a blast going on school trips with everyone. My favorite trip was to southern Spain, specifically Seville. We toured the city and were able to learn about its rich history. From constantly taking pictures of everyone while in the Plaza de España, to wandering around the streets for delicious food, we all got to really take in the beautiful country that we called our home for that time.

Having the opportunity to study in another country, no matter the length, is always a worthwhile experience. You will constantly be learning as much about yourself as you will your host country. This was an experience that I would not have given up for the world, and it continues to push me out of my comfort zone to this day. With Spain down, and only 99 countries left to visit, and I know whatever country I end up in next will be exciting.

Jackie Stevens ‘22

Madrid Summer Session

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:

  1. New York University
  2. Syracuse University
  3. Indiana University
  4. University of Wisconsin
  5. 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:

The following courses will be taught be Syracuse Florence faculty:

The following courses will be taught by Syracuse London faculty:

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:

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.

Spring 2021 program message

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:

View all 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