News

Syracuse Abroad Center Directors to Visit Main Campus March 25-29

Directors Hall of languages

The University is welcoming our Syracuse Abroad center directors to main campus at the end of this month from Florence, London, Madrid, Strasbourg, Santiago and Wroclaw/Central Europe. From Monday, March 25, through Friday, March 29, students, faculty and staff will have opportunities to meet the directors and student alumni for Coffee & Conversation sessions about the exciting programs, initiatives and experiences available at centers overseas.

Read more: Connections & Conversations with Center Directors

Syracuse Madrid launches new semester mini-trips

From early February to early March, Syracuse Madrid hosted four different weekend “mini-trips” to Barcelona! Around 50 students attended each of the weekend trips. The trips are part of the new one-credit Mapping Madrid CAS course, although the destination may change by semester, the first round of trips were to Barcelona, which is only a 3 hour train ride from Madrid.

After taking a bullet train to Barcelona Friday morning, the itinerary included a walk down Las Ramblas, the city’s iconic main boulevard, and a visit to the lively Boqueria Market. While in town, professors gave a tour of the gorgeous Gothic Quarter and the Cathedral of Barcelona, after which students enjoyed several hours of free time and a buffet dinner back at the hotel.

Saturday was jam-packed–a breakfast buffet at the hotel, a tour of the modernist architecture in the city center, a tour of Gaudí’s famous Casa Milà, and a visit to none other than the Sagrada Familía itself, all followed by some more free time.

On Sunday, students and staff visited the Barcelona Maritime Museum and took a boat from the port around the Mediterranean Sea, then boarded a bullet train back to Madrid in the evening.

Details and photos provided by Cat Braza, Syracuse Madrid Communications team

University Named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for US Students

For the second consecutive year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has named Syracuse University a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. students. This recognition is given to the U.S. colleges and universities that received the highest number of applicants selected for the 2023-24 Fulbright U.S. Student Program cohort.

Discovery Madrid program alum Kiana Khoshnoud ’23 is currently engaged in an English teaching assistantship in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan. She says her Fulbright experience has been life changing.

“Becoming an educator has brought so much challenge and joy into my life. Tajik students are incredibly respectful, and I have been able to connect with hundreds of students,” she says. “Moreover, on the weekends, I get to pursue one of my passions, horseback riding.”

Read more about Fulbright Scholars

Studying Abroad While Defending Democracy and Human Rights

Syracuse University students studying in France gain new insights into democracy while broadening their global perspectives.

Charlotte Bingham ’27 had never traveled outside the United States until last fall, when she enrolled at Syracuse Strasbourg in France, one of Syracuse University’s five study abroad centers. The first-year student wasted no time exploring the historic, diverse city, built on an island in the River Ill and straddling the French-German border.

In November, Bingham was one of 10 Syracuse students who, as part of their coursework for “Politics of the European Union” (PSC 405) and “European Human Rights” (PSC 429), had the rare opportunity to serve as official rapporteurs at the World Forum for Democracy. As notetakers, they reported on key discussion points at the three-day event, which was attended by representatives from more than 80 countries and focused on defending democracy and human rights.

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Council of Europe Agreement a ‘Gem of an Opportunity’ for Syracuse Strasbourg Students

It is not every day that Syracuse University partners with an international organization representing more than 700 million people.

The Council of Europe and Syracuse University have announced a new agreement that strengthens and expands an existing relationship by providing internships for students studying abroad in Strasbourg, France, as well as research opportunities for students and faculty. 

This partnership adds internships for those studying in Strasbourg, France, as well as research opportunities for faculty and students interested in human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

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Life Trustee Daniel D’Aniello ’68, H’20 Honored With Keys to the City of Florence, Italy

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.

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Life as a visiting student in Strasbourg

Hi! My name is Emily, and I’m a member of the class of 2024 at Colgate University. I studied abroad at Syracuse University’s spring 2023 and summer 2023 programs in Strasbourg, France! I chose this program because I’ve been studying French since I was nine years old; it’s been a lifelong goal of mine to become fluent, and what better way to achieve that than by living in France for six months?

During my spring semester in Strasbourg, I took international relations classes at the SU Center, as well as classes in a variety of subjects at a local French university. Half of my classes were in French, and the other half were in English, which certainly posed some challenges at the beginning of the semester, but I’m incredibly glad I did because it helped my French listening comprehension and writing skills tremendously.

My favorite class of the semester was HOA 350/FRE 439: Art in France from Impressionism to Surrealism. At the end of the semester, we took a weekend field trip to Paris to see these works that we had studied during our class, which brought the artwork alive in ways I never would have expected. I also participated in a community internship at a local French elementary/middle school each week.

During the summer, I was enrolled in FRE 350: French for Diplomacy at the SU Center, as well as participated in two community internships. One was at a nonprofit that helps integrate political and climate refugees into the EU community, and I also continued my spring semester internship at the same local school.

Education was a career path I’ve been waffling with for a couple years on and off, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to have consistent teaching practice. Seeing my students was the highlight of my week every single week, and because of my community internship, I’m very much interested in teaching a foreign language after I graduate in May 2024!

Whether you’re a Syracuse student or visiting, the SU Center staff was incredibly welcoming and a great resource to help you get settled in Strasbourg! Coming in as a visiting student, I was intimidated by the fact that most of the students were from Syracuse; these worries quickly disappeared when I met everyone on the first day. Everyone was so kind and friendly, and I still talk to my friends from both the spring and summer programs.

Strasbourg has two primary housing options, living at a student residence and living in a homestay with a French family. Most people in Strasbourg do homestays, and it makes for some really unique experiences! The homestay option was the right fit for me, as it helped advance my day-to-day conversational skills tremendously, as well as provide a source of additional community and comfort when I was feeling homesick.

I attended all of the Center-sponsored travel throughout the spring, and I also did a lot of weekend trips during my time in France to other nearby countries. I have some friends who preferred to fully immerse themselves in French culture by only traveling within the country, but I had a blast exploring other cultures! Some of my most memorable trips were to Budapest, Hungary; Porto, Portugal; and to Krakow, Poland.

If you’re on the fence about if study abroad is right for you, my advice would be to do it! I learned so much about myself academically, professionally, and personally in ways that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise while on campus in upstate New York, and it was an incredibly eye-opening experience from start to finish.

Emily Balog ’24

Colgate University

Syracuse Strasbourg, spring and summer 2023

Syracuse Madrid hosts student-led Sustainability Symposium

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.”

Exploring the Heart of Central Europe

Hi everyone! My name is Sophie Creager-Roberts and I am double majoring in Environment, Sustainability, & Policy and History. In the fall of 2021 I studied abroad in Poland through Syracuse’s Exploring Central Europe program. We explored themes based around identity, history, and politics in the context of Central Europe with particular emphasis on the 20th century. I was drawn to this program because it offered the unique opportunity to gain a truly comprehensive understanding of a country’s past and contemporary influences of its history.

Our professors taught a variety of uniquely interesting and engaging subjects such as Polish language, Central European history, and Polish culture through film. Additionally, I was able to pursue my interest in environmental justice through participating virtually in a course offered at Syracuse’s London Center called “Climates of Resistance.” Intersecting my two experiences, I was able to explore both passions through the ethnographic research projects we produced and published on Urban Labs (http://urbanlabsce.eu). 

What exceeded my initial expectations was our two-week signature seminar and weekend trips which took us to each region and major city of the country. Our journey took us to Gdańsk, Lublin, Kraków, Warsaw, and Berlin (a visit beyond Poland) in addition to excursions to smaller towns in Poland’s countryside where we were hosted by foundations engaged in peacebuilding and reconciliation. These trips bonded our cohort as we collectively navigated rich new spaces while also reckoning with atrocities committed in the same places.

The staff that organized and taught this program were always available to answer questions not only related to academics but were also genuinely invested in our well being. Almost half of our program ate a plant-based diet and our directors went to great lengths so that we could still experience the local cuisine despite our dietary restrictions which was a worry I had pre-departure.

Our phenomenal staff member, Anita, relayed information about activities and cultural events going on within Wrocław (vegan food festivals, museum exhibitions, comedy nights) which helped us become acquainted with the city as a whole. One of my favorite memories was when she had our cohort over to her apartment and taught us how to make pierogi from scratch.

During my three-months in Poland I took my first solo-travel trip, met incredible people from across the world, and gained invaluable knowledge about myself and Central European history. This program is unique in both the academic and personal growth it encourages, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing either!

Sophie Creager-Roberts ’24

Environment, Sustainability, & Policy and History

Exploring Central Europe: Wrocław, Poland; fall 2021

Exploring Engineering in Strasbourg

Bonjour! My name is Emma Crandall. I am majoring in Environmental Engineering and part of the class of 2025. I studied at the Syracuse Center in Strasbourg, France in Fall of 2022 and I am studying abroad at the Syracuse Center in Florence, Italy in Spring of 2023!

I chose to study abroad in these programs because of the classes that they offer Engineering students. These programs make it easy for engineering students to go abroad without missing out on any of the classes they need to take. This is very unique to many other schools. I will go back to the main campus, still on track to graduate. Something that was particularly special about studying in Strasbourg was that I was able to take classes at the National Institute of Applied Science (INSA). I took one of the two classes offered to us there and they were taught in English. I was able to meet so many French students and work alongside them throughout the semester. Additionally, each Syracuse student was paired with a student at INSA and they helped introduce us to the city and the school.

Overall, the Strasbourg program is one of the smaller programs that Syracuse offers but this was an aspect that I enjoyed. Because there were less than 50 of us it was very easy to get to know everyone in the program. Something that strengthened this was the trips that we took all together as a program. We spent a day at a French castle and experiencing the Alsatian culture through food and a wine tasting. We also went to Interlaken, Switzerland and Dijon, France. I had a lot of fun on these trips and it was a great way to get to know the people in my program!

I lived with a host family during my stay in Strasbourg and it was a great way to get to know more about French food, traditions, and language. I had never taken French before going to Strasbourg and living with a host family and taking classes with the INSA students was a great way for me to practice.

During my time in Strasbourg, I did a Community Internship at a local rock climbing gym. I worked behind the desk checking climbers in, serving food and drinks at the bar, and cleaning. This was another great opportunity for me to practice my French! It was an awesome way to experience Strasbourg and if I hadn’t, I never would have learned what a big climbing community there is in Strasbourg and France in general. I was able to use the gyms for free and do something I enjoyed and hadn’t anticipated that I would be able to do abroad. Strasbourg really had a lot of opportunities for everyone to continue their interests and hobbies.

Living in Strasbourg and getting to know the city and navigating it was a highlight of my semester. It is a smaller city and sort of off the beaten track, despite its international importance as a Capital of Europe, so I got to know it well! It was also special to see Strasbourg during the Christmas holidays. The city is well known for its Christmas markets and the city just lit up during the holidays and it was so much fun walking around and exploring the markets.

Travelling is very important to me and I was able to travel to Paris, Munich, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, London, Prague, Rome, and more while I was abroad. It was amazing getting to travel with good friends and family whenever it was possible! Going to all these places was an amazing experience but I truly enjoyed spending my time in Strasbourg. It is a beautiful place with lots of history and fun things to explore.

I learned a lot during my time abroad. It is one of the best ways to broaden your view of the world and gain perspective about the cultures and people around you both at home and in your host country. Classes are still challenging and the transition to living in a new place isn’t always seamless, but as long as you advocate for yourself the staff at the Strasbourg Center are more than willing and able to offer any help that you need. It was a time to work hard and play hard and every second was worth it! I truly think it was one of the most influential experiences of my life and I can’t recommend it enough!

Emma Crandall ‘25

Environmental Engineering

Strasbourg Center