Name: Emma Crandall ’25
Major: Environmental Engineering
Semester Abroad: Fall 2022
What would you say to a student undecided about going abroad? Studying in a new country with a foreign professor will give you an adaptability to new learning environments that many of you’re peers won’t have. It will allow you to maneuver through difficult or maybe frustration academic and social situations and those skills can then be applied in any working or living environment. Living in another country will give you many other skills that will make you much better at communicating with peers. Being in a country, living in a neighborhood and working with other students that don’t speak the same language creates an opportunity to expand beyond the limits of verbal communication in order to achieve the same goals.
Contact: emcranda@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, , Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Jillienne Ness ’25
Major: Computer Science
Semester Abroad: Fall 2022
What advice would you give to a student going abroad? Do not set any expectations for anything. This is not to be taken in a negative way but instead to meant keep an open mind and do not let what you’ve seen or heard influence your experience and opinions. My favorite cities that I visited were the ones that I carried no preexisting notions or expectations for. Allow yourself to have a genuinely unique experience even if that means realizing that some places or activities are not your cup of tea.
Contact: jjness@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, Preparing for departure
Name: Danis Cammett ’25
Major: International Relations and Applied Data Analytics
Semester Abroad: Spring 2023
What would you say to a student undecided about studying abroad? Choosing to study abroad is a huge choice and one that every student should take their time to think about and understand what they will be getting themselves into. There are many times during your abroad semester where you will experience unique opportunities that are rare or non-existent in Syracuse and even the United States. Being abroad means you will gain a greater understanding of what it’s like to live with people who are fundamentally different from you, even if you are going to a country that is similar to the U.S. I highly encourage that any person going abroad deliberately takes the time to try out new things and get themselves out of their normal routine; try local foods, read and understand local news, make new friends, go to a music festival, etc. Studying abroad is the time for a student to not only discover the world but to discover more about themselves.
Contact: dwcammet@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, Meeting locals
Name: Ta’Nasia Coleman ’26
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Semester Abroad: Fall 2023
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience while I was abroad was finding black hair products and meeting a black hairstylist that could do my hair. She was very sweet, and was able to speak English. We chatted about are shared experiences in Germany/France, and it made me feel very comfortable to be in a safe space concerning my blackness and hair.
Contact: tzcolema@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
Name: Alex Csemez ’25
Major: Communications and rhetorical studies
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? I felt a sense of connection and belonging that I had never experienced before. Being in such a small program surrounded by strangers who quickly felt like old friends, I realized the true beauty of travel – the ability to connect with people from different walks of life and share meaningful moments.
Contact: amcsemez@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Emerson Long ’26
Major: Physics and Geology (French minor)
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most memorable experience abroad? My first weekend in my homestay, my host mom took me to visit her cousin in the countryside. It was really interesting to see what a small French village was like, but it was also a fun opportunity to practice my French. We had coffee and went on a long walk around the vineyards, and I was able to talk with my host mom and her cousin which gave me some ideas about how life is different in French cities vs the countryside. I was also just able to get to know my host mom better, which was a great experience.
Contact: elong04@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, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure
Name: Morgan Meddings ’25
Major: Inclusive Elementary and Special Education
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What would you say to a student undecided about studying abroad? Your experience abroad is absolutely what you make it! I know people who traveled nearly every weekend and had incredible experiences. I also know people who did not travel much at all but were involved in local clubs and organizations, getting a super personal and authentic experience. I opted for a sort of balance of the two! I had friends doing internships, taking classes at partner universities, and even performing at local open-mic nights! The staff is there to make sure you figure out how to best tailor the program to match your needs, wants, and goals. Keep and open-mind, and you might surprise yourself with the kind of experiences you walk away with; I know I did.
Contact: mmedding@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Preparing for departure
Name: Jaden Decker-Fattel ’25
Major: Psychology
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most valuable experience was exploring the rich, vibrant and energetic city of Strasbourg with my friends. Being able to traverse everywhere by foot or public transport made our days much more enjoyable and memorable. My most vivid memories were of us wandering the city streets with no tangible plans in mind, not being frustrated at the lack of purpose but somehow being so occupied, just marveling at the historic town and how lucky we were to be together in Strasbourg. We would wander into the town square and be greeted by the local market or stroll down a narrow alleyway into a performing band. There was always something new to discover.
Contact: jzdecker@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Race & Ethnicity, Adjusting to a foreign language, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Living with a host family
Name: Jacob Grindstaff ’25
Major: International Relations, Policy Studies, Public Relations
Semester Abroad: Spring 2024
What was your most memorable experience abroad? The most valuable experience that I had was living with my host family. My host family was an incredibly kind older French couple, Ernst and Evelyne. They taught me so much about French and Alsatian culture, gastronomy, values, and history. Every day I was able to look forward to a warm dinner and learn so much through our conversations and interactions (which were primarily in French); I never really had the experience of eating family dinners growing up, so it was a very valuable experience that I will always hold close to my heart.
Contact: jgrindst@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, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Religious life, Selecting a program option
Name: Jade Aulestia ’25
Major: Broadcast and Digital Journalism/Modern Foreign Language (Spanish and French)
Semester Abroad: Spring & Summer 2024
What advice would you give a student studying abroad? Before going abroad, it’s essential to thoroughly prepare both practically and mentally. So by doing some research of the destination’s culture, customs, and language to better understand and respect the local way of life if its a place you are going 100% new into. Otherwise, knowing the language is somewhat of a help because most likely you are already prepped in the culture, practices and customs of said location. On another practically note, budgeting is needed because if you want to travel, do activities or buy items it does add up. It’s an experience to take advantage of but in a cautious way. Last practical note is to pack smartly, bringing essentials that let you express yourself while also respecting the places you are planning on visiting.
Contact: jaulesti@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Chloe Goldberg ’27
Major: International Relations
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most memorable experience abroad? My homestay was a huge part of making my study abroad experience so enjoyable! From the very first day of the program, my host mom was incredibly kind and made me feel so welcomed and cared for. Being able to share a host family with another Syracuse student was also an amazing opportunity! It was comforting to live with someone else who was also navigating Strasbourg and French culture for the first time, and to have a friend to study and explore with. I always looked forward to dinner, when we would spend time practicing French and bonding with our host mom by talking about our days. Living in a homestay truly helped me feel at home in a foreign city.
Contact: cmgoldbe@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure
Name: Olivia Havens ’26
Major: Political Science and Law, Society and Policy (Minor in English and Textual Studies)
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable/unforgettable experience in my host country was the opportunity that I had in Strasbourg to live with a host family. My host family placement was a woman in her mid-40s and her 16-year-old daughter. Living with them was the best decision I have ever made, and I made a relationship with them that I know will last a lifetime. Going abroad I did not know anybody and was very anxious to be living in a foreign country and so far away from my family. I was welcomed into my host family with such warmth and was immediately made to feel comfortable. Living with them took a lot of my anxieties away about being on my own in France. She cooked me the most delicious dinners each night and took care of me the way that my own mother would. I looked forward to coming home to them at the end of each school day and on the weekends, when I was home, I looked forward to hanging out with them! I miss them dearly and think that the relationship I made with them is easily my most unforgettable experience made in Strasbourg.
Contact: orhavens@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, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Maria Menchaca Velez ’26
Major: International Relations, French and Francophone Studies minors
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? One of the most valuable experiences I cherish from my time studying abroad in Strasbourg, France, was connecting with French people my age. I was lucky to be with an incredible host family that had kids close to my age and I got meet their friends and spend time with them. I would say that these interactions not only helped me improve my French language skills, but they also allowed me to feel socially immersed in the city and truly part of Strasbourg’s community.
Contact: mvmencha@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, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Tea Sklar ’26
Major: Political Science, International Relations
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? Participating in the World Forum for Democracy as a reporter and sitting in on the Council of Europe’s Parliament meetings to listen to representatives from other countries discuss relevant issues from around the world.
Contact: tlsklar@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
Name: Erika Steinhart ’26
Major: Marketing Management
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience was in my internship. I had the amazing opportunity to work at L’Ecole Europeen Strasbourg, and be placed in a class of 5-6 year old French students. Not only did I get to become fluent in French – if you can understand little kid French blabber, you can understand anything – I got to build bonds with these children. I learned their favorite foods, how they played, their interests. It really opened my eyes to cultural differences — you learn the most when you’re with kids. I would in turn get to help them, which is so rewarding. They all made me art to say goodbye — and it’s something I’ll always treasure.
Contact: essteinh@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
Name: Alexander Sturm ’26
Major: Magazine, News & Digital Journalism
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The connections I built with my host family. As a native French speaker, being immersed into an authentic French family with two parents and a 17-year old daughter. My host father and I would play tennis together often on the weekends, we even purchased a membership to a nearby tennis club together. I was close with the daughter, Daria, who taught me a lot about high school life as a French teenager. We’ve continued to text frequently since I’ve returned to the United States.
Contact: ajsturm@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
Name: Faith Alvey ‘28
Major: Biology and Forensic Science
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024 (Discovery)
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience in France was meeting locals and learning a true sense of the culture. I met many new friends around my age who showed me the city and told me all there was to know about it. I now have these connections and friendships for years to come and I feel I spent my time right studying abroad. I was able to have fun while also learning and engaging with the culture.
Contact: fmalvey@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, LGBTQ+, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Julia Raass ‘28
Major: English and Textual Studies
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024 (Discovery)
What advice would you give to a student undecided about studying abroad? If you’re considering studying abroad, my best advice is to fully embrace the language and immerse yourself in the food culture of your host country. Language is more than just a tool for communication—it’s the gateway to understanding the deeper layers of culture, humor, history, and daily life. Make an effort to learn the language, even if it’s just a few phrases at first, as it will open doors to authentic connections and experiences. And don’t underestimate the power of food! Eating your way through a new culture is one of the most rewarding ways to understand its traditions and values. Each meal tells a story, whether it’s a simple street food or a multi-course dinner, and sharing meals with locals will help you bond and feel like you’re truly part of the community. Embrace every bite and every word; both will enrich your experience in ways you’ll never forget.
Contact: jaraass@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, LGBTQ+, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity
Name: Helena Sauriat ‘28
Major: Anthropology
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024 (Discovery)
What was your most valuable experience abroad? Being able to immerse myself was very rewarding. I don’t often get the chance to go back to France to visit my family and be surrounded by my culture, so to be living there for close to four months was amazing. I got to experience a new side to French culture as well, as Alsace is so unique in its own way, being on the German border. Since I was a discovery student, it was my first time away from my friends and away from peers who i can automatically relate to just because of my environment. Being placed in such a small group led me to make profound connections I probably wouldn’t have made on campus, and I will always remember the conversations I had with people so different from me.
Contact: hrsauria@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, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Rachael Dubrow ‘28
Major: Environment, Sustainability, and Policy
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024 (Discovery)
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most unforgettable experience in my host country was having a traditional aperitif with my philosophy class towards the end of the semester. We had a small and tight knit class of only 8 first-years, which made it easier to create a welcoming and intimate atmosphere. We enjoyed traditional cheese, bread, and drinks while discussing philosophical questions in a circle. It was the perfect way to end the class and lead to bittersweet end of the semester.
Contact: redubrow@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, First time abroad, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Cheryl Smith ‘28
Major: Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024 (Discovery)
What was your most valuable experience abroad? Orientation week was by far my favorite part of the whole semester. During orientation week, we did a short tour to countries near Strasbourg. I was able to meet everyone in my program during that period. The program mixed us up regularly, so we weren’t confined to a small group of people within the program. By doing this, I was able to get to know many people in my program on a deeper level. This strengthened the bond between all of us. By the end of the trip, I felt like they were my family.
Orientation week made Strasbourg’s experience 100 times better. The close bonds I had with my peers allowed me to experience.
Contact: csmit202@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, Disability resources, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, LGBTQ+, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Religious life, Selecting a program option
Name: Mahima Pugazendhi ‘28
Major: Art History
Semester Abroad: Fall 2024 (Discovery)
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience in my host country was participating in my internship abroad. I interned at an art gallery in France. This experience helped me immensely as it reminded me of why I decided to study Art History and made me fall in love with my subject even more. I was able to do a lot of work that I aspired to do in the future as a freshman which was an amazing opportunity for me. I learned so much about the artists my boss showcased as well as how running a gallery works. To me, this was one of the best cultural immersions I could have asked for.
Contact: mspugaze@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, Race & Ethnicity