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Students Study Human Rights and Historical Memory at Santiago Center

The Syracuse University Abroad Center in Santiago, Chile, is the setting for a semester-long student research project focused on human rights, historical memory and social justice.

The project, conducted by Lender Global student fellows Ohemaa Asibuo and Ayanna Hyatte under the direction of Santiago Center Director Mauricio Paredes, is centered on the 1973–1990 Augusto Pinochet dictatorship, during which more than 3,000 people died or disappeared, 200,000 suffered exile and 27,000 were tortured.

Person standing before a glass wall filled with small black-and-white photographs, with lit candles along the bottom edge, suggesting a memorial

Lender Global student fellow Ohemaa Asibuo studies the remembrance wall exhibit at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights in Santiago, Chile. (Photo by Paula Lopehandia)

While in Santiago, the student fellows will take the course Dictatorships, Human Rights and Historical Memory in Chile and the Southern Cone, taught by Paredes.

Learn more about research in Santiago, Chile

Syracuse Abroad Week to be Celebrated Sept. 15-19

This fall, Syracuse Abroad welcomes all students to explore study abroad options for 2026 and beyond during this year’s Syracuse Abroad Week.

Syracuse Abroad Week, Sept. 15-19: Students, partners, faculty and staff are invited to join 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 register for information sessions, visit the schedule of Syracuse Abroad Week events.

Syracuse Abroad on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle, Sept. 18: Students, campus partners and faculty are invited to visit the Syracuse Abroad tent on the Quad from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn about options for semester and summer international study, as well opportunities at our Syracuse University locations in Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C. In the event of rain, the event will be held in Goldstein Auditorium in the Schine Student Center.

Learn more about this year’s events: Syracuse Abroad Week 2025

Syracuse Abroad Spring 2025 Gilman Scholarship Recipients

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AMONG 3,500 RECIPIENTS OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE BENJAMIN A. GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP, SUPPORTING AMERICAN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS WITH HIGH FINANCIAL NEED TO STUDY OR INTERN ABROAD 

Syracuse University has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State for producing 20 Gilman recipients this Spring 2025 cycle. In total, the Syracuse recipients received over $60,000 in scholarships for study in the summer and fall 2025 and spring 2026.

Join us in congratulating some of the recipients:

  • Afnan Akinyele, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France
  • Autumn Clarke, United Kingdom
  • Maymouna Dibassy, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France
  • Coco Fang, Spain
  • Syarra Goldstein, Jordan
  • Abbi Johnson, Italy
  • Kimberly Lucas, Spain
  • Dalia Scolnick, United Kingdom, Italy
  • Paris Smith, Spain
  • Aramata Trawalley, United Kingdom
  • Oliver Tricarico, Italy

The U.S. Department of State has awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to 3,500 American undergraduate students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia in spring 2025 to study abroad in over 170 countries. Over 70 percent of selected Gilman Scholars are from rural areas and small towns across the United States, and 55 percent are first-generation college students.  Gilman Scholars are U.S. undergraduate students with high financial need as federal Pell Grant recipients.  The Gilman Program received a record high of 17,000 applications across the 2024-2025 academic year.   

This group of Gilman Scholars from Syracuse University will represent the United States overseas and will return to communities across the United States with the global networks and foreign language skills needed to support U.S. economic and national security interests.

The governments of France, Germany, through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), New Zealand, and Wales, as well as the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) in Portugal and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), provided additional scholarships to Gilman scholars to study in these locations.  

Established by the U.S. Congress, the Gilman Scholarship is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is aided in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.  The next application cycle will be launched in August 2025.  To learn more about the Gilman Scholarship, visit gilmanscholarship.org.  

Peace and Conflict in the Balkans: A Seminar Recap

The first ever Florence Center Signature Seminar, Peace and Conflict in the Balkans, took place May 1-9 after the spring 2025 semester in Florence concluded. The Balkans provide an excellent context to study how ordinary people negotiate their postwar realities, the effects of international military and humanitarian interventions, and conflicting expectations of the future.

This ten-day-traveling seminar offers an in-depth look into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s social, political, cultural, and natural environments. Students were able to reflect on and examine their own worldview, biases, and ways of life.

The seminar itself examines both Bosnia and Herzegovina and their own “homelands” in a comparative light, allowing students to realize that their way of life is one among many, and that it is connected to all others.

The course explored legacies of socialism, global policies of postwar reconstruction, reconciliation, and state-building, and environmental politics, struggles, and opportunities in the Balkans.

Excursions included visits to national parks, fortresses, museums and walking tours focusing on cultural identity, history and local living. Visits to Bihac, Banja Luka, Jajce, Mostar, Umoljani and Sarajevo encouraged discussions around local ecosystems, armed conflict and personal war experiences.

Students spent a night in a rural village, and were able to sample locally prepared food, climb mountains, explore, and discuss the effects man has on the environment. Students also had the opportunity to meet and speak to people who experienced the war in Sarajevo and Srebrenica.

“Before this trip, Bosnia was just a name on a map, something I had only read about in school or briefly heard mentioned in passing. Coming into this class, I was unsure what to expect. I had briefly heard of Sarajevo and Srebrenica, but the names did not resonate with me in the way they do now, post-trip.“

“Participating in a ten-day seminar class across Bosnia, I was not only learning about the horrific war that erupted in the country in the 1990s; I was fully stepping into a living, vibrant, breathtaking landscape marked by resilience, trauma, and beauty.”

-Signature Seminar participants

The seminar was led by Professor Azra Hromadžić, a social and cultural anthropologist specializing in international humanitarian interventions, state making and youth cultural formations; ageing, care, and social services; environment and struggle for water; and migration in the Balkans.

Home Sweet Home in Strasbourg

“Bonjour! Good day! How is your family?”

With winding cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses along picturesque canals, Syracuse University students wake up every morning in a fairy tale setting as they live an authentic French adventure studying abroad in Strasbourg, France.

In this historic European city—nestled on the border of France and Germany—students have the unique opportunity to live with local host families offering unparalleled insight into French life and culture. This immersive experience not only sharpens their language skills but also opens minds and broadens perspectives, making the Strasbourg study abroad program a truly unforgettable experience.

Read more about the Strasbourg Student Experience

Applications for Spring 2026 Study Abroad Programs Open May 15

Beginning May 15, students can apply for spring 2026 study abroad programs through Syracuse Abroad. From bustling cities to small towns across the globe, the University opens the door to over 60 study abroad destinations.

For the second year in a row, Syracuse Abroad was ranked No. 8 in Study Abroad by U.S. News & World Report. Students attending programs at centers in Florence, Italy; London, England; Madrid, Spain; Santiago, Chile; and Strasbourg, France, will be immersed in environments designed to foster global engagement, immersive learning and new perspectives.

Learn more about new programs, application requirements, deadlines and more: Applications for Spring 2026 Abroad

Study Abroad alumni named 2025-26 Remembrance Scholars

Thirty-five students have been chosen as the 2025-26 Syracuse University Remembrance Scholars, 20 of which are Syracuse Abroad program alumni and Global Ambassadors.

The scholarships, now in their 36th year, were founded as a tribute to—and means of remembering—the students studying in London and Florence through Syracuse University who were killed in the Dec. 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Those students were among the 270 people who perished in the bombing. The scholarships are funded through an endowment supported by gifts from alumni, friends, parents and corporations.

Remembrance Scholars are chosen in their junior year through a competitive selection process. Applicants submitted an essay and a reflective response in multimedia, artistic, musical or written format as part of a comprehensive application. The application evaluation committee is composed of University faculty and staff and current Remembrance Scholars. The $5,000 scholarships are awarded on the basis of community impact, leadership, creativity and thoughtful academic inquiry.

The study abroad alum scholars are:

Ellie Allen of Newton, Massachusetts, a citizenship and civic engagement major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; Summer Program: The European and Global Internship Program in Brussels and Global Ambassador

Jacqueline Arbogast of Warwick, New York, a television, radio and film major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications; Madrid Center

Belinda Chan of Brooklyn, New York, a social work major in the Falk College; World Partner: University College Dublin 

Tommy DaSilva of Newark, Delaware, a public health major in the Falk College; a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S, and a citizenship and civic engagement major in the Maxwell School; London Summer Session and Global Ambassador

Nick Dekaney of Syracuse, New York, a broadcast and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School; London Center

Ava Downey of Newport Beach, California, a linguistics major in A&S, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; World Partner: Amideast Area and Arabic Language Studies in Morocco and Global Ambassador

Leah Farrell of New Milford, Connecticut, a citizenship and civic engagement major in the Maxwell School and policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; Strasbourg Center

Abbey Fitzpatrick of Pacific Grove, California, a history and political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S; Florence Center and Global Ambassador

Olivia Fried of Clinton Corners, New York, an international relations major in the Maxwell School and A&S and magazine, news and digital journalism major in the Newhouse School; Santiago Center and Global Ambassador

Olutoyin Green, of Long Island, New York, a health humanities and political philosophy major in A&S, a law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; World Partner: SIT South Africa: International Relations in the Global South and Global Ambassador

Alani Henderson of Syracuse, New York, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S and a law, society and policy major the Maxwell School; London Center and Global Ambassador

Wafiq Khondkar of New Hyde Park, New York, a biotechnology and philosophy major in A&S and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; Madrid Summer Session

Joy Mao, of Cary, North Carolina, a policy studies major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a television, radio and film major in the Newhouse School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; London Center

Valeria Martinez-Gutierrez of Laredo, Texas, a geography and sociology major in the Maxwell School and A&S; an environment, sustainability and policy major in the Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; London Center

Marc Pantano of Newington, Connecticut, a marketing and supply chain management major in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management; Madrid Center and Global Ambassador

Zachary Setzkorn of Overland Park, Kansas, a geography and history major in the Maxwell School and A&S, a social studies education major in the Maxwell School and School of Education, and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; London Center and Global Ambassador

Ethan Shavelson of Parkland, Florida, an acting major in VPA; London Center: Acting at Shakespeare’s Globe 

Nathan Torabi, of Visalia, California, a political science major in the Maxwell School and A&S; a citizenship and civic engagement and law, society and policy major in the Maxwell School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; Florence Center

Jacquelyn Trotman of Edison, New Jersey, a retail management major in the Whitman School, an advertising major (creative track) in the Newhouse School, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; Florence Center

Anya Von Wolff of San Francisco, California, a fashion design major in VPA; World Partner: London College of Fashion

Madrid 101: Advice from Reagan

The most unforgettable experience I had in Spain was, without a doubt, the entire signature seminar. As a biology major, I initially signed up for the credits, but those 10 days traveling down Spain’s eastern coast—visiting Valencia, Santa Pola, Cartagena, Cabo de Palos, and more—became so much more. It was the perfect introduction to life in Spain, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the culture before settling in Madrid.

Our professor, Monica, was incredibly passionate about marine ecology, which made us care even more. We snorkeled, hiked, cleaned beaches, and even scuba-dived, all while learning about the ocean and how to better protect our environment. Rediscovering my love for learning and finding new passions was a form of personal growth I didn’t realize I needed. It was the best learning experience I’ve ever had and even inspired me to explore careers in marine biology and ecology. I wish I could do it all over again!

Beyond the seminar (which I could talk about for hours), another meaningful part of my time in Spain was my work-study job in the academic office and all of the time I spent in our school (¡El Instituto Internacional!). Since I usually have a work-study job on campus, I was excited to continue that abroad—especially with the cost of living! More than that, it became a great creative outlet, helping to balance the occasional stress of adjusting to life in a new country. Working with Cat and Álvaro (or even just visiting the academic office) was an incredible way to connect with the SU Madrid staff and feel more at home in my new environment.

Every moment of my study abroad experience is one I’ll cherish forever. Getting to visit so many amazing cities with some of my closest friends makes studying abroad one of the most unforgettable times in my life. From spontaneous metro rides to discovering new restaurants between classes, speaking broken Spanish with locals, and the bittersweet tears with my new friends on our last night, it was all perfect. Madrid is an incredible city full of rich culture, and I’ll always dream of the day I get to return.

Advice if you’re heading abroad:

  • First, learn the language, even if it’s just a few basic words! A lot of students assume that in big cities, most people will speak English—and many do—but the point of studying abroad is to embrace the culture. Speaking the local language, even a little, is one of the most respectful and meaningful ways to do that.
  • Next, make a budget. I was managing my finances while abroad, so I created a spreadsheet to track what I could spend and where I needed to save. You don’t want to get to the end of the semester and realize you can’t do something because you ran out of money. Be smart, save where you can, and plan ahead!
  • Finally, remember: there’s always a flight home. Don’t stress too much about adjusting to a new environment. I’d tell anyone a million times over to stay—but ultimately, you know yourself best. Being in a foreign country comes with challenges, and the only way to grow is to let yourself fail, learn, and figure things out.
  • Also, don’t forget that there are so many people to support you. When I felt stuck or overwhelmed, I talked to friends and Syracuse Madrid staff, and they helped me shift my mindset. There are people who want you to succeed and enjoy your time. Everything will work out, and you’ll end up having the time of your life!

Reagan Cavanagh ’26

Biology & Psychology

Madrid Center Fall 2024

Study Abroad alumni named 2025 Syracuse University Scholars

Twelve seniors have been named as the 2025 Syracuse University Scholars, the highest undergraduate honor the University bestows, 7 of which are study abroad alumni!

The Syracuse Abroad alumni named 2025 Syracuse University Scholars are:

  • Charlotte Ebel, a public relations major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, a women and gender studies and German language, literature and culture major in the College of Arts and Sciences, and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; Managing Global Sports Communications, Summer 2023.
  • Abigail Greenfield, a history major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a political philosophy major in the College of Arts and Sciences, and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; Madrid Center, Fall 2023 and Florence & London Summer session, Summer 2022.
  • Sierra Kaplan, a political science major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, a health humanities major in the College of Arts and Sciences, and a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; Exploring Central Europe, Fall 2023.
  • Emmy Njue, a finance and business analytics majors in the Whitman School of Management; Madrid Center, Spring 2024.
  • Morgan Opp, a chemistry and biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences; Madrid Summer Session, Summer 2023.
  • Yifan Shen, an architecture major in the School of Architecture, a music history and cultures major in the College of Arts and Sciences, and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program; Florence Center, Spring 2023 and London Center, Fall 2023.
  • Sophia Znamierowski, a biology and neuroscience major in the College of Arts and Sciences, and member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, World Partner: DIS Copenhagen, Fall 2023.

Philanthropy That Brings Outside the Box Thinking to the Student Experience

Michael “Mike” Venutolo ’77 and his wife, Kim, vividly remember sharing an eight-hour bus ride through the 110-degree desert in the United Arab Emirates with a half dozen engineering students from Syracuse University. Mike had helped design a novel two-week internship experience to expose the students to issues involved in producing and transporting potable water hundreds of miles across the desert. It was the kind of experiential learning that the Venutolos have supported through their philanthropy. The kind that directly and rapidly transforms the student experience.

His appreciation for international experiences and experiential learning is reflected in Venutolo’s most recent philanthropy, pledging nearly $1 million to create or support:

  • Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Fund for Experiential Learning to support students studying abroad and the London Center program with particular focus on community and cultural engagement through program-sponsored travel,
  • Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Fund for Professional Development to augment the activities of ECS clubs and societies specifically oriented to building professional skills, networking and education through their activities, including student travel to conferences,
  • Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Undergraduate Endowment Scholarship to provide scholarship and financial assistance to deserving ECS undergraduates,
  • Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Fund for Remembrance and Lockerbie Exchange to support trips to Lockerbie, the Lockerbie Academy and other remembrance related activities and
  • Invention Accelerator Fund, which supports undergraduates as they design, prototype and pitch their inventions.

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