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

Discovering Engineering in Madrid

g. terry

My name is Gabriella Terry, and I studied abroad in Madrid during fall of 2022 as a freshman in Syracuse University’s Discovery Program. I am currently studying environmental engineering and graduating in the class of 2026. The idea of studying abroad in your first semester of your freshman year can seem pretty intimidating at first, but I can easily say that it was an unforgettable experience that I am incredibly grateful for.

As discovery students in Madrid, our first big adventure is our Discovery Seminar to the historic and beautiful Spanish city of Toledo. Here, our program leaders and First Year Seminar professors took us through unique ways to explore the city while simultaneously getting us students to know each other better through activities including a sword-making class and city-wide scavenger hunt. We would also later have two more required class trips throughout our semester: one to the southern side of Spain in Sevilla, and the other up north to the city of Leon. These trips allowed us to see more of the country and learn more about Spain’s rich history.

Back in Madrid, our classes were very small allowing us to make closer bonds to our professors. My favorite class in Madrid was our ECS class where our professor would sometimes surprise us with goods from his favorite local bakery. Our professors as well as the Madrid Center staff were always, always there to talk to us, hear us out, and help us in any way they could and ensured that we were always having a positive experience.

The staff also arranged free weekly activities, or MadWorld events, that students could sign up for in order to explore the city through events such as neighborhood walking tours, day trips, local-led yoga classes, Spanish cooking classes, and Tapas crawls. These were super popular during my time there, and really fun ways to spend weekends, or even as mid-week breaks.

I also got the opportunity to live in a homestay, where I lived with my roommate and our host mom. This was a really immersive experience and great way to live as a local among locals. She answered all our questions, taught us everything she could about Spain and the neighborhood we lived in, took us to her favorite local spots and neighborhoods (by walking of course as most Spaniards prefer this method of transportation), and was always just a really supportive and great figure to have while adjusting to the new country.

My host mom and I still keep in touch to this day and I am very grateful I get to now call her my friend :). Outside of classes, we were also able to travel throughout Europe and anywhere we wished to on our own. Thus throughout my time abroad, I was able to visit countries like France and Germany.

These experiences really sparked my love for travel, and have contributed to my ambitions of wanting to travel the globe with my career. I learned so much about Spain and myself during my few short months in Madrid, and have come back home with an incredibly open-mindset that has shaped my outlook on life and the world.

¡Gracias y deseo que decidan estudiar con SU Abroad pronto!

Gabriella Terry ’26

Environmental Engineering

Syracuse Madrid Fall 2022

My journey in Spain studying at UAM

Hello, y buenos días!

My name is Alyeska Reimer, and I am currently a senior Theatre Management and Spanish student. I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain in the Spring of 2022 and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience!

My SU Madrid experience was actually a little different because I was enrolled in the UAM program as well. This meant that I took half of my classes at one of the best Spanish Universities alongside Spanish students and other international students as well. The classes were challenging, but my language ability improved so much and I met friends that I’m still in touch with! The program was also about a month longer than SU Madrid program was, but I felt that it gave me more time to settle into my homestay and really get to know Madrid.

alyeska reimer

The SU Abroad center in Madrid was also a great place to take classes, grab a café con leche in the cafeteria, and connect with the staff. They were always super helpful in helping me navigate my class schedules, work study, organizing tutors, and letting us know what activities to check out in the city. Additionally, they were a great resource whenever I needed health appointments and made me feel prepared to get tested for Covid and even find allergy testing when I needed it.

I had a lovely experience living with my host mom, María José, in an apartment by the Real Madrid Stadium. She helped me practice my Spanish by talking with me about my day and sharing with her family, watching the show “Pasapalabra” together most days of the week, and eating dinners together. She also helped me get familiar with public transportation on busses and metros – I had never lived in a city before, but I sure do have an appreciation for Spanish transportation now!

One of the best ways I found to get involved was to participate with the Erasmus program. This was a program run through the Spanish public universities that had a jam-packed schedule of social and cultural activities for international students (generally European, but we took advantage of this!). They would have weekly conversation groups, occasional trips, and more! I participated in an Improv group every Tuesday night and had so much fun, and I also loved the trip they sponsored to volunteer at an animal sanctuary.

cityscape of madrid

I am grateful I experienced the UAM program as well because now I feel more confident in my speaking and comprehension. This study abroad experience has inspired me to apply for a Fulbright in Mexico in order to immerse myself in another Spanish speaking country and expand my cultural awareness even further. I really hope you consider traveling abroad during your years at SU!

Saludos,

Alyeska Reimer ‘23

Syracuse Madrid

My summer exploring London

Hi! My name is Danielle Luing, Syracuse University Class of 2025, and I am currently a double major in Marketing and Finance with a minor in Sociology. So, study abroad- woo! I chose my specific program because I applied in December of my freshman year. I was, and still am, so young, but wanted to be able to get a head start on my Whitman abroad requirement. I also wanted to be able to get a feel for studying abroad early on in my time at SU, so I could decide if I wanted to go for a whole semester. I chose to apply to the London program as it was important to me to go to a country that primarily spoke English as its primary language since I have Celiac Disease and wanted to be able to communicate with people so I would not get sick from what I was eating.

danielle in london

The course I took was “Business of Nightlife in London”. This has been my favorite course as well as favorite professor I have had during my time here at SU. The professors and staff are so personable and really get to know you so well, in London, since there are not that many students there during each specific block. This really helped me feel more comfortable being in a new country, as I knew I had people who cared about me at the Syracuse London Center. My class really helped integrate me into the new area I was in, since multiple assignments required us to go to London nightlife events and write reflections/study the dynamic of the event. My professor was quite knowledgeable about the subject as he was a club promoter, so he truly knew the industry better as he directly worked with it in the past. This class also allowed for us students to be involved in extracurricular activities, as my professor set up private events for us to go to outside of class- one being a lesson on the art of being a DJ and matching beats.

One of the highlights of my trip was the Syracuse sponsored trip to Oxford. It was one of my favorite experiences during my time in London as I believe it really allowed the group to bond. Not everyone in Block 2 went on this trip, so having a smaller number of people really allowed us to connect. From time spent on the bus, to all living on the same floor at the hotel, to the tours of Oxford where we got to interact with one another, it truly brought us all closer and made us a little Syracuse London family. The school-sponsored trips are truly so worth it, and I would highly recommend taking advantage of everything they plan as they are the experts on that country and will allow you to explore without having to plan everything.

I lived in a four person flat which was about ten minutes away from Faraday House. The housing accommodations Syracuse chooses are better than one would think. At least for me, in London, I felt very safe in the area I stayed in, as it was a community of college students, some being from Syracuse and others from different schools. My roommate and I were able to have our own bathroom, and then my other two housemates had their own bathroom, which was very nice. The kitchen was also a fully functioning kitchen, which made it easy to try to budget and allowed us to cook for ourselves instead of eating out for every meal. I feel like when I look back at the slideshows presented to us at our London meetings, I was worried about how small the flats would be, and we were warned that this was a city and the living quarters were going to be smaller than usual. I was greatly surprised when my double room was actually bigger than my room at Syracuse University, and the bathroom was bigger than the pods I was used to in the dorms. Overall, much better than I anticipated, and nothing to be stressed about before going. New housing options available as of fall 2022.

danielle and friends in london

Studying abroad truly changed my perspective on the world, and made me realize that I do not want to solely live in the U.S. after I graduate. It made me start to think about jobs that would give me the opportunity to live in London, and look into graduate programs that would allow me to take classes in a different country than I am right now. I plan to travel more in the future, as I feel more confident knowing that I was able to adjust once to a totally new country and culture and feel more comfortable doing that again. I’ve learned to be more confident in myself and what I can do, since I never thought I would have the courage to go to a whole new country alone, and end up thriving.

Danielle Luing ‘25

Syracuse London

Q&A: Studying in Spain

Hola! My name is Leah Ford and I spent the Spring 2022 semester studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. I will be graduating in Spring 2023, with majors in finance and accounting. Here are some questions and answers about what it’s like to study in Madrid:

Leah Salamanca Garden

Why did you choose this program?

Out of all the options for study abroad locations, Syracuse Madrid aligned best with my academic, personal, and experiential goals. As a Whitman major, a majority of the courses offered fulfill the arts & science elective requirements, giving me a wide range of options to learn about topics I wouldn’t typically take on campus. I also knew I wanted to be somewhere with a different language to expand my knowledge and step outside of my comfort zone. I was able to learn so much through my Spanish class, living with a host family, and immersing myself in Spanish culture. The professors were extremely supportive of my academic goals and gave opportunities to visit local museums and monuments to learn through primary experience.

Personally, it was my first time out of the country, so I wanted to make sure I was really pushing myself. Besides coming to Syracuse from home, I had never felt confident enough to travel on my own. Being with the program was the perfect mix of support and independence outside the country. Personally, I wanted to become more outgoing and able to tackle day-to-day tasks. By the end, I was comfortable going up to new people and embrace being uncomfortable. My mom came to visit while I was abroad and she said she noticed a visible difference with my confidence.

It was also really important to me to have a holistic experience and take advantage of all opportunities. The Madrid program offers a lot of activities within the city, as well as travel throughout Spain. I was able to learn so much about the culture, the food and the history. Madrid is also a major travel hub and the airport is amazing, making it super easy to travel internationally.

What interesting courses did you take abroad?

Healthcare in Europe- This course compared the US healthcare system to European systems, such as Spain, NHS England, and Germany. We discussed the funding and performance of these systems. Additionally, we took a trip to one of the local hospitals to learn about how they operate.

The Business of Sport- I thought this class was extremely engaging and interactive. We completed case studies weekly to take a deep dive on certain sports events. Also, we took multiple trips to both the National Golf Center and “Go Fit.” We were fortunate enough to have a few guest speakers speak about their sports businesses.

Drugs & Human Behavior- In this course, we analyzed numerous types of drugs and how they impacted human psychology. We also focused on legalization and how different countries view drugs. It was a group-oriented class, so we were able to collaborate and create meaningful projects.

Did you travel on your own while abroad?

Short answer, yes! The program sponsored bullet train day trips. These were focused on learning about the culture in a particular city, such as Salamanca, Toledo, Valencia, etc. I also traveled outside of Spain with some of the friends I made in the program. My favorite location was Florence, Italy because it was such a beautiful city, rich with history. I was also able to meet up with friends from Syracuse in the Florence program. Another favorite was visiting Switzerland and going Paragliding through the mountains.

Traveling can definitely be intimidating, but it was so worth it! I was able to see so many countries in a short period of time. Once you get to Europe, travel is relatively affordable compared to the US, so I would recommend taking at least a few weekend trips!

What challenging experiences did you face while abroad?

An easy one is not speaking Spanish. I had taken Spanish all through high school, but I wasn’t anywhere near fluent. Fortunately, with my minimal knowledge, I was able to survive just fine. I could rely on some of my friends that spoke better Spanish, which also helped me learn.

I have celiac disease, so finding food that was safe was often very difficult and exhausting. Europe in general is pretty good at preparing gluten free food, so with a little bit of searching I was able to overcome this. I found a couple places, such as Naked & Sated and Celicioso, that were dedicated gluten free. My host mom was pretty good at preparing meals once I explained to her what my needs were.

Finally, it was difficult to take classes in a new environment. While it is a Syracuse campus, the classes and professors are different from what I was used to. The class length was longer and the assignments were much more collaborative and project based then I was used to. Overall, everyone was very supportive and you are able to adjust within the first few weeks.

What was your living experience like?

I lived in a homestay! It was a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment just north of Chamberí, the neighborhood where the Syracuse campus resides. My roommate and I lived with one woman who has grown children and missed living with others in the house. She was absolutely amazing and I could not recommend homestays enough! She prepared breakfast and dinner for us everyday and was always willing to take requests on what we wanted to eat. The food was really good and she made sure to give us a taste of Spanish food. Our host mom was very supportive of us experiencing all aspects of the culture and traveling. We stay in touch to this day and I plan on going to visit her again next summer!

dishes of paelle

What has studying abroad taught you about yourself and the world?

Studying abroad taught me that I was holding a lot of my personality back. There’s nothing quite like trying survive in a foreign country without the support of people typically surrounding you. I was forced to adapt and push myself in unexpected ways. I am now significantly more outgoing and willingly to tackle seemingly scary situations.

I have a heightened appreciation for travel and experiencing the world. I’ve been talking nonstop about how much of the world I haven’t seen and how desperate I am to do so. Going abroad truly is lifechanging and gives you opportunities to learn more about yourself and your limits.

Leah Ford ’23

Syracuse Madrid

A successful semester in Santiago

Hola!! I am Olivia Budelmann and I am pursuing degrees in Mathematics, Spanish, and Environment, Sustainability & Policy. My anticipated graduation date is May 2023. I chose to study abroad in Santiago, Chile during the spring 2022 semester. This program is longer than most of the other Syracuse Abroad programs, so as I’m writing this in June, I still have a month left of living in Santiago!

I selected the Santiago program because of the cultural immersion. Even though it was absolutely terrifying to think about living with a host family and taking all classes in Spanish, I knew it would help me allow me to better learn the language and culture of my host country. And I am so incredibly thankful that I chose this program! I absolutely love my host family – they have had over 20 host daughters in the past, and have treated each of them like they are actually part of the family, not just a student who is living with them.

I have had the opportunity to spend time with both of my host brothers & their families, as well as siblings, cousins, and friends of my host parents. I truly feel as though I am a part of the Chilean family I have here, and I know that that will be the case “para siempre.” When my host brother got married five years ago, 12 of his “gringa” sisters (previous host daughters of this family) flew to Santiago to attend the wedding. Some even brought their husbands and children to the wedding! I feel so thankful to have been welcomed into this family, and am excited to come back and visit for future familial events.

I also feel very closely connected with the program director, Mauricio, and the assistant director, Paula. They are two of the most incredible people I have ever met. It can be really difficult adjusting to living in another country, and it can feel very isolating. However, whenever I needed help or support or was just feeling down, Paula and Mauricio were always right there to help me in whatever way they could. So it was almost like I gained two families when I came to Chile: my host family of course, but also the program directors and the other students in the program.

As a group, in addition to exploring different sectors of Santiago, we also travelled to Patagonia, Valparaíso, and San Pedro de Atacama. In smaller groups, I also visited different parts of Chile such as Pucón and Concón, as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. I feel so lucky to have been able to travel to all of these different regions, and Paula and Mauricio played such a large role in making that happen.

All of my classes are taught in Spanish, but only one of them is with Chilean students. It has to do with the geography of Asia and Latin America, and it is super interesting to learn about because I would not be able to take a class like it in the United States. We have to do group projects as well, which I was very nervous about at the beginning of the semester (how could I possibly do a project in Spanish with Chilean students?!) but now is something I feel completely comfortable doing, which is such an incredible feeling. It is so amazing to be able to witness yourself experience such a large amount of  personal growth. I have a similar situation with my internship as well. This semester I have been working with Chile Sustentable, which is a very serious and well-known organization. Before this semester, I would never have thought it possible to do a serious internship completely in Spanish, yet now it is something I am in the midst of doing. Qué bacán!!

I am not sure what my plans will be for after I graduate from Syracuse University, but after studying abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, I know that I want the Spanish language to always be a part of my life. I would love to return to Latin America to study, work, or simply exist in another country so that I can learn the culture of other Latin American countries and continue practicing my Spanish. During this semester abroad, I learned how to navigate a completely different country and culture, and although it was not always easy, I now have the confidence to continue taking risks and trying new things. But of course, I will be coming back to visit Santiago, which I now consider my second home.

Olivia Budelmann ’23

Syracuse Santiago

Mathematics, Spanish, and Environment, Sustainability & Policy

Studying abroad: From a dream, to reality

Hi! I’m Shannon and I’m a senior duel majoring in Sociology and Public Relations. I went abroad to Florence in the fall of my junior year and it was by far the best semester of my college career (and probably the best three and a half months of my life!). Ever since I was little, I’ve been in love with the idea of traveling the world. So, when it came time to choose a college, a top-tier study abroad program was number one on my list of requirements. I can say will full confidence that Syracuse was the right choice for exactly that!

Because I’ve always loved traveling, and have always dreamt of study abroad, trying to choose from all the diverse abroad programs offered at Syracuse seemed like an impossible decision for me. I started attending the abroad fairs and talking to my academic advisers about my plans to go abroad the second I got to campus, but when junior year rolled around and it was time to make a decision I still felt overwhelmed. I was torn between the London program because there are some classes offered at the London center that could count toward my Newhouse major, and the Florence program because the opportunity to experience the culture, art, and history of Italy really interested me.

Obviously, I ended up choosing the Florence program, and it’s the best decision I ever made! The language barrier, cultural differences, and chance to live with a host family are some of the aspects of my semester abroad that most challenged me; however, I know that those are also the things that taught me the most about myself, and helped me grow as a person. The language difference and host family experience specifically were aspects of the Florence program that initially scared me and made me seriously consider choosing the London program instead. But, looking back, I wish I could have told myself not to be worried about those things because they’d end up being some of the best parts of my abroad experience!

Being worried about living in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language and living with a family you’ve never met is perfectly reasonable, and it’s something that almost every student is nervous about before they go abroad. But seriously, take it from an abroad alum, don’t let that fear choose your abroad program for you! You will have an absolutely amazing experience and you’ll look back and laugh at yourself for being so stressed over those things. I’m SO happy I chose to study in Florence, and I know if I had let my fear of the language barrier and living with a host family dictate my experience, I never would have learned or grown as much during my time abroad as I did. At the end of the day, every single abroad program offered at Syracuse is an amazing opportunity to expand your horizons, experience a new culture, and challenge yourself to try new things. You will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience regardless of where you go, so choose the program that speaks to your heart and just take the leap! I promise you won’t regret it.

Shannon Bozman ’20

Florence Center, Fall 2018