Name: Katherine Itoh ’23Major: Broadcast & Digital Journalism; International Relations
Semester Abroad: Fall 2021
Program: DIS Copenhagen
What would you say to a student who is undecided about going abroad? Don’t let your fear of the language barrier, the new environment, or the cultural differences hold you back. Studying abroad gave me a different lens through which to view the world around me and grow as a person. It was the best decision of my life and one I will cherish for years to come.
Contact: kritoh@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, Meeting locals ,Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Katherine Braun ’23Major: Aerospace Engineering
Semester Abroad: Fall 2021
Program: University College Dublin
What would you say to a student who is undecided about studying abroad? It was a wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunity. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has the chance. There was so much to learn and see. Living in a different country allowed me to see the world from a new perspective and culture. I got to meet so many new people, see so many new places, and try all sorts of new food. I enjoyed going on day trips to various parts of the country, each with a new story to tell.
Contact: kebraun@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, Preparing for departure
Selecting a program option
Name: Lillian Rhuda ’23Major: Bioengineering
Semester Abroad: Fall 2021
Program: University College Dublin
What advice would you give to a student before abroad? Research on the country you’re going to. It will help you pack everything you need and help you know what to expect. Things like the weather during the time of year you’re going, cultural celebrations or expectations, fun attractions to visit, nice restaurants, etc. Also, travel within the country you’re going to. A lot of people want to go to a new place each weekend but you get a better cultural experience if you can really get to know your host country.
Contact: lkrhuda@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
Name: Hannah Austgen ’23Major: Policy Studies, International Relations
Semester Abroad: Fall 2021
Program: Trinity College Dublin
What was your most unforgettable experience abroad?The most unforgettable experience in my host country was a bike ride I did by myself. I woke up early and took a train. I biked along the Waterford Greenway and it was so incredible.
Contact: htaustge@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
Name: Kara Mueller ’23Major: Human Development and Family Science
Semester Abroad: Fall 2021
Program: DIS Copenhagen
What would you say to a student who is undecided about going abroad? For the homebodies, I enjoy being home and spending time with family, and sometimes even going four hours away to Syracuse can be a tough adjustment. However, don’t let this hold you back. Going out of your comfort zone may take some adjustment, but once you step off of the plane in your destination, you will realize you made the correct choice.
Contact: kjmuelle@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
Name: Lia Figurelli ’23
Major: Sociology, Psychology
Semester Abroad: Fall 2021
Program: DIS Stockholm
What was your most valuable experience in your host country? I just realized how large the world is. I’ve never had an experience like this where I was able to really learn about different cultures and meet people from different corners of the world. DIS is really amazing because it emphasizes learning outside of the classroom, so you go with your core course to two different locations–one is a city in Sweden that is not Stockholm and one is a country in Europe that is not Sweden. I went to Gothenburg, Sweden and Athens, Greece with my positive psychology class.
Contact: llfigure@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family
Major: Bioengineering
Semester Abroad: Fall 2021
Program: University College Dublin
What advice would you give a student before they go abroad? Put yourself out there do not be afraid to start the conversation first!
Contact: alarancu@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family