Summer Program Global Ambassadors

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


catherine in london

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


danielle luing

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


cara steves

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: Grace Brashears ’25

Major: Human Development & Family Science and Public Health

Semesters abroad: Summer 2023

Summer program: London Summer Session

What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most unforgettable experience in my host country was having the opportunity to learn about the history of Public Health in the very place many public health initiatives were born. Having the opportunity to go on weekly field trips and be able to see and touch the very things we were learning about in class was an unforgettable experience that reignited my love for Public Health.

Contact: gebrashe@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


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


Name: Tommy Dasilva ’26

Major: Public Health, Policy Studies, and Citizenship & Civic Engagement

Semester abroad: Summer 2024

Summer program: London Summer Session

What was your most memorable experience abroad? The most valuable experience was seeing the difference in the political and social systems of the UK in comparison to the US. During our tour of the Welsh Parliament our guide was surprised about the amount we pay for education in the US and I was shocked about the nature of the overall UK’s centralized health system and the level of representation within their parliament. I think especially being from a major so ingrained with politics taking GEO 300 with Becca and PHP 306 with Professor Olsen-Gugerty gave me a more global insight that I can take with me into a future of federal policy making.

Contact: txdasilv@syr.edu

Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, LGBTQ+, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity


Name: Ava Downey ’26

Major: Linguistics, International Relations

Semester abroad: Summer 2024

Summer program: Religion, Law, and Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective (Strasbourg) + Internship

What was your most memorable experience abroad? Through both my academic program and internship with the Arab Center for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Education, I had the opportunity to conduct research on the role of French secularism in shaping perceptions of Islam in the Grand Est region of France. This opportunity allowed me to work closely with the local community, deepening my understanding of the Islamic faith and traditions. Visiting the largest mosque in Grand Est France allowed me to immerse myself in a new and unfamiliar culture and engage with various French-Muslims in the community. Listening to their experiences of living in the area ultimately allowed me to gain insight on how local governments and institutions can better support the community.

Contact: adowney@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, Race & Ethnicity, Religious life, Selecting a program option


Name: Devin Nemirow ’26

Major: Psychology and Health Humanities

Semester abroad: Summer 2024

Summer program: French for Diplomacy (Strasbourg) + Internship

What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most valuable experience in my home country was visiting my host mother’s family. I became very close with my host mother and she offered to take me on a day trip to a small village where her family lives and where she grew up. It was touching to be able to meet her parents, uncle, and brother. I was able to show off my French to locals and meet new people. They all welcomed me with open arms and cooked me a delicious lunch. They also showed me around the small village and pointed out local wineries, schools, and churches. I was really able to get to know my host mom and her family on a deeper level and improve my French a ton! I cherish that experience very much.

Contact: denemiro@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, Health, safety, and support, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option


Name: Olivia Roccia ’27

Major: Marketing

Semester abroad: Summer 2024

Summer program: Florence Summer Session

What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most valuable experience in Florence was meeting locals and being shown their love and passion of their culture through their food. During class one day we took a field trip to a local food market off the beaten path of tourists, where we tried samples from a variety of vendors. We tried everything from cheese samples, homemade sauces, fish dishes, and cow stomach, a dish near and dear to the locals. Being integrated into a new culture was an experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to so many unique opportunities. Each day abroad exploring a new country and culture gave me experiences I will never forget and memories that will last a lifetime.

Contact: omroccia@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, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option


Name: Sarah Vallejo ’25

Major: Physics

Semester abroad: Summer 2024

Summer program: Florence & London Summer Session

What was your most memorable experience abroad? While in Florence, I absolutely loved staying with my host mom. I felt it made my stay in Florence more authentic since I was interacting with someone who knew so much about the city and culture. She introduced me to so many new foods and gave me tips on places to go around Florence and Italy. Staying in a homestay allowed me to see parts of Florence that I don’t think I would’ve seen had I stayed in an apartment. In London, however, I loved that I was in a flat and cooking for myself. Being right near an underground station made me feel like a real Londoner going about my daily commute, and I loved the ease of getting around London – whether by walking, taking the tube, or riding the double decker buses. Both experiences fully immersed me in what it would be like to actually live in each city. I loved that I felt comfortable in my neighborhoods and got to know the areas pretty well like a local. Each experience made me dream of living in the cities long-term which in my opinion is a sign of a fantastic study abroad experience.

Contact: sgvallej@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, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option


Name: Olutoyin Green ’26

Major: Health Humanities, Political Philosophy and Law, Society and Policy

Semester abroad: Summer 2024

Summer program: Brussels Internship program

What was your most memorable experience abroad? I had the opportunity to visit NATO headquarters, the EU parliament, and The Belgian Royal Military Academy for special access in-house lectures, in addition to meeting experts from the UN, the European Commission, and various world governments. Being able to network, assist, and collaborate with lecturers from NATO, the European Parliament, UN Mediation/Peacekeeping Operations (MONUSCO), The Council of Europe and European Commission, and the European External Action Service was truly the highlight of my experience.

Contact: Oggreen@syr.edu

Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural immersion, First time abroad, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option, Allergies and dietary needs, Financing study away, Meeting locals, Race & ethnicity


Name: Mark Leaf ’27

Major: Engineering

Semester abroad: Summer 2024

Summer program: Tel Aviv University Internship

What was your most memorable experience abroad? Welcoming community, professional approach and a lot of studying from my colleagues. First-hand Hi-Tech development experience and endless studying from the professionals within my field. I enjoyed every second of full time work and countless challenges that I overcame.

Contact: maleaf@syr.edu


Name: Kiera Bowers ’27

Major: Biology

Semester abroad: Summer 2024

Summer program: Design-scape of South Korea

What was your most memorable experience abroad? The most unforgettable experience was when our group dressed in traditional Korean clothes (Hanbok) and walked around the ancient palace grounds in Seoul. Studying abroad is truly an unmissable experience. You learn so much about yourself and your independence. I also believe the best way to travel/see the world is to experience it with a group of people around your age and/or going through college with you.

Contact: kebowers@syr.edu


Name: Dora Gordon ’27

Major: International Relations & B.S. Environment, Sustainability, and Policy

Semester abroad: Summer 2024

Summer program: The European and Global Internship Program in Brussels

What was your most memorable experience abroad? One of the most valuable experiences I had while studying abroad in Brussels was immersing myself in a city full of motivated young professionals. Brussels is filled with ambitious individuals driven to make an impact on government and politics. It’s home to the headquarters of the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament, making it a hub for policymaking and international relations. I had the opportunity to connect with peers involved in shaping EU policies, and these interactions were incredibly inspiring. I saw how engaged and knowledgeable they were in their work, and their dedication left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the importance of being proactive and motivating me to pursue a career in foreign affairs. It wasn’t just about the connections I made; it was also about witnessing the real impact that young professionals can have on the world stage. 

Contact: dgordo10@syr.edu