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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Keira 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
Name: Kennedee Robinson ‘26
Major: Business administration and global political economies
Semester Abroad: Summer 2024
Program: Florence Summer Session
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? To research and lookup a quick fact about where you are going everyday before you leave or just create a list of some of the best places to eat, sites and anything that might be of interest so you go in with a better understanding of where you are going. And try and find a travel buddy before you go.
Contact: krobin11@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, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
Name: Neha Chhablani ’26
Major: Political Science & ESP
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Strasbourg Summer: Council of Europe Internship & The First Amendment & Freedom of Religion: A Global Perspective
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? One of my most valuable experiences was witnessing a landmark treaty being signed live by President Zelenskyy and hearing his speech in person in the grand chambers of the Council of Europe. The opportunity to attend was a special privilege given to interns of the Council. As I was escorted by the French National Police into the Palais of the Council, my self-importance momentarily inflated, and I felt as though I were one of the diplomats they were there to protect. Seeing President Zelenskyy speak was an unforgettable and invaluable experience. His podium stood less than twenty feet from me. Strasbourg’s multicultural environment is shaped by the constant flow of ambassadors and its central location in many other major cities. Experiencing that was unforgettable and immersed me in political and social cultures both similar and different to my own.
Contact: nachhabl@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Health, safety, and support, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Ariela Franco ’28
Major: Accounting, Psychology minor
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Madrid Summer Session
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? As someone who likes to be ahead and plan things in advance, the biggest advice I would give is to go in with an open mind and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the best memories I made in Madrid happened when plans were spontaneous or when I tried something new, even if I had no idea what I was doing. Don’t stress too much about having every day planned out. There is so much to explore and you truly never know what you’re going to see or who you’re going to meet, so you definitely have to go with the flow in many situations.
Contact: afranc21@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, First time abroad, Health, safety, and support, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Eric Gegiu ’27
Major: Political Science
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Strasbourg: Pre-Law program in Europe
What advice would you give to a student studying abroad? Don’t be scared to try new things. The first few days abroad can be tough because of a new environment but you will quickly adapt and have a good time from then on. Explore as much as you can, try to spend as little time as possible indoors outside of the time in class and studying.
Contact: edgegiu@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, Health, safety, and support, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Christian Han ’26
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Florence Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? I commuted nearly every other weekday to the University of Pisa from Florence for my internship, where I developed technical skills in SolidWorks, learned the principles of 3D printing, explored various polymer properties, and designed adjustments for ongoing projects. Moreover, this experience challenged me to get out of my comfort zone to navigate cultural differences while working closely with my assigned professors, an equally important skill that I believe would carry on forward in both my academic and professional life from here on out.
Contact: chan16@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Preparing for departure, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Financing study away, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Living with a host family
Name: Anaya Henry ’26
Major: Applied Data Analytics
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: London Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? One of my most valuable experiences in my host country was visiting Bath with one of my flatmates. It was incredible to see a different city in England, especially how different it was from London. Once we got off the train, it truly felt like we were in a completely different country. The architecture there was so beautiful, and it was so cool to be immersed in the history within the town. Even though it was a day trip, we were able to explore so much, from the Royal Crescent to the Roman Baths.
Contact: ahenry13@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Disability resources, Financing study away, First time abroad, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
Name: Xanthe Kakaras ’26
Major: Communications Design
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: London & Florence Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? For me, living in new environments (which I’ve now done three times over the past four years) has been one of the most rewarding experiences. It makes you feel accomplished, more independent, and better prepared to adapt to new places in the future. It’s not always easy, but it teaches you how capable you really are, I also think that kind of personal growth is something you carry with you forever.
Contact: xekakara@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, Preparing for departure
Name: Jack Pasquale ’28
Major: Acting and journalism
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Inclusive Schools and Societies: Lessons from the Italian Context
What would you tell students interested in studying abroad? Whatever you are worried about missing on campus at Syracuse will be there when you come back and whatever opportunities you think you will have abroad there will be even great opportunities and experiences that will last a lifetime and make you an even better, more rounded student when you return to Syracuse.
Contact: jcpasqua@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, First time abroad, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience
Name: Samuel Reinhard ’28
Major: Acting
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Madrid Summer Session
What was your most valuable experience abroad? My most valuable experience abroad had to be staying with a host family and being able to speak in Spanish. I had been studying Spanish for 5 years before then and so the opportunity to use it in a Spanish-speaking country was extremely special and educational. Being surrounded by Spanish, even at home with my most family, helped me improve my conversational abilities and create long-lasting relationships.
Contact: streinha@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Adjusting to a foreign language, Allergies & dietary needs, Cultural Immersion, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, LGBTQ+, Living with a host family
Name: Stephen Woolston ’27
Major: Political Science and Philosophy
Semester Abroad: Summer 2025
Program: Strasbourg: Pre-Law program in Europe
What was your most valuable experience abroad? The most valuable experience that I had abroad was during my trip to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which our program set up for us. It was fascinating to not only be in a building where such important things take place, but also to get to hear from a judge who is involved in said important things. Listening to the judges’ perspective and motivations was truly a surreal experience and is something that I value a lot and view as motivation for wanting to take real action.
Contact: sewoolst@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, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option