I Left my Heart in Santiago

I Left my Heart in Santiago

¡Hola! My name is Sophia Moore, I’m a junior studying television, radio & film and sociology with a minor in Spanish. I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile during the fall 2023 semester and cannot recommend it enough. Studying abroad in general is an opportunity to broaden your horizons and learn more about yourself and the world you live in, and I encourage you to chase that experience no matter where you go. However, if you’re seeking an abroad experience that’s more off the beaten path and will give you the chance to explore the beautiful continent of South America, Santiago is your ticket.


I chose to attend the Santiago program because I was interested in improving my Spanish. I didn’t know much about Chile before I left, and felt my Spanish was nothing special. Going into the semester, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep up with native speakers, or that I’d struggle with the language the entire time I was abroad. Despite those fears, I entered the semester with an open mind and the intention to learn and absorb as much as I could about Spanish, Chilean culture, and what life in Latin America is like. As soon as I landed in Buenos Aires for the signature seminar, my fears dissipated. I knew I would struggle to get a handle on the language (in part because of the fascinating accent Argentines use, as well as the speed at which Chileans speak), but I would have a good time doing it. Buenos Aires, Santiago, and all the other locations I visited while abroad (Patagonia, Atacama, and Cusco, Peru, to name a few!) were some of the most stunning, culturally-rich places I’ve ever visited, and that in itself was enough to excite me for the semester.


The Buenos Aires signature seminar, connected to a course called Issues in Contemporary Latin America, is a wonderful introduction to the semester. Taught by both of the Santiago program directors, Mauricio and Paula , as well as on-site professors in Buenos Aires, the signature seminar helps you acclimate to the pace of life abroad, as well as acquaints you early with the other people in your program. In my abroad cohort, there were only 13 of us, but we were able to bond quickly and grow our relationships throughout the semester. These friendships are some of the most fulfilling and enduring relationships I’ve ever built— the opportunity to explore a new culture together and travel across a new continent forges connection in a more profound way than you can imagine.

A particular highlight of my time in Santiago was, in fact, traveling, especially the travel I embarked on with my friend, Ana. I met her through the abroad program —we had never seen each other on campus or interacted in any way while in Syracuse, but we got along so well that we decided to take an international trip together for fall break. Her and I visited Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, because that city is just so magical. We navigated airports, ferries, and taxis together, tried new foods and new ways to immerse ourselves in the city, and had our fair share of vacation mishaps: a stolen sandwich from the communal hostel fridge and an extended layover in the Argentinian airport. I look back on that trip as one of my favorite parts of my semester, not only because I was able to explore new cities, but because I got to do it with someone who I now consider one of my best friends.


Another travel highlight of my semester was when I went to Cusco, Peru to visit Inca citadel Machu Picchu for my birthday. This trip had been on my bucket list for ages, and toward the end of the semester, I knew I had to make it happen. A major part of my trip to Peru was that I wanted to go solo; I needed to prove to myself not only could I navigate my semester abroad, but I could navigate it on my own. At this point in the semester, I felt pretty confident in my Spanish: I was speaking it daily with my host family, using it in my classes, and relying on it in stores, restaurants, and public transportation. Without fear, I booked my tickets to Peru and Machu Picchu and set out on my birthday adventure. Peru was, without a doubt, my favorite experience of my entire semester. The food was delicious, the people I met were so welcoming and accommodating to me, and Machu Picchu is indescribably gorgeous. Being able to see a wonder of the world that I had dreamed about for years beforehand was an amazing gift, and one that I am so grateful for. The travel built into the Santiago program is incredible, too. Visiting Atacama, the driest desert and the world, and Patagonia, the lush southern region of Chile, demonstrates the incredible diversity of the country and exposes you to the cultural breadth of Chile. I loved going sandboarding on Atacama’s dunes and hiking glacial mountains in Patagonia, and getting to do both trips with the program made it that much better.

All in all, my semester in Santiago was life-changing. The city itself is modern, clean, and well-connected, I look back so fondly on my mornings spent commuting to school and feeling like a local. Chilean food is a unique fusion of Latin American cuisine and European influence, and I got to try so many special dishes thanks to my host mom. I loved my semester abroad and will reflect on it for the rest of my life, using the skills I learned about myself and the world to navigate stronger and smarter than before.

Sophia Moore ’25

Santiago Center, fall 2023

TRF major, Spanish minor

The French Study Abroad Experience: Feeling at home in Strasbourg

Sarah Regner is a visiting student from Colgate, enrolled in the University of Strasbourg program.

Dr. Bart: Why did you decide to join the Syracuse Abroad program in Strasbourg?

Sarah Regner: I really wanted to study abroad in France to try to become more fluent in French. I did not want to be in Paris because I have found that it is more difficult to practice speaking there. Everyone speaks English, and it’s a lot easier for them to speak to you in English than for you to struggle with French. I wanted to have a fighting chance at practicing the language and thought a smaller city would be better.

The Syracuse program appealed to me because of the Villa here and the opportunity to take at least a few classes either in English or with professors who understand that I’m not French. Also, the partner program with the University of Strasbourg was a big factor. The French major at Colgate is focused on French literature rather than grammar or history classes in French, which is a bit tricky to find in study abroad programs. Being able to take literature classes alongside French students was really important for my major and also for becoming more fluent in the language.

Dr. Bart: So, given your aim was to find more opportunities to actually speak French, has it worked? Has that been a good choice?

Sarah Regner: I think so. The University of Strasbourg courses are a little tricky because the format is two-hour lectures, and no one really speaks except for the professors. I’ve gotten a lot better at understanding and taking notes from what I’m hearing. But in terms of speaking, I think being in a host family and taking some of my French grammar classes here at the Villa have been more helpful.

Speaking French in a more colloquial context has pointed out gaps in my knowledge—things like common phrases you wouldn’t really come across in a traditional French class but that are super important in everyday life. It’s been a little hard because all the kids here speak English, so I tend to speak English with my friends. But we’ve tried to teach each other words and phrases we pick up. If we find a word or phrase that works better in French than in English, we’ll add it to the vocabulary we use with each other, which is really fun.

Dr. Bart: Have you made any French friends or socialized with anyone French?

Sarah Regner: I have. The two literature courses I’m taking each had an oral presentation component we had to do in groups. For one, I was in a group of three, and for the other, I had one partner. We had to sit down and work on the projects for quite a while, analyzing the texts we were presenting on, so I got to know them along the way. 

I’ve noticed that a lot of the students in these literature classes are other international students from Europe, the Middle East, or other regions. It’s been really cool to use French to communicate with people where neither of us is speaking our first language.

I also joined the local rowing club, which has been great for meeting people outside of an academic context while keeping up with my training. I talk to the coach, the other girls on the team, and anyone at practice; they have all been so kind and welcoming.

Dr. Bart: Have you been traveling on weekends?

Sarah Regner: I have. I feel very lucky that all of our trips went off so well. I was lucky to find a group of people I love traveling and spending time with. We all had similar priorities when traveling, which made it super easy to pick a place, go, and explore something new.

Before coming here, I didn’t like traveling—it made me nervous. This was a test to see how far I could push myself, and it ended up being amazing. Now it’s one of my favorite things to do: seeing new places, trying new food, and doing new things with a great group of friends.

Dr. Bart: When you first came to the University of Strasbourg, it wasn’t easy with orientation, right?

Sarah Regner: No, it was a bit tricky at first. The university has an infrastructure for the Erasmus program for European international students, but the US exchange exists outside of that structure. I filled out pre-registration forms, but they weren’t accepted. Syracuse helped to sort out the situation, which I am very grateful for. Dr. John walked with me to the office of the head of international relations to make sure I could get into classes that worked with my schedule and major requirements, and catch up on notes so I didn’t fall behind.

Dr. Bart: What will be your lasting memory of Strasbourg when you return home?

Sarah Regner: It’s hard to pick just one. But a recent memory is from the Christmas market, watching the light show on the tree while music from The Nutcracker played. I grew up doing ballet and performing The Nutcracker every year, so it was really special to hear that music and share the moment with friends.

Dr. Bart: Do you consider Strasbourg home now? Would you come back?

Sarah Regner: I think so. I’ve started calling my host family’s house “home,” which reminds me of when I first moved to college and started to feel at home in my dorm. At the beginning of the semester, I couldn’t imagine getting around here without Google Maps, but now I feel comfortable and know where things are. I’ll definitely come back. It feels special to have studied abroad in a city that isn’t as famous as Paris and to share it with the friends I’ve made here.

Dr. Bart: And finally, where’s your favorite place to hang out in Strasbourg?

Sarah Regner: I recently discovered a café called Les Savons d’Hélène near the Christmas markets. It’s cozy, eclectic, and great for working. The staff is lovely, and there’s plenty of space for big groups. I’ll definitely be going back this week.

Souleymane’s journey in Strasbourg

Studying abroad in Strasbourg has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The city’s rich history and dynamic culture, coupled with its role as a hub for European institutions, have provided an inspiring backdrop for both my academic pursuits and personal growth. As a Sciences Po student and intern at the Council of Europe, I have been immersed in an environment that fosters critical thinking, cross-cultural engagement, and meaningful professional development. 

At the Council of Europe, I am part of the Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law, specifically working with the Data Protection Unit on matters related to Convention 108. This internship has been an incredible opportunity to delve into international data protection policies and contribute to discussions shaping the protection of individual rights in the digital age. My tasks often involve researching legal frameworks, drafting summaries, and supporting projects that emphasize the importance of data privacy. Working alongside such dedicated professionals has given me invaluable insights into how multilateral institutions operate to safeguard democratic principles. 

What truly stands out about my internship is the supportive and collaborative atmosphere created by my supervisors. They have been more than mentors—they have become an integral part of my experience here. One of my supervisors, for instance, shares my interest in fitness, and we often go for morning runs together. These runs symbolize the depth of the connections I’ve formed; they are more than moments of exercise—they reflect a genuine rapport that transcends the formalities of the workplace. This relationship exemplifies how my time at the Council of Europe is not just about professional achievements but also about building lasting human connections. 

Outside of my internship, I have had the pleasure of forming meaningful friendships with locals. Strasbourg’s people have welcomed me with warmth and kindness, making it easy to integrate into the community. These friendships have opened doors to new experiences, from attending cultural events to exploring the city’s historic landmarks. Whether strolling along the canals or discussing European politics in the park, my interactions with local friends have broadened my understanding of life in Strasbourg and enriched my perspective on cultural diversity. 

As a Sciences Po student, the academic component of my time in Strasbourg has been equally rewarding. The curriculum challenges me to analyze global issues critically while offering a unique opportunity to study in a city that embodies European cooperation. Strasbourg’s role as the seat of the Council of Europe and other key institutions has allowed me to witness the intersection of academic theories and practical policymaking. 

Strasbourg has become more than a city I study and work in; it has become a place where I’ve grown as a person. The relationships I’ve built—with my supervisors, colleagues, and local friends—reflect the profound connections that have shaped this journey. This experience has been about more than academic and professional growth; it’s about the people, the ideas, and the values that will remain with me long after I leave.

Souleymane Nx Bah ’26

International Relations major

Syracuse Strasbourg & Sciences Po

Making Memories in Santiago

Hi! My name is Sally Jewell and I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile my junior year in the Spring semester of 2024. I am majoring in International Relations and Political Science, so the Santiago program was a perfect match for me as many of the course options had a political science background. One of the biggest differences between the semester I went abroad and previous Santiago cohorts is that our classes were in English but we were placed in home stays with a Chilean family so we were able to practice our Spanish with the host family.

One of the most positive aspects of this type of study abroad experience is that you are able to focus less on the language barrier in a classroom setting and are able to put more focus on the content you are learning about. Within the classes I took, I gained so much knowledge on Chilean politics, history, and culture. Additionally, you are able to learn within a classroom of people who are studying abroad just like you so you are able to help each other out with navigating a new city and country.

Something that I wished I had known before studying abroad is how helpful everyone is, especially our program directors. Everyone that is a part of the program wants to see you succeed, this includes professors, program directors, and host families. My host family was incredibly supportive and helpful throughout my semester abroad. I found it very helpful to live with someone from the area so they could give me recommendations and advice for how to navigate through this new place. I was very nervous meeting my host family, but the reality of meeting them made me realize that they enjoy this experience. They want to help you around the city and help you learn about a different city and culture; you are not a burden to them and it can be very fun and interesting for both you and your host family to talk about their culture as well as American culture and the similarities and differences between the two.

Studying abroad has taught me that there are a lot more places that I want to travel to outside of the United States. Going abroad can feel very daunting especially if you do not speak the language of the country you want to visit. However, having navigated through Santiago by myself and learning how to understand a different country and culture, I am now more confident in myself to be able to conduct myself abroad in other countries. With all the greenery in Chile, I have found that I love to be in nature and experience the beauty of the world, which is something I do not get to do in my everyday life. This has made me want to explore more areas of natural greenery and see all different sides of the world.

Additionally, studying abroad has made me think more critically about what I want to do post-college. I never really had a set plan as to what I wanted to do in the future, however being abroad made me realize that I have time to figure out what I want to do. I do not have to rush to find my passion or what I want to do with my life. I am allowed to explore unknown places and witness and experience things I would never be able to experience in the United States.

Lastly, I chose this specific program because one of my concentrations for my major is the Americas so I thought Chile would be an interesting place to go further in depth into that topic. I did not just want to be a tourist going around a city and visiting other tourist destinations close to me. I wanted to learn about the culture, history, and customs of the country I was going to. When looking at all the abroad programs together, I found that the Santiago program was one that seemed to prioritize immersing yourself in the culture and learning about the history of the country, which is exactly what I wanted. I am very happy with my decision to go abroad to Santiago, Chile and I know I have gained knowledge and experiences that will help me in the future and I will remember for the rest of my life.

Sally Jewell ’25

Santiago Center (Courses in English)

International Relations and Political Science

Engineering & Adventures in Australia

Hi! My name is Brady Arruda and I just returned from a semester abroad in Sydney, Australia in fall 2023. I am an aerospace engineering major and chose to study abroad during the fall of my junior year. I decided to study at the University of New South Wales World Partner program in Sydney as Australia is home to some of the most diverse landscapes and wildlife and would allow me to travel in a part of the world few get to travel to while still getting the engineering credits needed to stay on track for graduation.

As an engineering student, there are several challenges when it comes to studying abroad. One of the primary challenges is finding a location that offers engineering classes that Syracuse accepts credit for. Another is making sure you stay on track for graduation. Since I already knew I wanted to study abroad, I took every opportunity to take classes early allowing me more flexibility in my schedule during my junior fall semester. As easy as this may sound, there are several potential drawbacks. I needed to pack my schedule my first four semesters to achieve this and will be taking a third year class as a senior. However, I do not regret my decision for a second. The opportunity to study abroad is well worth the extra planning and commitment up front.

While abroad, I took four classes. The first consisted of an accelerated marine environment class where I got to learn all about tidal zones and the abundant marine wildlife off Sydney’s coastline. Additionally, during the traditional spring term, term 3 in Australia, I took an astronomy class for fun and two engineering classes: Fundamentals of Advanced Vibration and Fluid Mechanics for Engineers, which both counted for credit for my major.

While in Sydney, I had the chance to meet many new friends and peers. I ended up meeting three Syracuse students who I did not know before and wound up traveling all around Australia with one of them. I also met many other American students studying abroad from Miami, Duke, and even Binghamton. However, through my classes and other acquaintances I was introduced to local students who shared the best spots to eat, where to go, and even got the chance to watch the National Rugby League final with a local friend while having a home cooked Australian dinner.

While in Australia I took the chance to travel whenever I could. I visited Tasmania, the Hunter Valley, the South Island of New Zealand, Western Australia, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef twice! One of my favorite memories was when I went to Cairns (the city near part of the reef) and went skydiving, scuba diving, bungee jumping, and wake boarding all in one weekend. I ultimately ended up getting scuba certified in Sydney before going again in Milford Sound in New Zealand and the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

Out of all the amazing places I visited, my favorite was the south island of New Zealand. The scenery was incredible and being able to drink glacial runoff and do cold plunges every day was very restoring. I also really enjoyed traveling New Zealand and Western Australia with my twin brother when he visited me in December. The last highlight was driving around Tasmania for 5 days in a Mystery Machine themed campervan and seeing penguins.

There are two things I highly recommend bringing besides typical clothes and toiletries. Bring a journal to write about your travels in detail as they happen so you can go back and relive your experiences. The other is to pack an empty bag, duffel size works well, so you can fill it for your return as you will accumulate more souvenirs and items throughout your travels.

One of the best parts about living in Sydney was that I lived in an off-campus apartment just 2 minutes from the beach with two people from the UK. Most nights I would find myself strolling down to relax in the sand as I looked up at the stars and listened to the waves as they rolled in. The small beach community also housed several laid back cafes and was always a fun spot to hangout on a sunny afternoon. Living with people from a different country was also very rewarding as we all learned a lot about each other’s lives back home and could hear about how life differs across countries and continents.  

Overall, studying abroad has had an immense impact on my future career path and hobbies. After spending time traveling, exploring, and meeting new people, I want to strive to make traveling a key aspect of my life. Since getting open water scuba certified as well as some specialty add-ons, I am strongly considering returning to Australia to become a certified dive master so I can lead others on dive trips and spend more time scuba diving and traveling. Additionally, I have become interested in obtaining my private pilot’s license so I may fly recreationally.

Now that I know what’s out there, I will always yearn for the feeling of uncertainty and excitement I had when I first landed in a completely unfamiliar environment. I crave the adventure of immersing myself in the unknown.

Studying abroad has taught me to always be prepared, but always be flexible. Adaptability and anticipation are key. Never stay fixed on what image or expectations others have of you and live the life that will bring you happiness and satisfaction whether physical, emotional, or otherwise.

Brady Arruda ’25

Aerospace Engineering

University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, Fall 2023

Making memories and connections in Madrid

Hello, my name is Sahara Vinneccy and I am now a Senior. My graduation year will be the Spring of 2024. I studied abroad at the Madrid Center, I major in Biology and minor in Psychology. What led me to study abroad in Madrid, was that I had always had an interest in going abroad in general and lots of my friends who went abroad would always boast to me about how they loved Madrid and how the life is over there.

Also, I grew up speaking English and Spanish in my household so I thought it’d be more of a plus to go to a place where I felt more comfortable to communicate with others and strengthen my Spanish. Furthermore, As I said, I am a Biology major and I minor in Psychology so going to Madrid also worked in my favor when it came down to the classes I’d be taking and if they’d count toward my major or not.

I participated in the Marine Ecology Seminar, where we got to visit many different cities of Spain such as Cabo de Palos, Valencia, Murcia, and many more. During our seminar, we were able to scuba dive in the Mediterranean and obtain our Scuba Diving License. This seminar actually counted towards my major as an upper-division biology course.

I also took a drug discovery course which was very interesting because you learned the history of pharmaceutical drugs and recreational drugs as well, along with their uses and how some of them are even being used in today’s medical world. Another interesting class was my psychology class, drugs, and human behavior, another closer look into the way human behavior is altered by drugs and we go over criminal cases and get to go on really exciting field trips!

Overall my experience was phenomenal, I had met so many people abroad and many locals as well that I’ve stayed in touch with. There are many opportunities to be involved with your other peers, for example, the Syracuse Madrid Center offers a program called the Mad Passport program where, weekly, you’ll receive emails of events the school is paying for and providing for the students. The activities can range from cooking with local chefs to making traditional paella, day trips to different cities such as Segovia, Visiting local fish markets, etc.

While I was abroad I did a work study with the student life department. I was in charge of making a presentation with my fellow peer who worked with me and it was a presentation for the host families. The presentation went well and we had to present it in Spanish which I had never done before so it was definitely something out of my comfort zone and I am thankful for the opportunity that was given to me to be able to work abroad. I would say that I definitely left my mark in the offices at the center because I would always pass by and say good morning. One thing I felt from the overall office was the comfort they gave not only me but all the students. They always made an effort to make you feel welcomed no matter what.

Furthermore, other travel I did while I was abroad was being able to visit London, Copenhagen, Majorca, Berlin, Barcelona, and lastly Morocco. My favorite trips by far had to be Morocco and Berlin. While I was in Morocco, I was off the coast of Agadir and so my friends and I spent most of our days surfing we were fortunate enough to go to the Sahara Desert which is what I was named after and had been a dream of mine to visit. We even went sandboarding! So many fun memories were made on that trip! Then I really loved Berlin because I am a big fan of techno music and Berlin is the heart of techno music and culture. So my friends and I really were able to get the full experience I’d say.

My living experience with my host mom was phenomenal! I was fortunate enough to be able to live with my best friend as well. She and I both made sure when doing the applications that we put our names down under the “preferred roommate” for housing selections. Our host mom was the best lady ever! She’d make us the best traditional food and she was very nice and funny! I really liked that we had our own rooms because it gave me my own personal space and my host mother never invaded that and respected both my roommates and my downtime.

To conclude, study abroad has greatly impacted my college experience in the best way possible. I have been able to expand my horizons and open myself up to many different people and learn how to be adaptable which I think is very important for the real world. I have also been able to strengthen my Spanish skills and learned to be more independent as well. When you leave your host country, I felt like a part of me stayed there and that I brought a piece of Spain with me back home.

Words aren’t enough to explain how studying abroad has forever left a mark in my heart in the best way possible. Ironically, I always encouraged others to study abroad before I even did and now that I have, I am really glad that I was encouraging others to do so. You make endless memories and make so many friends! You learn more about yourself on a deeper level. I plan to travel more when I graduate. I am planning on trying to do some medical volunteer work in Africa perhaps after I graduate. The opportunities become endless really. Now it’s your turn to take on this spectacular journey and create unforgettable memories!

Sahara Vinneccy ’24

Biology/Psychology (School of Arts & Sciences)

Syracuse Madrid Center

Monumental Moments in London

Hey there! My name is Elena Cooper and I am a Psychology and International Relations dual major in the class of 2025. I was lucky enough to spend my Fall 2023 semester abroad at Syracuse University’s London Center Program, and I made tons of unforgettable memories. I took classes such as “PSC 300 – Death as Political: Violence, Grief, and Protest”, “PSY 400 – Conflict, Trauma, and Collective Memory”, and “HOA 473 – London Museums: Art, History, and Science”, as well as a 10-day pre-semester Signature Seminar called “GEO 304 – Sustainability on Trial: Environmental Justice in Northern Europe”.

For the seminar, we had the chance to travel across Norway, Sweden, and Finland, meeting local citizens, petting huskies, and feeding reindeer, while also having the unique opportunity to learn about sustainability in some of the greenest countries on Earth.

On top of the tour through Scandinavia, I was also fortunate to have been able to travel nearly every weekend, whether to another country, or another town/city in the UK. I did a lot of independent travel – sometimes with friends and other times alone – while abroad, making it to nineteen different countries during my time in Europe!

But, many of the coolest experiences happened within the realm of my program. For example, the London Center program sponsors free weekend and day trips to places like Brighton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Greenwich, Cork & Cobh, and Copenhagen, which housed some of the most amazing moments of my study abroad semester. In addition to large trips like those, the classes in London all use the city as their classroom, taking field trips to museums or other sites many of the weeks of the semester. That made it very easy to explore the city and feel right at home.

The people I met abroad were also a key part of making London feel like home! They are some of the most sincere, amiable, and compassionate people I have ever known, and I was lucky to share a space with them for a semester, whether that be in my flat or in Faraday House (home base for SU London!). My flat housed 12 total students, split across singles, a double, a triple (mine!), and a quad room, who all shared a combined kitchen/living room space. Everyone I lived with was spectacular, which really contributed to a positive experience abroad.

Our flat was always bustling with activity, whether from us, or from friends who always spent time at our place. But, the friends I made didn’t just come from my flat: they also came from the seminar, my classes, and from participating in activities both sponsored by SU London and independently around the city. (Some were even real, authentic Brits!) I also felt blessed to get a chance to connect with the London staff. They were so incredibly supportive and friendly, and really made me feel welcomed and encouraged in all my endeavors. My professors there were also the best I have had during my entire Syracuse experience thus far.

As far as the impact my abroad semester had on my future and career goals, I underwent a great deal of change. I had swapped my majors and minors numerous times already before going abroad, not really having a certain idea of my future. But, during my time in London, I developed more confidence in what I want to get out of my future because of the life changing experiences I had.

One particularly impactful moment was the time I spent in Lockerbie, Scotland with community members who witnessed the aftermath of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. Their stories humanized the horror of terrorist attacks, and impassioned me to study the connections between Psychology and International Relations, in this case in the form of terrorism. I now feel passionate and hopeful about the future, and my role in making it a better, safer place. Thank you Syracuse Abroad!

Elena Cooper ’25

Syracuse London

Psychology & International Relations

Finding a home in Florence

My name is Myra Wong, and I am a senior double majoring in public relations and political science with a concentration in race, gender and class. I chose the charming city of Florence, Italy for my study abroad experience because I wanted to immerse myself in a culture that was completely different from my own. I wanted to experience being in a country where I did not know the language or customs.

While in Florence, I took artistic courses, such as observational drawing and the sound of art. Florence is a very artistic city, and the SU Florence program has an impressive set of studio art classes for non-majors like me.

While in Florence, I had the opportunity to travel to eight different countries. I was able to visit France and Monaco through the school’s I-explore program. From the cultural riches of France to the glamor of Monaco, each destination taught me more about the country, the culture and myself.

During my stay in Italy, I resided with a kind and welcoming host family, where every day was a celebration of Italian culture. From engaging conversations about Italian traditions to relishing traditional Italian dishes, my immersion in the local lifestyle was nothing short of enriching.

Studying abroad was more than just academic exploration; it was a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Navigating through unfamiliar territories taught me invaluable lessons in independence, resilience, and cultural adaptability. I learned to embrace challenges with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.

One of the most important realizations from my time abroad was of my passion for international affairs and global diplomacy. Immersing myself in European politics and observing different systems of governance inspired a new desire to contribute to the global community. Since my return to campus, I have been actively pursuing opportunities that align with this new aspiration.

Myra Wong ’24

Syracuse Florence

Public Relations & Political Science

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

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