Syracuse Sun

The University, as part of its academic strategic plan "Leading With Distinction," aims to remove barriers and create opportunities for all undergraduates to study abroad or away before graduation. Nicole Collins, director of strategic partnerships and outreach with Syracuse Abroad, highlights that more than 50% of students explore the world through a Syracuse Abroad center. The university offers over 100 study abroad programs in 60 locations globally.

Collins notes a shift toward studying abroad during the fall semester rather than the traditional spring term. She outlines several reasons for this trend: easier program entry and housing availability, increased scholarships and grants such as $2,000 per student for Central Europe and Santiago, Chile, special fall-only events like Oktoberfest and Christmas markets, unique cultural experiences in locations like Florence, Italy, and ease of family visits.

"Our students are realizing the amazing opportunities available in the fall," Collins states. "We have great need-based and merit-based scholarship opportunities available for students in the fall, plus there’s less demand."

On an episode of the 'Cuse Conversations podcast, Collins discusses these benefits with Sophia Moore ’25. Moore had a transformative experience at the Santiago Center in Chile during Fall 2023. The application deadline for those considering studying abroad in the fall is March 15.

Sophia Moore ’25 shared her experiences visiting Machu Picchu while majoring in television, radio and film; sociology. She chose Santiago because it offered a rare opportunity to immerse herself in an unfamiliar culture within South America under Syracuse Abroad's guidance. Her host family played a significant role by encouraging exploration of Santiago's offerings.

Moore developed close bonds with peers who shared life-changing cultural experiences distinct from their U.S. lifestyle over five months together. She learned resilience by navigating language challenges daily.

Anna Meehan ’26 participated in the Exploring Central Europe program based in Wroclaw, Poland. Majoring in international relations; Russian language literature & culture; music history & cultures she visited Poland Slovakia Czech Republic Germany drawn by interests related WWII history Holocaust studies Soviet Union political culture former Soviet countries' politics education goals aspirations personal revelations experienced there prompted plans return long-term post-graduation

Meehan became closely connected fellow participants sharing emotional experiences concentration camp visits continued contact post-program reunion central European immersion complemented academic pursuits understanding Eastern European politics history firsthand exposure non-governmental organizations addressing Ukrainian refugee crisis through art music therapy shifted perspective career mission