:: Director ::
Dieter Roberto Kuehl, Ph.D.
Director
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Guatemala City, Central America, by a Guatemalan mother and a German father. I earned a B.S. in business administration from Babson College and worked for over ten years for an American shipping company in my home country. In my early thirties, I decided to go back to school to study literature, and I earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Spanish literature from Harvard University.
While I was working on my dissertation, I came to Madrid to do research, and I fell in love with the country. Soon after, in 2001, I started working for Syracuse Madrid as a part-time professor, teaching a vast array of courses in Spanish literature and film. Eventually, in 2012, I became the director of the Syracuse Madrid program.
I use he/his/él pronouns.
Degrees
Ph.D., Spanish literature – Harvard University
M.A., Spanish literature – Harvard University
B.S., business administration – Babson College
Dieter Roberto Kuehl, Ph.D.
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Guatemala City, Central America, by a Guatemalan mother and a German father. I earned a B.S. in business administration from Babson College and worked for over ten years for an American shipping company in my home country. In my early thirties, I decided to go back to school to study literature, and I earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Spanish literature from Harvard University.
While I was working on my dissertation, I came to Madrid to do research, and I fell in love with the country. Soon after, in 2001, I started working for Syracuse Madrid as a part-time professor, teaching a vast array of courses in Spanish literature and film. Eventually, in 2012, I became the director of the Syracuse Madrid program.
I use he/his/él pronouns.
Ph.D., Spanish literature – Harvard UniversityDegrees
M.A., Spanish literature – Harvard University
B.S., business administration – Babson College
:: Academics ::
Amalia Yrizar, Ph.D.Assistant Director
Contact InformationBioI was born and raised in Madrid where I went to school and university. During my high school years, I studied abroad in Ireland, which was an amazing experience for me. When I returned to Madrid, I decided to study history at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where I specialized in Spanish and European early modern and modern history. Since 2003, I’ve taught several history and political science courses for Syracuse Madrid, I have also participated in almost all of Syracuse Madrid’s Signature Seminars. Teaching is my passion; it allows me to remain in touch with students, and I can see how they learn from their study abroad experience. Since 2005, I have overseen the academic aspects of the Syracuse Madrid program, and in 2011, I was promoted to assistant director of the program. A significant part of both my professional and personal lives has been related to study abroad, and…I simply love it. I use she/her/ella pronouns. DegreesPh.D., history – Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain 
Maite ViñuelasSupervisor, Spanish language & Internships
Contact InformationBioI am originally from a little town northeast of Madrid, but my professional life has mostly taken place in Madrid. I studied Spanish (Filología hispánica) at the Universidad de Alcalá, one of the oldest universities in Spain (dating from the late 15th century), which is where I first came in contact with study abroad. When I finished the B.A., I started doctoral studies with a focus on teaching Spanish as a foreign language. I’ve taught all different levels of Spanish for many years, and I love teaching Spanish to U.S. students because of how rewarding it is to see students improve their Spanish on a daily basis. One of my goals is that students understand what’s going on around them in a foreign language. Since 2005, I’ve been the supervisor of the Spanish Department and Internship Program at Syracuse Madrid, and I’m available for any questions or concerns that you may have about these two programs. I use she/her/ella pronouns. DegreesMáster, teaching Spanish as a foreign language – Universidad de Alcalá, Spain 
Ángela RoqueroRegistrar and Academic Assistant
Contact InformationBioI was born in Madrid, studied in the British Council School since I was five years old, and grew up with a British education. I earned a degree in law at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and one of the best years of my life was the year I spent studying abroad at the Universiteit Van Amsterdam. After graduating, I earned a Master’s Degree in European Union law at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. My professional life has developed in law firms and advertising agencies; however, I finally decided to make a career change by focusing my international experience in the academic department of Syracuse Madrid. I love to work in this area because I can bring together all my international, professional, and personal experience to students. Therefore, if you need any advice concerning academic issues, I will be very happy to assist you. I use she/her/ella pronouns.
Máster, law of the European Union – Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain 
Álvaro Mira AlonsoCultural Engagement
Contact InformationBioI was just 15 when I first travelled to the U.S. as an exchange student. My stay in Santa Barbara, California, with an American host family made me understand for the first time how valuable intercultural exchange and understanding are. Since then, every step in my life has been marked by an international environment, higlighting my studies in Sweden and in France, as well as my experience as a volunteer for the Erasmus Student Network. My passion for languages, travelling, and other cultures have led me to develop my professional career in the field of international mobility, where I am really looking forward to creating spaces for SU students to interact, exchange and engage with the host culture and local community. I joined the team at Syracuse University as Cultural Engagement Coordinator in the fall of 2022. This position has allowed me to contribute to your unique study abroad journeys by encouraging you to explore, discover, and immerse yourself in Madrid and all that the extraordinary Spanish culture has to offer. Get ready to expose yourself to the wonders of Madrid and its surroundings, by participating in the MadWorld Passport Program and its day trips, walking tours, workshops, etc. Also, your study abroad experiences give you the opportunity to leave your mark and enrich the community you will be taking part of. DegreesMáster, “European Union and the Mediterranean: Historical, Cultural, Political, Economic, and Social Basis” – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain Grado, translation and interpretation in English and French – Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain |
:: Student Life ::
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Finetta Alvarez
Assistant Director
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Raquel Perea Arenas
Wellness Assistant
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Susana Sacristán Fouz
Housing Assistant
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Lauren Duda
Interim Housing Assistant
Finetta Alvarez
Assistant Director
Contact Information
Bio
I was born in the Dominican Republic, attended an American school there and also spent many years living in the States where I eventually settled to go to college and graduate school in South Carolina. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in communication with a minor in finance and after graduation I went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in broadcasting and management. I especially love the fields of journalism and political science and love reading about current topics and trends.
I am passionate about communication and connecting with people from all backgrounds. My extensive experience in higher education programs in an international setting along with many years of traveling have allowed me to appreciate different cultures and traditions. I also firmly believe those differences are what makes life interesting and amazing.
Please feel free to stop by to say hello and introduce yourself. We’re happy to help you in any way we can.
Degree
Specialized program, customer experience management – IE Business School
M.A., broadcast management – Bob Jones University
B.S., mass communications – Bob Jones University
Raquel Perea Arenas
Wellness Assistant
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Madrid. My introduction to Syracuse University was in 1990 when my family hosted Syracuse Madrid students at our home. At a very young age, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Ireland, and I fell in love with the world of study abroad.
During my senior year of university, I began to collaborate with Syracuse Madrid in different capacities before taking on my current responsibilities in the office of Student Life. I started working in Housing which provided me with a unique perspective into students’ experiences abroad and allowed me to develop personally and professionally in the field.
Since 2018, I have been in charge of Wellness, where I strive to ensure that students’ well-being is supported throughout their semester.
I use she/her/ella pronouns.
Degrees
Diplomatura, tourism management – Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Spain
Susana Sacristán Fouz
Housing Assistant
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Madrid where I earned a degree in modern languages at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. I’ve wanted to live abroad for as long as I can remember, so I applied for and earned a scholarship to Scotland where I worked as a Spanish language assistant for two years. I had the most amazing experience of my life there which helped guide me to a career working in study abroad.
As soon as I returned to Spain in 1995, I began working with Syracuse Madrid where I’ve been developing my professional and personal skills. My current area of focus is housing; as such, my main priority is to encourage you to fully experience Spain while living with a Spanish host family or with other international students in the residence hall.
I use she/her/ella pronouns.
Degrees
Licenciatura, English philology – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Lauren Duda
Interim Housing Assistant
Contact Information
Bio
Growing up in the states, I was obsessed with the idea of traveling and learning new languages. I couldn’t wait to finally visit Europe and study abroad. I spent a semester in Seville, Spain, while completing my undergraduate degree and moved back to Spain immediately after graduation. I am fascinated by new cultures and believe deeply in the importance of cross-cultural understanding. Working in study abroad allows me to relive the experience I had as a student in Seville through the eyes of a new generation of students discovering Spain.
As an educator, I have always been most passionate about immersion and experiential learning. After years of experience working as an educator and with study abroad students in various contexts, I joined the Syracuse Madrid team in 2024. I am excited about being a resource for our students who are learning to live in and love Madrid!
I use she/her/ella pronouns.
Degrees
Máster, Spanish language and cultures – Universidad de Salamanca, Spain
B.S., world languages education, Spanish, and international studies – Pennsylvania State University
Finetta Alvarez
Contact Information
Bio
I was born in the Dominican Republic, attended an American school there and also spent many years living in the States where I eventually settled to go to college and graduate school in South Carolina. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in communication with a minor in finance and after graduation I went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in broadcasting and management. I especially love the fields of journalism and political science and love reading about current topics and trends.
I am passionate about communication and connecting with people from all backgrounds. My extensive experience in higher education programs in an international setting along with many years of traveling have allowed me to appreciate different cultures and traditions. I also firmly believe those differences are what makes life interesting and amazing.
Please feel free to stop by to say hello and introduce yourself. We’re happy to help you in any way we can.
Degree
Specialized program, customer experience management – IE Business School
M.A., broadcast management – Bob Jones University
B.S., mass communications – Bob Jones University
Raquel Perea Arenas
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Madrid. My introduction to Syracuse University was in 1990 when my family hosted Syracuse Madrid students at our home. At a very young age, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Ireland, and I fell in love with the world of study abroad.
During my senior year of university, I began to collaborate with Syracuse Madrid in different capacities before taking on my current responsibilities in the office of Student Life. I started working in Housing which provided me with a unique perspective into students’ experiences abroad and allowed me to develop personally and professionally in the field.
Since 2018, I have been in charge of Wellness, where I strive to ensure that students’ well-being is supported throughout their semester.
I use she/her/ella pronouns.
Degrees
Diplomatura, tourism management – Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Spain
Susana Sacristán Fouz
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Madrid where I earned a degree in modern languages at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. I’ve wanted to live abroad for as long as I can remember, so I applied for and earned a scholarship to Scotland where I worked as a Spanish language assistant for two years. I had the most amazing experience of my life there which helped guide me to a career working in study abroad.
As soon as I returned to Spain in 1995, I began working with Syracuse Madrid where I’ve been developing my professional and personal skills. My current area of focus is housing; as such, my main priority is to encourage you to fully experience Spain while living with a Spanish host family or with other international students in the residence hall.
I use she/her/ella pronouns.
Degrees
Licenciatura, English philology – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Lauren Duda
Contact Information
Bio
Growing up in the states, I was obsessed with the idea of traveling and learning new languages. I couldn’t wait to finally visit Europe and study abroad. I spent a semester in Seville, Spain, while completing my undergraduate degree and moved back to Spain immediately after graduation. I am fascinated by new cultures and believe deeply in the importance of cross-cultural understanding. Working in study abroad allows me to relive the experience I had as a student in Seville through the eyes of a new generation of students discovering Spain.
As an educator, I have always been most passionate about immersion and experiential learning. After years of experience working as an educator and with study abroad students in various contexts, I joined the Syracuse Madrid team in 2024. I am excited about being a resource for our students who are learning to live in and love Madrid!
I use she/her/ella pronouns.
Degrees
Máster, Spanish language and cultures – Universidad de Salamanca, Spain
B.S., world languages education, Spanish, and international studies – Pennsylvania State University
:: Communications & Design ::
Cat Braza
Communications & Design
Contact Information
Bio
I consider myself a language and intercultural communications enthusiast. Having grown up in both Florida and Colorado, I fulfilled my lifelong dream of going abroad through a university semester in Tuscany, Italy. I then ended up moving to Spain to work as an English teacher shortly after graduating. It was clear to me that I would acquire a unique outlook on life only through the simultaneously humbling and empowering experience of immersion in a new language and culture.
I spent nearly four years living and working in Catalonia and other regions of Spain. During that time, I also tutored students from the U.S. in Spanish and essay writing. I am now thrilled to be engaging full-time in international education as part of the Syracuse Madrid team. This built upon my experience as a program leader for U.S. high school students studying in both the Netherlands and Spain. Above all, I value inclusion and accessibility in my day-to-day interactions with students and seek to help facilitate the best semester of their lives.
Degree
B.A., environmental science and policy, with minors in studio art and music – The Colorado College
Cat Braza
Contact Information
Bio
I consider myself a language and intercultural communications enthusiast. Having grown up in both Florida and Colorado, I fulfilled my lifelong dream of going abroad through a university semester in Tuscany, Italy. I then ended up moving to Spain to work as an English teacher shortly after graduating. It was clear to me that I would acquire a unique outlook on life only through the simultaneously humbling and empowering experience of immersion in a new language and culture.
I spent nearly four years living and working in Catalonia and other regions of Spain. During that time, I also tutored students from the U.S. in Spanish and essay writing. I am now thrilled to be engaging full-time in international education as part of the Syracuse Madrid team. This built upon my experience as a program leader for U.S. high school students studying in both the Netherlands and Spain. Above all, I value inclusion and accessibility in my day-to-day interactions with students and seek to help facilitate the best semester of their lives.
Degree
B.A., environmental science and policy, with minors in studio art and music – The Colorado College
:: Business & Administration ::
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Elena González
Assistant Director, Business and Administration
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José Luis Ballesteros
Assistant, Business and Administration
Elena González
Assistant Director, Business and Administration
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Madrid. I earned a degree in contemporary history from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. However, from the start, my professional career went towards the world of business and management in national and multinational companies, so I decided to pursue a graduate degree in finance, marketing, and sales management.
I’ve been working for Syracuse Madrid since 1995 and have grown both professionally and personally with the program. Here, I manage the financial and material resources of the program to ensure that they’re used in the most effective manner for both students and personnel. The world of international education has allowed me to add a humanistic element to my training in and my vocation for numbers as well as for people.
I use she/her/ella pronouns.
Degrees
Máster, marketing and sales management – E.S.I.C. Business & Marketing School, Spain
Licenciatura, contemporary history – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
José Luis Ballesteros
Assistant, Business and Administration
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Getafe, a small city close to Madrid, and I earned a degree in political science at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and a graduate degree in fundamental rights at the Universidad Carlos III. Afterward, I moved to England where I lived for more than two years, which afforded me the perspective of living abroad.
My professional life has developed in finance and accounting departments in different companies. I joined SU Madrid in 2012 where I’ve enjoyed the great experience of working with students.
I use he/his/él pronouns.
Degrees
Máster, fundamental rights – Universidad Carlos III, Spain
Licenciatura, political science – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Elena González
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Madrid. I earned a degree in contemporary history from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. However, from the start, my professional career went towards the world of business and management in national and multinational companies, so I decided to pursue a graduate degree in finance, marketing, and sales management.
I’ve been working for Syracuse Madrid since 1995 and have grown both professionally and personally with the program. Here, I manage the financial and material resources of the program to ensure that they’re used in the most effective manner for both students and personnel. The world of international education has allowed me to add a humanistic element to my training in and my vocation for numbers as well as for people.
I use she/her/ella pronouns.
Degrees
Máster, marketing and sales management – E.S.I.C. Business & Marketing School, Spain
Licenciatura, contemporary history – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
José Luis Ballesteros
Contact Information
Bio
I was born and raised in Getafe, a small city close to Madrid, and I earned a degree in political science at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and a graduate degree in fundamental rights at the Universidad Carlos III. Afterward, I moved to England where I lived for more than two years, which afforded me the perspective of living abroad.
My professional life has developed in finance and accounting departments in different companies. I joined SU Madrid in 2012 where I’ve enjoyed the great experience of working with students.
I use he/his/él pronouns.
Máster, fundamental rights – Universidad Carlos III, SpainDegrees
Licenciatura, political science – Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Spanish degrees
Máster – One- to two-year postgraduate degree.
Licenciatura – Five-year undergraduate degree.
Diplomatura – Three-year undergraduate degree.