Lauren Duda

Lauren Duda

Contact Information
laduda@syr.edu
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
falvarez@syr.edu
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

José Luis Ballesteros

Contact Information
jlballes@syr.edu
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
egonza04@syr.edu
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

Raquel Perea Arenas

Contact Information
rparenas@syr.edu
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