Name: Jude Bazerman ’26
Major: Broadcast/Digital Journalism and Geography
Semester Abroad: Spring 2025
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? The advice that I would give a student before they study abroad would be to never reject any new experience. Studying abroad is the perfect time to get outside of your comfort zone and learn all about yourself and the world around you. Some of my most eye opening experiences have been when my classmates or roommates spontaneously invited me to an activity or simply to wander around London. You never know what the world has in store for you, and the only way to fully take advantage of that key aspect of studying abroad is to be open to everything.
Contact: jgbazerm@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Disability resources, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Frances Brown ’25
Major: Television, Radio, and Film & Finance
Semester Abroad: Spring 2025
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? I would encourage a student to go with an open mind and a yes mindset! I suggest to be open to new experiences and step outside your comfort zone. Say yes to that trip, or event and put yourself out there. Bring positive energy and a sense of adventure with you as you enter this new era.
Contact: fsbrown@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Allergies & dietary needs, 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, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
Name: Kailyn Peng ’26
Major: Photography
Semester abroad: Spring 2025
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? I would suggest that students explore where they are living as much as possible. Don’t be too eager to go somewhere else because you should also love where you are living. I loved traveling but I also loved to spend weekends to just explore London.
Contact: kapeng@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
Name: Anna Gosselin ’26
Major: Political Science and Law, Society & Policy
Semester abroad: Spring 2025
What was your most unforgettable experience abroad? While in London I took the class DRA 351- Contemporary British Theatre. Every week for the entire semester I saw a different show. Some on the West End, some in the smallest theaters I’ve ever been in, and everything in between. This class exposed me to so many different types of theatre. I learned so much about the arts landscape in London but also about British Culture and about the importance of diversity to Londoners through this class. Additionally, the class sent me to theaters all over the city, exposing me to areas and neighborhoods I probably never would have gone to without it, which my friends and I always explored and ate at local restaurants before the shows. Getting to experience the culture through theater was absolutely amazing. This is an experience unique to studying abroad and one that I will never forget.
Contact: amgossel@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Olivia Eichorn ’26
Major: Supply Chain Management and Business Management
Semester abroad: Spring 2025
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? To say “yes” to everything. Try new foods, go new places and meet new people. Having the mindset of “yes” has really positively impact my experience by pushing me outside of my comfort zone and learning about new cultures. I made sure that I tried a new food in every country I traveled to while abroad.
Contact: oaeichor@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure
Name: Brennan Jolly ’26
Major: Psychology and Biology
Semester abroad: Spring 2025
What was your most unforgettable experience abroad? My most valuable experience in my host country was getting to know London, especially the area around where I was living. My flat was located in Hammersmith, in West London, and I made it a priority to really get to know the smaller area that was walkable from my flat. I went for walks and runs around my neighborhood, including over to the River Thames, which was only about half a mile from my place. Taking the time to really get to know my neighborhood created a really strong connection with London that I will always have, and I will never forget how special Hammersmith and the surrounding area was to me during those four months. I am so happy I didn’t spend all of my time in London on tourist attractions, and I feel like walking and running around my flat helped me feel more like a local. Now I feel like I truly know the areas of West London really well, and I feel confident in my ability to give recommendations to others and to navigate the area when I, hopefully, return someday in the future.
Contact: bejolly@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Yilin Zhong ’25
Major: Architecture
Semester abroad: Fall 2023
What was your most unforgettable experience abroad? There were so many wonderful experiences I had in the UK. In the architecture school’s trip to Scotland, I saw the Edinburgh old town. In my own trip to Seven sister Cliff, I saw the shinning white cliff covered in waving green fields. In London, so many art institutions and museums are free to visit and have fantastic Friday Late events, while those flee markets like the Jubilee market or Portobello market full with vintages and strange but delicate goods. Among all these experience, the most valuable for me were those field trips I had in history class & survey class. Instead of sitting inside a classroom, in London, students have chances to see the history of London in their own eyes. I really enjoyed seeing the ancient Roman wall remains surrounded by Brutalism concrete High rises in Barbican, or wandering around the Chiswick Garden.
Contact: yizhong@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Selecting a program option, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Health, safety, and support, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity
Name: Briana Salas ’26
Major: Advertising
Semester abroad: Spring 2025
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable experience in my host country was interacting with the London community in ways I wouldn’t have experienced if it weren’t for the classes I took. For example, one of the classes I was a part of was Multicultural London, and here I got to learn about London’s complex history, culture, and what makes it the multicultural city it is known as today. We went on multiple field trips to different parts of the city, one being a Muslim Center in a lower-income community. We learned about how the center plays a vital role in its community and the significance it brings to the people it serves. Meeting the workers there, doing activities with them, and entering a mosque for the first time was eye-opening. I got to experience a faith different from mine and see how it impacts lives daily. Everyone at the center was so kind and welcoming; it was one of my favorite experiences in London.
Contact: basalas@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, First time abroad, Preparing for departure,Religious life
Name: Margaret Brown ’26
Major: Management and Public Relations
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most memorable experience abroad? Undoubtedly, the most valuable aspect of my study abroad experience was the opportunity to accomplish so much and witness the richness of European cultures firsthand. Syracuse University’s dedication to providing such comprehensive programming enabled me to make the most of my time abroad and fostered a lifelong appreciation for global perspectives. It’s an experience I will always cherish and one that has undoubtedly shaped me into a more culturally aware and globally minded individual.
Contact: mbrown65@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness
Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, LGBTQ+, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Religious life, Selecting a program option
Name: Yida Li ’26
Major: Architecture
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most memorable experience abroad? The “Sustainability on Trial: Environmental Justice in Northern Europe” seminar was the starting point of my SU London journey. The seminar explores the concepts of sustainability and environmental justice within the vibrant and ecologically diverse landscapes of Scandinavia. Through intensive field studies and academic reflections, students delve into the dynamic interplay between human activities and natural systems, guided by Dr. Rebecca L. Farnum, a renowned environmental activist-academic. I consider this adventure into Earth’s very northern territories a life-changing experience. Deep within the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, we woke up in the eternal twilight of the arctic night and traversed the seemingly ever-frozen tundra as we learn the lifestyle of the indigenous Sámi people. From reindeer herding, ice fishing, aurora hunting, to learning from the Sámi Council about the injustice the indigenous people faced, I was deeply inspired by the beauty and sublime of nature, as well as the resilience of the Sámi community that allowed them to thrive in the seemingly extraterrestrial land of the Arctic.
Contact: yli279@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity
Name: Joshua Spodek ’25
Major: History, Social Studies Education
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most valuable experience while abroad in London was my weekly volunteer shift at Refettorio Felix, a community center that provides a 3-course lunch service Monday through Friday. Going into the semester, I knew that I wanted to volunteer regularly because I would not be taking any education courses in London, meaning that if I did not volunteer, it would be difficult for me to have experiences working with people while abroad. Fortunately, SU London’s Internship Director, Charlie Loynes, connected me to Refettorio Felix through SU’s extensive alumni network. And, unlike other service organizations I have volunteered with in the past, Refettorio Felix employs a unique approach to helping the local community.
Contact: jsspodek@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Religious life, Selecting a program option
Name: Nicholas Robbins ’25
Major: Public Relations, Information Management and Technology (Minor)
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience in my host country was undoubtedly exploring London, through both personal adventures and academic trips. I loved visiting museums, towns, and exhibits, which my professors often encouraged. It gave me deeper insights into London’s culture and history and pushed me out of my comfort zone to explore events and places I might not have discovered on my own, such as Queer Britain, the V&A, and Tate Britain. Additionally, venturing out to various restaurants and bars on my own provided a richer understanding of London’s diverse society. Trying new foods and meeting people from different backgrounds was a highlight of my semester abroad without a doubt.
Contact: nrobbins@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Preparing for departure
Name: Annie Xu ’25
Major: Finance
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? One of my most unforgettable experiences in London is the easy accessibility to transportation and being able to do many day trips. Sometimes, my roommates and I would have different plans or won’t be free during the same time, so knowing that I could hop onto the train for Oxford, Cambridge, and Canterbury, which really excites me and allow me to really make use of my time here.
Contact: axu112@syr.edu
Name: Victoria Chen ‘26
Major: Finance & Television, Radio, and Film
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What would you tell a student who is undecided about studying abroad? I was undecided about going abroad too. I remember telling myself in freshman year “I’m never going to go abroad”, yetttt here I am. When in college, you want to take advantage of all the opportunities in front of you. This is an important opportunity because you are given the chance to be a student in a country you’ve never been in, live like a local in this new country, and even work like the local city folk (if you choose to have an internship). You become a local. You become the culture. It will be a new part of your identity. Studying abroad isn’t just doing school in a different country, it’s a chance to discover who you are.
Contact: vychen@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
Name: Margaux Girard ‘26
Major: Finance and International Relations, Psychology minor
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience was the connections I made with people. I did not know anyone going abroad with me, so it was a nerve-wracking experience. However, I quickly made the most valuable friendships I have ever had. Seeing the world with new people, through fresh eyes, is the most valuable experience you can get. Another experience would be going to shows in the west end, as well as going to an arsenal game. It was the best way to immerse myself into the culture and experience events I would not be able to otherwise.
Contact: magirard@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Claire Patin ‘26
Major: Sport Analytics, Minors: Economics, and Information Management and Technology
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? I would advise that a student does some research and take advantage of the course offerings. It is important for students to be aware of the required classes they need to take, but abroad also offers so many unique classes that you can’t get at home campus. They help you understand the city and culture you’re living in better and may be different from classes they have taken before. I had this experience with my London Museums class; nowhere else could I go to a new museum every week for class to learn. I would advise that if a student has the space in their schedule, they should take these classes that they aren’t necessarily used to or know much about because it is so cool and different from what main campus offers.
Contact: cpatin@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Madeleine Brousseau ’26
Major: Television, Radio & Film
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable experience was the entirety of my time in my home country. Not only was I living on my own in a big city for the first time, I also met incredible people, took unforgettable classes, and had a lovely internship opportunity. All of these factors made my experience abroad life changing as I was able to balance so many new habitats and communities while still maintaining strong grades and a social life. I learned so much about myself abroad, I feel like a completely different person now that I’m back, stronger and more confident in my abilities. I was also lucky to live in a city so rich with culture and history, I never felt bored my time abroad. I was also lucky to have incredibly students in my program and find friends that I know I’ll have forever and experience this once in a lifetime opportunity with.
Contact: mjbrouss@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
Name: Alani Henderson ’26
Major: Political Science and Law, Society, and Policy
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable and unforgettable experience in London would definitely be our program’s trip to Lockerbie, Scotland. Living in Syracuse all my life, I have consistently heard about Pan Am Flight 103 and the opportunity to visit Lockerbie while abroad was a truly unmatchable experience. I was able to meet with people from Lockerbie and get first hand account from people who were there when the plane went down. The town is beautiful and so loving, you can really see how much they value the connection with Syracuse University which really allowed me to appreciate the connection Syracuse has with Lockerbie so much more.
Contact: ahende06@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Disability resources, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Religious life, Selecting a program option
Name: Jordan Kramer ’26
Major: Writing and Rhetoric
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? While studying in London, one of my most valuable experiences was the opportunity to be a part of the internship program. Through this internship program, I got to learn about the global workplace firsthand and make professional industry connections that I plan to keep throughout my career. This overall experience not only gave me a fantastic work experience but also introduced me to a new industry and potential career path. I became immersed in this field very quickly due to the fast-paced environment and got to learn so many new skills that I continue to utilize. The responsibility of managing an internship while also being a student abroad strengthened my independence and allowed me to grow as a young adult. Having an internship throughout my time in London profoundly enhanced my study abroad experience as I got to experience the city as both a student and a professional, giving me a deeper appreciation and love for the place.
Contact: jkrame07@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family