Name: Gianna Davis ’25
Major: Accounting, Business Analytics. Minor: Public Communications Studies
Semesters abroad: Summer 2022
Summer program: Florence Summer Session
What was your favorite experience abroad? Going abroad for three weeks was the most incredible three weeks of my life, and I have memories that will last a lifetime which I am forever thankful for. Out of everything I experienced there, I would say my most unforgettable times happened when I was exploring the city of Florence and the Tuscan countryside with my best friend. We met new people and learned lessons that I truly will never forget. My most favorite memory was dancing to a street musician on the corner of the Ponte Vecchio- I had felt so much happiness and love in one moment that was truly very powerful.
Contact: gdavis03@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, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Catherine Lambert ’25
Major: Environment, Sustainability and Policy
Semesters abroad: Summer 2022 and Winterlude 2022
Summer program: London Summer Session & Post-Oil Futures Short-term program
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? You should expect to make long-lasting friendships through being abroad in SU classes, traveling, and taking adventures. Also, use this time to make efficient progress in your major and get to know faculty in and outside of your department that will help your career.
Contact: clambe05@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, 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: Danielle Luing ’25
Major: Marketing Management; Finance
Semesters abroad: Summer 2022
Summer program: London Summer Session
What was your most unforgettable experience abroad? My most valuable experience while abroad was my included weekend trip to Oxford. Syracuse Abroad is so amazing at planning trips that are included in the tuition. This was my first weekend abroad, and it was unforgettable to me as it was the first time, in my opinion, that almost the whole “Block” was together and got to bond. When we were living in London, everyone was scattered, but at Oxford, we all stayed at the same hotel, ate breakfast together, rode the bus together, and got to strengthen our new friendships. They planned activities for us to do there, such as a tour of Oxford University, an afternoon in a garden preservation, and then a whole free day to ourselves to explore.
Contact: deluing@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Allergies & dietary needs, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Preparing for departure
Name: Cara Steves ’25
Major: Public Relations
Semesters abroad: Summer 2022
Summer program: London Summer Session
What was your most unforgettable experience abroad? My most valuable experience during my time in London was the incredible class that I had the privilege to take. My class, International Social Media and Public Relations, changed my perspective on not only my future career plans but gave me the unique opportunity to experience a new country with a tight knit group of classmates and a wonderful professor leading us through London. Having the chance to take a class that was so hands on and completely immersed me in London’s culture sparked a passion in me to continue traveling and to hopefully one day work or live abroad for a longer time period.
Contact: cgsteves@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, Health, safety, and support, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Olivia Carofalo ’25
Major: Marketing
Semesters abroad: Summer 2022
Summer program: London Summer Session
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? Embracing cultural immersion while studying abroad in London is an essential aspect of making your experience truly transformative and enriching. Interacting with locals is a fantastic way to gain insights into the authentic culture of London. Londoners are generally friendly and approachable, so don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with locals you encounter in various settings.
Contact: oecarofa@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, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience
Name: Sarah Beckage ‘25
Major: Biology, neuroscience, Psychology
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence Summer Session
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? To take advantage of every day! For lunch, pick a café or restaurant and get to know the owners, it creates such a welcoming environment. Walk around in your spare time and see all the city has to offer.
Contact: sebeckag@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Selecting a program option, 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, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure
Name: Jamison Brown ‘26
Major: Psychology
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience was connecting with the locals, using their language (Italian), and traveling among the cities. Going to places such as Tuscany and Pisa was an eye opening moment for an individual who comes from an inner city community. Learning from my Italian conversation professor about the city of Florence was very insightful as well.
Contact: jbrow110@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, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
Name: Madison Christiansen ‘26
Major: Television, Radio and Film
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence Summer Session
What would you say to a student studying abroad? While you are a student abroad, consider expanding your persona. It is necessary to grow curious in and outside of the classroom. Research before travel, determine what drives your curiosity apart from school, and explore those areas. Life is so different than what we are familiar with at home. Embrace the differences in customs and traditions and be open to changing habits that may differ when abroad.
Contact: mrchrist@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
Name: Ella Clark ‘25
Major: Citizenship and Civic Engagement
Semester abroad: Summer 2023 (and Fall 2022)
Programs: Education and Inclusion In Post-Apartheid South Africa; Discovery Strasbourg
What was your most memorable experience abroad? In South Africa, my most valuable experience was meeting and working with students at the local schools. They taught me so much about perseverance and strength in the short 3 weeks I was there, and I’m so grateful for them.
Contact: eclark08@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, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Shiela Phoha ‘26
Major: History & Economics, French minor
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: London Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience in my host country was being able to intern at an international company, fully immersing myself in the “global workplace.” At my company, I interacted with and worked alongside people from all over the world, while adjusting to a foreign work environment.
Contact: swphoha@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Health, safety, and support, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity
Name: Jacob Wolfson ‘26
Major: Advertising
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence & London Summer Sessions
What was your most valuable experience abroad? London gave me a 3-week taste of living in a city and navigating it on my own. What I really liked about my class was that it got me out of the classroom. For half of the classes, we were visiting agencies in different parts of London. We saw how different agencies worked and talked to the people who worked there and ran them. This experience allowed me to talk to people who weren’t just professors. Talking to people in the industry, and working the job I hope to have one day, was an invaluable experience. I was able to talk to people who are actually doing and living what I was learning about.
Contact: jlwolfso@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Culture shock Homesickness, First time abroad, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Courtney Wood ‘25
Major: Management and Marketing
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My Management and Marketing major has been transformed by BUA 300, Made in Italy: Business, Craftsmanship, and Branding Success. I studied Italian excellence while examining how Italian products achieve global success through beauty and functionality. Through case studies, guest speakers, and site visits, I was able to compare and contrast the Italian business model with that of the United States, Europe, and Asia. As a result of my studies, I was able to develop marketing and promotional strategies for a local product in the global market. As part of a team, we applied positive factors from different business models and approaches to branding strategies. In this course, I gained real-life experience through active and logical learning, enabling me to connect ideas with practical applications. It is without a doubt that this study abroad course enhanced my problem-solving skills as well as deepened my sense of responsibility to appreciate different cultures and perspectives, which I believe will be invaluable in my professional career.
Contact: cmwood@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Kelsey Raymond ‘26
Major: Undecided Arts & Sciences
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence & London Summer Sessions
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable experience I had in Florence was visiting various Italian businesses with my class. This was very valuable because I was able to see the time and dedication put into these local, family owned companies while learning more about my classmates and professor. I made lifelong friends and learned about the cultural differences that exist in businesses around the world.
Contact: krraymon@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, 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: Lauren Salomon ’26
Major: Marketing Management
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable experience in my host country was the solo traveling I completed alongside my new friends. Prior to my arrival I knew I wanted to travel, but not alone. Once I arrived I made incredible friends that were more than willing to go anywhere with me. I was given the freedom to even book our group trips. From this I learned how independent I can be with the right girls by my side. The friendships and deep unexpected bonds I made were to worth it.
Contact: lfsalomo@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, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Victoria Phan ’24 (fall)
Major: Chemistry and Forensic Science on the premedical track
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence Summer Session
What would you say to a student undecided about studying abroad? If you’re undecided about going abroad, consider shorter programs, such as those lasting around three weeks, which still offer a full experience. Opportunities to study abroad might be scarce after graduation, so it’s beneficial to take advantage of this chance while you can. Additionally, participating in these programs allows you to earn college credits toward your degree. Seize this opportunity now and enrich your educational journey.
Contact: viphan@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option