Name: Maya Altimany ’26
Major: Television, Radio & Film
Semester Abroad: Spring 2025
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? Go in with an open mind and low expectations—in the best way possible. Studying abroad isn’t always picture-perfect, but the moments of challenge are just as valuable as the highlights. Say yes to everything you can: weekend trips, spontaneous dinners, getting lost in the city. Learn a few phrases in the local language, and don’t be afraid to mess them up. Most importantly, give yourself permission to grow—you’ll come back with a new version of yourself you’ll be proud to know.
Contact: mgaltima@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock/ Homesickness, Financing study away, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Meeting locals, Health, Selecting a program option, Preparing for departure
Name: Haylee Hutson ’26
Major: Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Semester Abroad: Spring 2025
What was your most valuable experience abroad? During spring break, my friend from home visited me in Florence. My friend insisted that we spend some of break visiting her family who lives in a nearby, Italian town. I was so pleasantly surprised by their generous hospitality and friendliness. First of all, the cousin offered to pick us up 40 mins away from her house at a random bus stop due the trains in Florence being cancelled that day. There was no hesitation, she just immediately offered. Then, once we arrived at the house, I also met the cousin’s mom who didn’t speak a lick of English, but we communicated in other ways. They showed us their beautiful home, offered freshly sliced prosciutto and parmesan, and let us stay in their beautifully organized guest bedroom. It was a perfect example of actions peaking louder than words. I had never been so welcomed to the point where I felt like family in the first five minutes. A good quality bond was formed quickly, and we were greeted with hugs and said goodbye with hugs. I was so grateful to the family for the welcoming way they treated me, and I loved seeing life from their point of view.
Contact: hmhutson@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Polina Ilyin ’26
Major: Architecture
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024 (Spring 2024: Syracuse London)
What advice would you give a student studying abroad? My advice for a student going abroad would be to come to whatever city or country you are studying in with open eyes and an open mind. There will inevitably some preconceived notions of the study abroad location, from other people and the internet, but in order to have the best experience and understand the city beneath the layer of tourist flair, the student must be prepared to respond in the moment to people and their surroundings. It is both important but also edifying to observe and understand the customs of the abroad location. This is the best way for the student to try new things and connect to the people around them.
Contact: pailyin@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Kyle Henry ’26
Major: Art History
Semester Abroad: Spring 2025
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience was without a doubt my host family. I was nervous about coming to Florence, having never been to Europe, but they became a comfort for me. From tips on public transport, discussions over Italian media, to their dinner table, they became the Italian grandparents whom I never had. The meals were amazing and allowed me to eat what the locals eat, as opposed to touristy restaurants or boxed pasta every night. Not only do I feel like I connected with the Florentine culture regularly, but I also made a new family for life. Enzo and Donatella’s apartment quickly became my home-away-from-home, and I am so grateful for the opportunity they gave me; I will never forget them!
Contact: kshenry@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Selecting a program option
Name: Giuliana Girgenti ’28
Major: International Relations
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What advice would you tell a student studying abroad? My biggest piece of advice to an incoming study abroad student is: take every opportunity to travel. Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few people get to have, and it’s an amazing chance to explore the world beyond your comfort zone. When you’re already in Europe, the possibilities feel endless—weekend trips to places you once thought were out of reach become realistic and enticing. I never imagined I’d find myself in Scandinavia or exploring lesser-known gems like Bratislava, Slovakia, but I am eternally grateful that I have these experiences because I ventured out.
Contact: gegirgen@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Kate Richter ’27
Major: International Relations and Public Relations
Semester abroad: Spring 2025
What advice would you give students studying abroad? I would suggest that students bring something from home that makes them feel better since homesickness comes in waves. I brought a blanket that I’ve had since I was a baby and it helped so much. Also, make sure to fully plan out what to do for a phone plan because although I knew I was getting a eSIM here, I still had difficulty.
Contact: krrichte@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Culture shock / Homesickness, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion
Name: Abigail Fitzpatrick ’26
Major: History and Political Science
Semester abroad: Fall 2023
What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most valuable experience in my host country was learning and using the Italian language. While I am still nowhere near fluent, it was incredibly empowering to feel like I could be independent in a new country because of my basic understanding of the language. It felt extremely rewarding to be able to order food for myself and my family and see my progress from my first weeks in Florence to the last.
Contact: abfitzpa@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Katherine Garson ’25
Major: Finance & Supply Chain Management
Semester abroad: Fall 2023
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? My advice to anyone before going to study abroad would be to keep an open mind and limit your expectations. I had to remember that I was attending school, making new friends, adjusting to a new country, and had to deal with the time difference. My main advice would be to keep your expectations realistic and do your best to live in the moment. Some of my favorite days were the times I just aimlessly explored Florence with my friends and got to really know the city.
Contact: kagarson@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Maggie Anderson ’25
Major: Advertising
Semester abroad: Fall 2023
What advice would you give a student studying abroad? I would tell a future study abroad student that it is completely normal to feel lonely and homesick at points during the semester, but to not get caught up in those feelings. Try to experience everything and live in the moment. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel and see different parts of the world. Take advantage of it. Whatever your budget is, find affordable activities to do. Say “yes” as much as possible. Soak it all up while you can. I know how cliché that all sounds but it really is the most important lesson I learned abroad.
Contact: mander32@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock /, Homesickness, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Kira Bolanos ’25
Major: Marketing and Retail Management
Semester abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable experience in my host country was learning Italian. My Italian professor, Vittoria Tettamanti became a very important mentor to me. Learning Italian daily and seeking out opportunities to practice my Italian pushed me to become better every day. In addition to my Italian professor, I also had a private tutor who helped me become a more confident Italian speaker. Learning Italian and pushing myself to challenge the language barrier enhanced many different experiences during my time abroad. I was able to communicate with new people and open my mind to new experiences. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to learn such a beautiful language and connect with new people in the process.
Contact: kibolano@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Grace Newell ’25
Major: Sociology and Women’s & Gender Studies
Semester abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? Choosing to immerse myself in a homestay was one of the best decisions I have ever made because of how profoundly it impacted my engagement and emotional attachment to Florence. She spoke no English, which therefore forced me to translate for my roommate and I each night. I learned so much about customs, culture, and even grammar at the dinner table. Not to mention, her cooking and loving nature is something that will remain in my heart forever. I still update her almost every week with photos and videos. Florence as a city was genuine perfection, but having Annamaria in my life was what made it life changing on a whole new level. I am eternally grateful to her and what she taught me, both the tangible learning and all the little ways she helped me by just being there.
Contact: ghnewell@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Preparing for departure, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, Living with a host family
Name: Grace Buerger ‘25
Major: International Relations
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable/unforgettable experience in Florence was experiencing a new culture. My goal in studying abroad as an International Relations major was to expand my academic understanding of global perspectives by living in a new environment, witnessing a different culture, meeting people who were different from me, and immersing myself in a new environment. Being in Florence, I immersed myself in Italian culture which was truly a life-changing experience. I experienced how Italians live, what they do daily, what they like to eat, how they interact with each other, and how they see the world. I was particularly struck by the slower way of living in Italy, and it left a memorable impression on me. Italians take their time to fully enjoy even simple daily activities such as drinking a coffee. Studying abroad in Florence was perfect for me. While I spent a lot of time traveling on the weekends, I will forever treasure my experience of witnessing Italian culture.
Contact: gebuerge@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Living with a host family
Name: Ananya Sayekumar ‘26
Major: Film
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most unforgettable experience was getting to go to Piazza Michelangelo with my drawing class and we got to see the most incredible view of the duomo and sit for hours on the steps and draw our view while a local was playing live music. It was truly a moment of feeling that I was getting the full experience and being able to immerse myself into life in Florence.
Contact: asayekum@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Health, safety, and support, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
Name: Naima Paris ‘28
Major: Biochemistry
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024 (Discovery)
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable and unforgettable experience in Florence was the connection I built with my host mom, Laura. She was incredible in so many ways, offering support, guidance, and kindness that made my time abroad truly special. Laura went above and beyond—helping me prepare for Italian presentations and quizzes and even comforting me when I felt down about my grades. Having someone like her to talk to and share my challenges with was extremely helpful. She understood me in a way that made me feel seen and heard, creating a sense of home even though I was far away from my own. Her warmth and support made me feel not only comfortable but genuinely engaged with the culture and my experience in Florence. The bond I shared with Laura is something I will always treasure. It reminded me that studying abroad isn’t just about the places you visit but the people you meet and the connections you make along the way.
Contact: ndparis@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Race & Ethnicity, Adjusting to a foreign language, First time abroad, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure
Name: Isabella Atalay ’25
Major: Finance & Real Estate
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What advice would you give a student studying abroad? The biggest piece of advice before going abroad that I can offer is to embrace the unknown. One of the most rewarding aspects of studying abroad is the newness that comes with boarding a plane and starting over in a new country for three months. There will be so many firsts: first trips, first encounters, first tastes of food, first classes, first walks in the city, etc. It’s always important to expect the unexpected or to just let things happen as they do. Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that students are bound to look back on. Instead of choosing defeat in times of uncertainty, use experiences as an opportunity to grow and learn. Throughout the semester, no moment can be predictable or perfect; however, a student’s reaction to any given situation can be changed from within. Embrace the cultural differences, attend local events, and learn from locals.
Contact: ieatalay@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Disability resources, Financing study away, First time abroad, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure
Name: Alexandra Bamford ’27
Major: Communications and Rhetorical Studies, Business minor
Semester Abroad: Fall 2023 (Discovery)
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable experience in my host country of Italy was going to an Italian classroom and talking to students one day without teachers/adults there. While we were together, we played games and spoke in Italian and English, and overall, the experience was a way to get to know them without feeling forced. We also talked about how different it was for us to live in Italy, shared experiences of growing up and our childhoods, and how they differed from one another. We were surprised to learn that they were similar in many ways. This experience was not just enriching but also exciting and eye-opening. It was a fantastic way to meet real Italian students of similar age. While it was a bit awkward initially, it was a great way to connect with more Italian people. It profoundly impacted my experience in Italy because I met fellow teens from there, enjoyed their company, and felt like a native.
Contact: ambamfor@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad
Living with a host family