Nicole Llewellyn ’21 attended the Global Student Leadership Summit Conference hosted by Diversity Abroad in an entirely virtual setting in August of 2020. The conference is intended for students of diverse background who studied abroad to meet, connect and reflect on their experiences. Through hands-on sessions, critical dialog and breakout sessions, students had the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, meet professionals in the field and embrace diversity through a global lens.
Nicole, a Syracuse Abroad Global Ambassador, attended our Florence Center Engineering program in spring of 2019. She majors in Chemical Engineering and Neuroscience and truly valued her time in Florence. She applied to attend the GSLS and was accepted to attend and represent Syracuse Abroad as our student ambassador.
Hear what she had to say about her conference experience:
Despite the Global Student Leadership Summit (GSLS) being online this year, I believe I not only gained invaluable insight from a diverse group of students and presenters but connected with them through our unique experiences as well. In a matter of three days, we went from strangers to friends, united in how our personal identity shaped our study abroad experience. With in-depth conversations about personal and leadership identity and professional development sessions, I experienced growth as an individual while learning how global experiences can connect people in many ways and open further opportunities abroad.
The first day of GSLS began with a warm welcome from Joelle Tolifero, one of the members of the planning committee from Diversity Abroad, giving all twenty of us participants an overview of the day. Throughout the day, I listened to speakers Jacquis Waters, a member of the planning committee from Columbia University, Cheyenne Boyce, Director of Program Development at the Confucius Center, and Will Baggett, author of bestselling book, “The Blueprint for a Successful Career”. During Jacquis’ session, I was challenged to think critically about my personal identity and what role our identity played while abroad. I not only learned the difference between social and personal identity but how we must break this cycle of socialization of norms by examining our biases, self-educating, and challenging and disrupting. Given our current political and social climate, I considered what I learned in this session to be incredibly valuable and relevant. Cheyenne also focused on identity, but how it plays a crucial role in many conflicts. When core characteristics of your identity are threatened, conflicts may arise and damage relationships between individuals and groups. Yet I learned that determining common interests between two parties is the key to finding creative solutions. Finally, Will spoke about how we can build our professional career, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and executive image. So much of our success in the workplace stems from what we can bring using our unique perspective and how we present ourselves both in person and on social media.
On the second day of the conference, Malcolm Glenn, Director of Public Affairs at Better.com and former employee at Google and Uber Technologies, spoke about his unconventional career path and how inspiration drove him to take on the jobs he has had and has now. I was struck by how passionately he spoke to us, reiterating that we should pursue what inspires and engages us, and we need to continuously advocate for ourselves. He left us with a very important and powerful statement: “Your worth is not defined by your first role – by any role – you have.” I attended a second seminar with Lily Lopez-McGee, the Director of the Pickering Fellowship Program, who spoke with us about pursuing an international career after graduation. Many opportunities exist to help us achieve our goal to continue life abroad such as fellowships, volunteering, teaching English, internships, and graduate school. Although she spoke of the Peace Corps, Princeton in Africa/Asia/Latin America, and Fulbright, those of which I have heard of before, it was very helpful to hear her perspective and ask specific questions. Using the SMART goals method, I also learned how I can feasibly attain my goals, whatever they may be, by making them specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time-oriented.
The last day of GSLS consisted primarily of networking with professionals who had experience working abroad or in government institutions including Fulbright, Peace Corps, and the Bureau of International Affairs. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to speak and ask questions one on one to these accomplished individuals. I learned that many continue to use the skills they learned abroad in their current position, and they gained more confidence by going abroad.
Overall, my experience at GSLS was extremely fulfilling and gave me the time to reflect more in depth about my time abroad. It was an opportunity that I never received before to speak with a like-minded cohort about how my study abroad helped me grow and how I can use what I learned to be a more effective leader and enact change within my community. I am incredibly appreciative of the opportunities this conference afforded me: connecting with people from around the world through open dialogue and listening to a diverse group of speakers in the academic and professional world. GSLS helped me learn more about both my identity and what I hope to achieve professionally, academically, and personally in the future.
-Nicole Llewellyn ’21
Learn more about the Global Student Leadership Summit
My name is Olivia Ly and I am majoring in public relations with a minor in psychology. I went aboard my second semester, junior year. I chose Syracuse London, as it was easy to take classes towards my major, allowed me to pursue an internship, and enroll in a signature seminar to start my program. The staff at Syracuse London were great. The professors were invested in not only our academics but also how we adjusted to London. In almost every class the professors would give some sort of advice on travel and places to visit in London. Syracuse London worked with me to give me a great work, academic, and life balance, I would attend classes Monday and Tuesday, intern on Wednesday and Thursday and was able to travel and explore Friday to Sunday. London is such a diverse city that it truly has something for everyone. It is very easy to travel to different countries and explore other parts of England.
During my time in London I interned at Matter Of Form, a luxury brand, design and eCommerce agency. The agency worked for clients such as, Breitling, Knight Frank and Estée Lauder. Having an internship abroad taught me about a global workplace. I was able to develop as a professional while also learning how offices in London differed from that of the U.S. The contacts and skills I gained have given me further insight into the career I wish to pursue after graduation. I would work every Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 to 5:30, which allowed me to commute like a local and really understand what it was like to work in London. My coworkers were able to give me travel recommendation and places in London to further explore. Mater Of Form, had a great office environment, and would often attend agency events during and after work.
I’m Ruby, class of 2021 studying Information Management & Technology and Environment & Society. Unlike many people studying abroad, my final destination was not my first choice. In fact, it wasn’t even my second choice.
After all of this, I felt very fortunate to even be getting to go abroad. I had spent months going through the emotional ups and downs of anticipation, excitement, and disappointment. However, looking back, I would not change anything about this process; all of the stress and planning, made me value my time abroad that much more. While I could have done without filing for three separate Visas, I truly spent every day in Australia just happy to be there.
Bonjour! My name is Yangzhi Xiao, I am an international student studying music industry in Syracuse University. I participated in Strasbourg France Program in Spring 2020, and I will be a junior this coming fall semester. You may wonder as an international student, why I chose to study abroad even though I am already studying abroad in the US? My answer would be experiencing with the world beyond one’s borders is the best way of learning. By living in a foreign country to study a new learning style and experience a different way of life, I have gained so much irreplaceable life experience. During this time abroad, I have not only expanded my horizons, but also got the chance to study at one of the most famous conservatories in France, le Conservatoire de Strasbourg. As an organ student, I was so lucky to be able to study with one of the four organists of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Studying with the sophisticated French organist developed my musical competency and performance, more importantly, he showed me an original perception of the way of life as an organist. Moreover, the life at the Conservatory of Strasbourg allowed me study closely with the local French students in the choir, Le Chœur des Jeunes Chanteurs. I will never forget the time we spent together and confronted the challenge together, it helped us make the strong bond of friendship.
Study abroad is also a beautiful way to encounter the world! My first impression of France was its unforgettable historic and scenic attractions. Paris, the first city we visited in France, is a strong cultural presence echoed with a liberal ambiance, and its particular French Neo classicism architecture makes the city an immersive Rococo heaven. The more I explored the city, the more I felt like to get to know about the story behind it. There was nothing I enjoyed more than taking a stroll along the Seine River. Just by wandering around the little path under the bridges and watched the gentle wavelets rippling on the banks of the Seine, there was a sense of comforting tranquility pervading. During the time abroad, I was inspired by the atmosphere to learn more about French culture, and my local friends drew my attention to the literature of France. It is interesting to build a communicating bridge between different languages and cultures in this way. I have gained a deeper understanding of the country by receiving the ideas from the literature and discussing about them with the local people.
Furthermore, when the pandemic happened, I chose to stay in France. I still remember in the two months confinement, my host family always liked to share her perspective of current affairs and politics during the dinner time, and it actually helped me understand further about the local philosophy of the way of living. One is to stay curious about life, and another one is to always make time for oneself. By learning each other’s culture around the dinner table, we had a chance to dissolve gradually the misunderstandings and stereotypes of one another’s country. Therefore, study abroad is the perfect opportunity to reach out the world, because it provides the chance that lets all sides of ideas to be heard.
Going abroad can be scary especially If you have never been outside of the country, but it was the best time I have ever had, although it was short. My name is Erick Lojano-Quispe, currently I am a rising Junior with a Major in Civil Engineering and a Minor in Italian. I went abroad for the spring semester during the 2019-2020 academic year. Syracuse makes it really easy to apply for visa, you just fill out some forms and they care of it and help you through the process.
As many of you know, or can assume, the academic spring semester of 2019-2020, was when the Covid-19 situation started picking up pace, it was also at this time where it became serious situation in Europe, specifically in Italy. Syracuse responded accordingly and suspended the program and advised all the students to book a flight for home, of course many students had many questions specifically, financial questions. Syracuse reimbursed the flight leaving Florence. Originally the students were provided two options, to either return to main campus after the spring break or switch to online classes. Of course, main campus Syracuse switched online classes as well, so most if not all of the abroad students were still in our abroad classes. One issue you might think about abroad classes going online would be the time zone difference, however, many professors accommodated the students by uploading power points, uploading videos, and provide the whole day for exams and quizzes since they realized that many students lived in different time zones.
I’m Blake and I’m a triple major in political science, history, and citizenship and civic engagement (Class of ‘22). I studied abroad Strasbourg, France the second semester of my sophomore year of college, it was the most engaging and the most enjoyable three and half months of my college career (thanks to Miss Rona)! I’ve always wanted to travel the world since my Uncle shared his stories of traveling the world during his twenties. Syracuse Abroad’s program is world-class and provided everything you could imagine and more!
The Syracuse Strasbourg program itself features a signature seminar that takes you through several countries with your fellow abroad peers. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know everyone and led to my entire group becoming close and friendly. I still talk to my friends from the program today!! Other courses at the Strasbourg Center took students to various parts of France, the Council of Europe, or places within Strasbourg. There are weekend programs that are free (included in the initial cost) around the Alsace area that the program offers. I highly recommend these programs, you will see a fantastic castle, eat incredible cheese fondue, and have exquisite cuisine. The staff is incredibly friendly and becomes part of your abroad family, if you need ANYTHING, don’t hesitate to ask from them.
Overall, studying abroad is an opportunity that can never be replaced, it teaches you how to be a global citizen, approach life with more empathy, at times pushes you out of your comfort zone, establishes friends all over the world (use hostels!), and makes you a more curious individual! Just approach the experience with an open mind, the rest will follow.
Growing up in a Vietnamese household showed me how valuable it is to know different languages. Knowing another language allows us to interact with more people and helps expand our knowledge on cultures/traditions other than our own. I began studying Spanish in high school and wanted to continue to develop my skills by pursuing a minor in college. I’m so thankful to have been able to spend four great months in Spain. I had the opportunity to travel to various cities in Spain from the coastline (Cabo de Palos) to the center (Madrid) and there’s a piece of my heart in every city. Similar to how we encounter different accents, foods, and traditions in various parts of the U.S, Spain’s different regions offer a variety of traditional foods, drinks, and traditions.
I often blink and wonder if my time abroad was real. How can someone grow so much and learn so much in a mere four months. I would go back to Spain in a heartbeat because of the great people I met. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, don’t be afraid to try new things, and don’t be afraid to take on new adventures by yourself. Time abroad is so limited that we miss out on things we wanted to do. Make your own timetable, explore the different areas of Madrid and regions of Spain. The weekend trips to different countries are memorable and very fun, but learning about your host country is also important and worthy of your time. Being in Madrid opened my eyes to a whole new environment and showed me how each culture is unique. I realized my passion is to use communications to foster community. Although the world has billions of people on it, we can always connect with someone.
Syracuse Abroad is excited to announce that the 
all – beautiful, spacious parks, urban convenience, transportation links to the United Kingdom and Europe, and an unrivaled historical atmosphere. As home to the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh lends itself to the largest arts festival in the world. Edinburgh is also known for its luscious green landscapes, the filming sites for Harry Potter and the Royal Mile.