Alumnus, philanthropist and Life Trustee Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20 was recently celebrated by the city of Florence, Italy, for his dedication to the city and his support of the Syracuse Abroad program in Florence. In a ceremony hosted by the mayor of Florence, D’Aniello was presented with the keys to the city. University leadership, students, faculty and staff and local dignitaries attended the ceremony on Oct. 19 in the city’s town hall, Palazzo Vecchio.
“We are honored to open this ceremony in Palazzo Vecchio to give you the keys of the city, which is a sign of our friendship—our way to say to you thank you for your love and for your passion for our city, for our community,” Dario Nardella, the mayor of Florence, said.
D’Aniello, an alumnus of the Florence abroad program, has recalled his time in Florence as some of the most memorable of his college career and his recent support of the program and future generations of students reflects his deep connection.
On the evening of Monday, November 13, Syracuse University Madrid hosted a student-led symposium titled “Transcultural Approach to the Sustainable Development Goals: A Personal Journey Abroad.” Roughly two-thirds of the fall 2023 student cohort presented projects on behalf of five different classes in the economics, Spanish, psychology, earth science, and business departments.
“One of the best parts of living in Europe as a student is the unique opportunity to look first-hand into different cultures, governments, and ways of thinking, and being able to share that was incredible,” says Michaela Warren ’24, Communications and Rhetorical Studies major in VPA.
The core idea behind the symposium was to “help students reflect on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) setup by the UN to be achieved in 2030.” Michaela notes that the symposium was a “phenomenal opportunity to share new knowledge and learn, while also practicing teamwork to develop presentations and public speaking skills.”
Student presentations included:
Earth Science: What are the SDG’s and what would we like them to be?
Economics of European Integration: Taking action: Examples of EU policies to achieve the SDG’s.
Healthcare in Europe: Air Quality in China: How pollution is costing the country money and Botswana and how to deal with the third objective of the SDG’s.
Doing Business in Europe: Sustainability and renewable energies in Turkey and Economic Sustainability and circular economy in the German public transportation sector.
De Madrid al Cielo: Madrid como ciudad sostenible
Drugs and Human Behavior: The impact of addiction on health and wellbeing, The relationship between drug abuse and quality education and Consequences of drug abuse on peace and justice.
The symposium brought together professors, staff and students from different courses and disciplines to examine the present sustainability goals and how they will impact the future.
“Highlighting sustainability was the perfect topic choice due to the range of angles students were able to discuss in different regions. It was also an important community-building opportunity for students to collaborate on topics they are exploring in different classes”, says Micaela Warren.
“Great symposium,” says Dr. Juan Iso, Spanish language and literature professor. “Students went from global to local emphasizing the importance of achieving sustainable development goals in order to shape a better future for all.”
Callie Amill’s passion for the Spanish language and culture began when she started learning the language at the age of 10.
“I quickly realized that I wanted to incorporate study abroad in Spain into my academic pursuits,” says Amill ’24, who is studying marketing in the Whitman School of Management and political science in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Having never left the United States, but wanting to explore her Spanish roots, she spent the semester in Spain at the Syracuse Madrid Center.
Students are encouraged to explore Syracuse Abroad for all of the possibilities an abroad experience brings, including new opportunities for fall 2024. The University’s experiential-based programs are designed to enhance students’ academic and career paths, both personally and professionally. Through hands-on coursework, field study trips and dedicated staff on campus and abroad, students can feel welcomed and supported throughout their entire journey.
Through Syracuse Abroad, students can study at University center locations in Florence; London; Madrid; Santiago, Chile; and Strasbourg, France. Centers offer unique coursework and internship opportunities while focusing on out of the classroom and immersive learning experiences.
For students searching for a more specific experience abroad, Syracuse Abroad offers additional study locations through World Partner programs in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, New Zealand and Sea Education Association. Through partner universities and programs, students can study such niche subjects as forensic science in Australia, global health in Kenya and film studies in Prague. View all fall study abroad programs.
Syracuse University has been named a Gilman Scholarship Top Producer for the 2021-22 academic year in the medium institution category. In that application cycle, 24 University students received and used the award to fund study abroad experiences.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers study abroad awards of up to $5,000 to undergraduate students in good standing who are U.S. citizens and Pell Grant (federal financial aid) recipients, and up to $8,000 for undergraduates studying abroad and learning critical need languages (such as Mandarin Chinese or Arabic).
Gilman applications are a collaborative effort between the University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) and Syracuse Abroad offices. Syracuse Abroad is dedicated to helping students choose study abroad programs that align with their academic and cultural interests, and CFSA has taken the lead on planning outreach to eligible students and working with Gilman applicants through writing workshops and one-on-one advising meetings to review drafts of their application materials.
“Studying abroad provides students with unparalleled opportunities to advance their studies, personal growth and professional skills in ways that help them to thrive in diverse local and global communities and workplaces,” says Erika Wilkens, assistant provost and executive director of Syracuse Abroad. “Helping students apply for prestigious scholarships like the Gilman is one way to advance our commitment to making international study available to all students.”
“During a time when diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) efforts are under attack on college campuses across the country, the University’s depth and breadth of DEIA efforts were showcased at the inaugural event, The D.E.I.A. Symposium, on October 3rd.”
Syracuse Abroad participated in the poster presentation at the Symposium, detailing it’s DEIA student working group and project plans for the future.
DEIA working group and symposium poster
The poster, titled ‘Belonging Abroad: Empowering Students through Syracuse Abroad’s DEIA Student Working Group,’ showcased the group’s work and dedication to inclusive practices both abroad and on campus.
The poster outlined the origin of the student working group, it’s purpose and plan of action. The goal of the student working group, comprised of student leadership, oversight from staff and engaged program alumni, is to “create an avenue for students to share their experiences with staff.” Through meetings and guided conversation, the group plans to lead the development of new initiatives that address identity-based concerns centered around a core framework.
The group plans to focus on three main areas of improvement: website redevelopment, content creation and growth. The group hopes to attract students of diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities to join the group and participate in the evolving conversation of DEIA related to studying abroad. The team also plans to add content to the Syracuse Abroad website to include cultural norms for each Syracuse Abroad Center location to help guide students as they prepare to study abroad.
Delaney Van Wey, Campus Outreach Manager and co-lead of the working group notes, “We seek to enhance overall student cultural engagement and understanding of cultural competence and humility.” She sees this group as “uniquely positioned to support the Academic Strategic Plan objectives and the potential difficulties that may arise from an increased number of students studying abroad as it pertains to DEIA-related issues.”
The DEIA Student Working Group also contributed a supporting podcast to further reflect on DEIA in the abroad space. Identity Abroad with Syracuse Abroad features the DEIA Working Group as they share their stories of self-discovery and advice for making the most out of a study abroad experience.
In the first episode ‘Belonging in Spain’, three students discuss their unique journeys studying in Spain. The episode discusses how to navigate culture shock, difficult situations, loneliness and other challenges students might face while abroad.
There is still time to apply for spring 2024 programs! We’re extending the application deadline to October 15 for the select Center programs listed below. Our programs in London, England and Strasbourg, France offer culturally enriching immersive experiences, unique courses and exciting extracurricular activities for students planning to study abroad in the spring.
Check out spring 2024 Center programs still accepting applications:
Syracuse Abroad is now accepting applications for 2024 summer and short-term courses abroad—and it’s never too early to start planning for a summer abroad!
Summer programs, ranging from two to nine weeks abroad, can help students prepare for or try out the study abroad experience before committing to an entire semester abroad. Enrolling in programs over the summer also helps students catch up or get ahead on degree credits and can even provide valuable work and internship experience. Summer programs are also a valuable option for both undergraduate and graduate students who might have trouble fitting study abroad into their busy schedules.
It’s time to gear up for another year of excitement and exploration around the globe. Syracuse Abroad welcomes all Syracuse University students to explore study abroad options for spring 2024 and beyond during this year’s Syracuse Abroad Week.
Syracuse Abroad Week, Sept. 11-15: Students, partners, faculty and families are invited to join a variety of virtual events to learn more about study abroad programs. Throughout the week, Syracuse Abroad staff will host information sessions on Zoom discussing program options, financing study abroad, internship opportunities and more. To view and register for information sessions, visit the schedule of Syracuse Abroad Week events.
Syracuse Abroad on the Quad, Sept. 13: Students, campus partners and faculty are invited to visit the Syracuse Abroad tent on Shaw Quad on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn about options for international study and explore more than 100 programs in 60 different countries. The first 44 guests to arrive will receive an exclusive Syracuse Abroad tote bag.
Sophie Clinton ’24 spent a semester in South America studying issues related to human rights and policy, perfecting her Spanish language skills and exploring the Southern Cone.
Of all the exceptional Syracuse Abroad courses, there is one that towers above the others–about 18,000 feet above.
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek: The Human Response to High Altitude is a three-week, three-credit course and international research expedition in Nepal led by exercise science professor Tom Brutsaert, chair and graduate director of Falk College’s Department of Exercise Science. To teach students how the human body adapts to extreme high-altitude environments, the course interlaces full immersion classroom instruction with cutting-edge research led by faculty and advanced graduate student experts in physiology.
