Major: International Relations and History
Semester Abroad: Spring 2019
Program: Trinity College Dublin
What would you say to a student who is undecided about studying abroad? Going abroad was one the best decisions I’ve made here at SU. I was lucky enough to do it during my sophomore year, which gave me more time at Syracuse but also allowed me to have the option of choosing courses based either on my major or for fun. I think if your unsure because of your major, look for the abroad program that will fit your area of study (they exist!), if your unsure due to language differences, many of the programs are taught in English and many of the countries have a high population of English speakers. And finally, if your just unsure in general, I would say going abroad will be exciting and fun, but will also create skills that are necessary in life. Embrace the unknown, it what makes the experience more valuable.
Contact: jander08@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Cultural immersion
Name: Danielle Llewellyn ’21
Major: Psychology & Sociology
Semester abroad: Spring 2019
Program: DIS Stockholm
What did you wish you had known before going abroad? My semester in Sweden gave me the opportunity to travel both within and outside the city limits of Stockholm, immersing myself in the exciting hustle and bustle of the city but also seeing the stunning countryside of Sweden. One of my most treasured memories is traveling to my host family’s country place for the weekend. My host family’s country place lies about an hour and a half south west of Stockholm, deep into the lush, emerald forests that Sweden happily boasts. During my time abroad, Sweden became more than just a country to me; it became my second home. Learning about the education system, politics, and overall culture of Sweden has given me a new vision of how I want to drive further the innovation but also the empathy of the world.
Contact: dellewel@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, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, Health, safety, and support, Living with a host family, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity, Selecting a program option
Name: Jacob McNeal ’21
Major: English Education
Semester abroad: Fall 2020
Program: University of Limerick
What would you say about a student undecided about studying abroad? For all the jokes about abroad students coming back and saying how life-changing the experience was, it is a great experience. You meet other abroad students and realize that you inherently have something in common with most of them, and make some great friends. There’s no feeling like saying that you’ve got another home in a whole other place in the world, it feels really special, and like it’s something that’s yours. It gives you opportunity to grow outside of who you are, who you’ve always been at your school or with your friends.
Contact: jmmcneal@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, Living with a host family, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Selecting a program option
Name: Ruby Isley ’21
Major: Information Management & Technology
Semester abroad: Spring 2020
Program: University of Sydney
What would you say about a student undecided about studying abroad? Talk to someone in the abroad office! I visited many times to meet with different advisors and it was always really helpful just to hear about different Syracuse or World Partner programs and what they entailed. I also talked with SU students from countries I was interested in to hear what it was like.
Contact: rjisley@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Staying in touch with friends & family, Allergies & dietary needs, 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: Melody Wong ’21Major: Accounting
Semester Abroad: Spring 2020
Program: Kansai Gaidai University: Asian Studies Program
What did you wish you had known before going abroad? Don’t overthink and abroad flies by in a blink of an eye.
Before I went abroad, I knew no one from Syracuse going. Days leading up to me leaving, I thought I will be alone and I made a bad choice. However, that turns out to be false and I made friends from all around the world and I found people from Syracuse. To this day, all my abroad friends are my family and I can’t wait to see them in the near future!
Before I knew it. I had to leave early because of the global pandemic. Regardless, those were the best three months of my life and it flew by so quickly. Leaving my people was not easy, but I never regret making the decision to go abroad. When you are having fun, time goes by so quickly.
Go with the flow, enjoy the moment and have fun, but study hard. In the end, everything will work out a the end and you will have the best time of your life. It is going to be one of your best college experience ever and remember to take lots of pictures to commemorate your memories!
Contact: mewong@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Selecting a program option, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Culture shock / Homesickness, Preparing for departure
Name: Claudia Cavanaugh ’21Major: Public Health, minor in Nutrition
Semester Abroad: Spring 2020
Program: DIS Stockholm
What would you say to a student undecided about going abroad? I would say that studying abroad can offer you so much. I was also undecided about spending a semester away from Syracuse, but it has become a highlight of my college career and has most definitely influenced my future. Though this semester was cut short, nothing was wasted – I found a deeper and more concentrated interest in public health and met some truly incredible people. I would say that studying a topic that interests you in a place you’ve never been is a once in a lifetime experience, and it can benefit you both academically and personally.
Contact: clcavana@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: First time abroad
Name: Claudia Cavanaugh ’21Major: Sociology, Environment, Sustainability, and Policy
Semester Abroad: Spring 2020
Program: CET Brazil (São Paulo, Brasil)
What would you say to a student undecided about going abroad? Look at all the options offered! Don’t always go for the most mainstream experience because you can find hidden gems where most people don’t want to go.
Contact: mlmonaha@syr.edu
Topics I’m comfortable discussing: Selecting a program option, Adjusting to a foreign language, Cultural Immersion, Financing study away, Fitting study abroad into your home campus experience, LGBTQ+, Meeting locals, Preparing for departure, Race & Ethnicity