Name: Cole Bambini ’24
Major: Magazine, News & Digital Journalism; Spanish Language, Literature & Culture
Semesters abroad: Summer 2021
Summer program: Madrid Summer Session
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? My biggest piece of advice is to research and plan ahead of certain trips that you want to take. In terms of research, you should be familiar with customs, traditions, and events that are going on. For my trip, I knew Spain and Portugal were playing soccer in Madrid before I went and as soon as I got there, I met a friend and we went to the game. For customs and culture, it’s important to know how much to tip, what currency do they use, typical restaurant behavior, nightlife, etc. If you know this ahead of time, you’ll be much more prepared.
Contact: cabambin@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, Health, safety, and support, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Alaina Hauber ’24
Major: Health and Exercise Science
Semesters abroad: Summer 2021
Summer program: Madrid Summer Session
What would you say to a student who is undecided about going abroad? The best advice I could give is to go out and explore. While that may be obvious, I think that it was so important and valuable to my experience. Use every moment you have to go walk around with the people you meet and see what your city, country, or continent has to offer. I was in Madrid for a month and that was not even enough time to see all that the city had to offer. Exploring a new area can be nerve-wracking, but stepping out of your comfort zone is so important and will bring you to places and people that you would have never imagined.
Contact: akhauber@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: Nomar Diaz Parrilla ’24
Major: Health and Physical Education
Semesters abroad: Summer 2021 & 2022
Summer program: Madrid Summer Session & Florence Summer Session
What would you say to a student who is undecided about going abroad? Learn how to manage your money and time efficiently!
Contact: nadiazpa@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
Name: Elizabeth Su ’24
Major: Bioengineering, Neuroscience
Semesters abroad: Summer 2022
Summer program: Engineering Research Projects in Strasbourg
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? Think about what you want to gain from this experience. I personally wanted to travel freely, and I planned my weekends accordingly to see as much as I possibly could. On the other hand, a friend of mine really wanted to immerse herself in French culture. She spent a lot of time beforehand learning French, and was able to really bond with her host family. It’s your experience: don’t get swept up by what others want or expect from you, and do what will make you happy.
Contact: esu100@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Selecting a program option, 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, Race & Ethnicity
Name: Kali Bosket ’24
Major: Chemistry
Semesters abroad: Summer 2022
Summer program: Madrid Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable experience was staying with a host family, which allowed me to get a different perspective on the city from someone who knows it from an insiders point of view, and having that resource was immensely helpful during my stay.
Contact: kbosket@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Selecting a program option
Name: Dominic Chiappone ’24
Major: History; Broadcast & Digital Journalism
Semesters abroad: Summer 2022
Summer program: Madrid Summer Session
What would you say to a student who is undecided about going abroad? Syracuse Abroad programs gives every student the same Syracuse experience and sensation around the world. Being able to study over the summer, I had the opportunity to get closer with people I didn’t expect, make lifelong friends, and get ahead in my academics.
Contact: dcchiapp@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
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: Autumn Campbell ‘24
Major: Health and Physical Education
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: London Summer Session
What would you say to a student undecided about studying abroad? Something I would say to a student who is undecided about going abroad is that traveling to a different country for your academics is very important because not only you are learning about things that will enhance your career in a different environment but you are exploring places that can help you connect with others. It also allows you to experience life independently by learning how to travel on your own and adapt to different cultures.
Contact: acampb01@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Selecting a program option, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience
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: Lillian Chubbin ‘24
Major: Environmental & Interior Design
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The experience as a whole was incredible, and I think some of the most unforgettable time I spent was connecting with Italian culture both at the office where I worked and at my host family’s home. The architecture office environment was supportive and nurturing while still challenging my abilities and teaching me new skills. Software that was unfamiliar to me at the beginning of summer is now second-nature. My coworkers were so helpful and took time out of their day to get to know me and introduce me to the culture, through espresso breaks and Tuscan humor. At home, my host family was unbelievably welcoming and kind. They took me on weekend trips to explore Pisa and the Tuscan coast, bought me medicine when I didn’t feel well, and made sure that I felt like I was a part of the family. The art, history, and nature of Italy is the core of an unforgettable experience.
Contact: lscubbin@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, Living with a host family, Race & Ethnicity
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: Tru Truong G‘24
Major: Architecture, Master
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Three Cities Asia
What would you tell a student undecided about studying abroad? I would emphasize on how studying or just staying abroad for an extended amount of time would change their lives, even if they hated the experience. It would open up a world of new perspectives and continue to quietly, profoundly be a catalyst in their personal growth if they allow it to. Living abroad is one of the absolute best things you can do for your future self. If you have a chance to make that happen, why not give it a try?
Contact: pmtruong@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+, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
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: Sonia Issa ‘24
Major: Political Science and Project Management, African American Studies minor
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: London Summer Session
What was your most memorable experience abroad? During my time in London, the experience that stood out to me the most was exploring Brixton Market. It was a vibrant hub for African and Caribbean cuisines and culture. As I walked through the market, the aromas of spices and flavors enveloped me, transporting me to the heart of the diaspora’s culinary heritage. Engaging with local vendors, trying traditional dishes, and witnessing the lively atmosphere, I felt a deep sense of connection to the rich cultural tapestry of the Black Diaspora. Brixton Market became more than just a marketplace; it was a living testament to the power of food in preserving traditions and building communities.
Contact: shissa@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Race & Ethnicity
Name: Madison Lamont ‘24
Major: Forensic Science and Psychology
Semester abroad: Summer 2023
Summer program: Florence & London Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? I had the best of both worlds living in two countries during my study abroad. I got to experience London as an independent young adult living in a flat. Since I had yet to live on my own, off-campus at Syracuse University, it was such a fun trial run, and I got to do it in another country! Then, I became fully immersed into the Italian lifestyle when I moved in with a host family in Florence. This time I got to enjoy homemade meals and quality time with wonderful people I would have never met otherwise. It was also nice to have built in tutors to help me with my Italian conversation skills!
Contact: mlamont@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, 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: 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