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Syracuse University named Gilman Scholarship Top Producer

Syracuse University has been named a Gilman Scholarship Top Producer for the 2021-22 academic year in the medium institution category. In that application cycle, 24 University students received and used the award to fund study abroad experiences.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers study abroad awards of up to $5,000 to undergraduate students in good standing who are U.S. citizens and Pell Grant (federal financial aid) recipients, and up to $8,000 for undergraduates studying abroad and learning critical need languages (such as Mandarin Chinese or Arabic).

Gilman applications are a collaborative effort between the University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) and Syracuse Abroad offices. Syracuse Abroad is dedicated to helping students choose study abroad programs that align with their academic and cultural interests, and CFSA has taken the lead on planning outreach to eligible students and working with Gilman applicants through writing workshops and one-on-one advising meetings to review drafts of their application materials.

“Studying abroad provides students with unparalleled opportunities to advance their studies, personal growth and professional skills in ways that help them to thrive in diverse local and global communities and workplaces,” says Erika Wilkens, assistant provost and executive director of Syracuse Abroad. “Helping students apply for prestigious scholarships like the Gilman is one way to advance our commitment to making international study available to all students.”

Read more: University named Gilman Scholarship Top Producer

Syracuse Abroad brings new perspectives to DEIA Symposium

“During a time when diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) efforts are under attack on college campuses across the country, the University’s depth and breadth of DEIA efforts were showcased at the inaugural event, The D.E.I.A. Symposium, on October 3rd.”

Syracuse Abroad participated in the poster presentation at the Symposium, detailing it’s DEIA student working group and project plans for the future.

DEIA working group and symposium poster
DEIA working group and symposium poster

The poster, titled ‘Belonging Abroad: Empowering Students through Syracuse Abroad’s DEIA Student Working Group,’ showcased the group’s work and dedication to inclusive practices both abroad and on campus.

The poster outlined the origin of the student working group, it’s purpose and plan of action. The goal of the student working group, comprised of student leadership, oversight from staff and engaged program alumni, is to “create an avenue for students to share their experiences with staff.” Through meetings and guided conversation, the group plans to lead the development of new initiatives that address identity-based concerns centered around a core framework.

The group plans to focus on three main areas of improvement: website redevelopment, content creation and growth. The group hopes to attract students of diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities to join the group and participate in the evolving conversation of DEIA related to studying abroad. The team also plans to add content to the Syracuse Abroad website to include cultural norms for each Syracuse Abroad Center location to help guide students as they prepare to study abroad.

Delaney Van Wey, Campus Outreach Manager and co-lead of the working group notes, “We seek to enhance overall student cultural engagement and understanding of cultural competence and humility.” She sees this group as “uniquely positioned to support the Academic Strategic Plan objectives and the potential difficulties that may arise from an increased number of students studying abroad as it pertains to DEIA-related issues.”

episode on spotify

The DEIA Student Working Group also contributed a supporting podcast to further reflect on DEIA in the abroad space. Identity Abroad with Syracuse Abroad features the DEIA Working Group as they share their stories of self-discovery and advice for making the most out of a study abroad experience.

In the first episode ‘Belonging in Spain’, three students discuss their unique journeys studying in Spain. The episode discusses how to navigate culture shock, difficult situations, loneliness and other challenges students might face while abroad.

Read more about the DEIA Symposium

Application deadline extended for select spring 2024 programs

There is still time to apply for spring 2024 programs! We’re extending the application deadline to October 15 for the select Center programs listed below. Our programs in London, England and Strasbourg, France offer culturally enriching immersive experiences, unique courses and exciting extracurricular activities for students planning to study abroad in the spring.

Check out spring 2024 Center programs still accepting applications:

Questions? Meet with an advisor to learn more or chat with Global Ambassadors!

Letters from Japan

Hi there! My name is Jennie Bull, and I am a rising senior studying Marketing and Retail Management with a concentration in Fashion and Beauty Communications. I am currently abroad in Tokyo, Japan taking language and culture courses. As a business major, interested in the intersection of fashion and emerging technologies, Japan was the perfect option for me. Tokyo is a constant explosion of creativity and innovation, and I am so grateful to be here!

Not only am I taking courses here at Waseda University, I also recently started as an Editorial Intern for the Tokyo-based alternative culture and fashion publication, GATA Magazine. Here, I have been able to expand my interests in digital communications and art direction, under the mentorship of inspiring creatives.

Initially, I was nervous to come to Japan, mostly because I didn’t know Japanese, but also because very few people from Syracuse do this program. However, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Knowing very few people beforehand, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone; through my university, internship, and experiences, I met so many people from all over the world that have made my abroad journey.

kyoto

Additionally, even though my language skills were very minimal, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning Japanese and connecting with locals, everyone has been so lovely and helpful, making me feel very welcome in such a foreign environment.

It has truly been an honor to be exposed to the way of life here and witness firsthand the respect and pride that the Japanese public has for their country. The systems put in place are extremely efficient, it almost feels as though I am living in the future! Because of the phenomenal transportation here, I have been lucky enough to travel through various prefectures and explore the rich culture that Japan has to offer.

Beyond the bustling city life, Japan is full of beautiful nature and quaint towns full of personality. I will never forget the people I’ve met, the things I’ve experienced, and the places I’ve been to during my time in Japan, I will cherish these memories forever.

Studying abroad has opened my eyes up to the possibility of working internationally after graduation. I have grown to love exploring different cultures and environments, meeting people from all walks of life. This world has so much to offer, and I never want to limit myself; after living in Japan for 5 months I have garnered such an appreciation for the little things, the things that make us uniquely human.

I have learned so much about myself and have witnessed immense growth not just internally, but in the ways that I present myself as a global citizen. My time here has given me a whole new perspective on life, and I can’t wait to see where the next phase of this journey takes me!

Jennie Bull ’24

Marketing & Retail Management

Waseda University Spring 2023

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

Applications Now Open for 2024 Summer and Short-Term Programs

Syracuse Abroad is now accepting applications for 2024 summer and short-term courses abroad—and it’s never too early to start planning for a summer abroad!

Summer programs, ranging from two to nine weeks abroad, can help students prepare for or try out the study abroad experience before committing to an entire semester abroad. Enrolling in programs over the summer also helps students catch up or get ahead on degree credits and can even provide valuable work and internship experience. Summer programs are also a valuable option for both undergraduate and graduate students who might have trouble fitting study abroad into their busy schedules.

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Syracuse Abroad Hosts Annual Study Abroad Week Sept. 11-15

It’s time to gear up for another year of excitement and exploration around the globe. Syracuse Abroad welcomes all Syracuse University students to explore study abroad options for spring 2024 and beyond during this year’s Syracuse Abroad Week.

Syracuse Abroad Week, Sept. 11-15: Students, partners, faculty and families are invited to join a variety of virtual events to learn more about study abroad programs. Throughout the week, Syracuse Abroad staff will host information sessions on Zoom discussing program options, financing study abroad, internship opportunities and more. To view and register for information sessions, visit the schedule of Syracuse Abroad Week events.

Syracuse Abroad on the Quad, Sept. 13: Students, campus partners and faculty are invited to visit the Syracuse Abroad tent on Shaw Quad on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn about options for international study and explore more than 100 programs in 60 different countries. The first 44 guests to arrive will receive an exclusive Syracuse Abroad tote bag.

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Students Participate in High-Altitude Health Study at the Top of the World

Of all the exceptional Syracuse Abroad courses, there is one that towers above the others–about 18,000 feet above.

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek: The Human Response to High Altitude is a three-week, three-credit course and international research expedition in Nepal led by exercise science professor Tom Brutsaert, chair and graduate director of Falk College’s Department of Exercise Science. To teach students how the human body adapts to extreme high-altitude environments, the course interlaces full immersion classroom instruction with cutting-edge research led by faculty and advanced graduate student experts in physiology.

Read more about this hike to new heights!

HEOP student explores new research perspectives in South Korea

Leondra Tyler ’23, a student of the University’s part-time Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), is the first part-time HEOP student to receive the Our Time Has Come (OTHC) scholarship. During the spring 2023 semester, she studied abroad in South Korea at Yonsei University.

Back home, Tyler is a part-time neuroscience and psychology student in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University. Scholarships like the OTHC scholarship have allowed Tyler to push the limits of post-traditional learning and take part in studying abroad.

“What drew me into the OTHC scholarship program was that I really wanted an academically focused program for Black and brown students. This has given me a great opportunity to connect with Black and brown alumni and hear about their experiences and their post-academic lives,” Tyler says. “Although I just got the scholarship this semester, it’s been really nice knowing that I have a support system, not only at Syracuse but also here at Yonsei.”

Read more: New Perspectives in South Korea