In a convergence of cultures and campuses, students from Syracuse Abroad centers in Florence, Italy; Madrid, Spain and Strasbourg, France came together in the heart of Europe for a multi-center study abroad experience that turned Strasbourg into both a classroom and crossroads.

During the first weekend of October, student ambassadors from Florence and Madrid joined their peers in Strasbourg for the first ever, multi-center study abroad field trip. The trip focused on building connections among programs, interdisciplinary studies and European politics, offering a unique opportunity to engage with key institutions and cross-cultural perspectives at the heart of the European Union.

Sasha Perugini, director of global innovation and director of Syracuse Florence, says this field trip started as a simple idea over a year ago: “What about bringing Syracuse students from the different centers to the European Parliament in Strasbourg?”

John Goodman, director of Syracuse Strasbourg, hosted the group and organized the trip, which was co-led by Dieter Kuehl, director of Syracuse Madrid, and Perugini from Florence. While in France, students visited the Council of Europe and the European Parliament and took a day trip to Freiburg, Germany, a popular destination just a short distance away from Strasbourg.

At the Council of Europe, the oldest intergovernmental institution in Europe, Bjorn Berge, deputy secretary general of the council, led a meaningful conversation with the student ambassadors. The dialogue focused on today’s political and human right issues and navigating complex international landscapes. As the epicenter of human rights, democracy and law, students gained hands-on experience at the Council of Europe through Syracuse Strasbourg’s unique and long-standing relationship with the institution.

“The Council of Europe visit was interesting in the way that it allowed us from Syracuse Strasbourg, Florence and Madrid to question the strength of democracies in the present day,” says Alexander Nistor, a student from Grinnell College majoring in French and philosophy studying through Syracuse Strasbourg. “It made us realize how important it is to maintain a system that strives to promote human rights and freedoms.”

At the European Parliament, students attended a plenary session inside the iconic hemicycle and participated in a memorable meeting Dario Nardella, member of the European Parliament (MEP), former mayor of Florence and longtime friend of Syracuse University. He welcomed students and reflected on his work as an MEP and the complex issues facing Europe today.

His discussion focused on the students’ personal role in shaping society and their unique learning experience in Europe, “crossing bridges among institutions, generations and cultures.” Nardella concluded his lecture by illustrating the impact students have on society. “You can change the world by putting pressure on institutions, by participating in the democratic process and by pursuing what you believe in, guided by your values and ideas,” he said.

In Freiburg, Germany, students either took part in a historic tour or a sustainability tour. The historic tour visited a local museum that focused on the regional history of the Strasbourg and Freiburg area. The city of Freiburg is a unique blend of old-world charm, urban culture and luscious nature from the Black Forest. While in Strasbourg for the semester, students often take the short day-trip to explore the Black Forest, a stunning mountainous region on the border of France and Germany.

As students from the three centers explored Strasbourg together, they built meaningful connections, sharing experiences that bridged campuses and fostered a strong sense of community across borders. “The visit was a meaningful experience both culturally and socially” says Nistor. “It was a true pleasure to share this with Syracuse Florence and Madrid students at the cultural crossroads of the Rhine Valley.”

Álvaro Mira, cultural engagement coordinator at Syracuse Madrid, reflects on the impact of the trip across centers and how this can further enhance study abroad experiences in Europe. “This trip was a powerful example of what we can achieve when our centers come together with a shared vision: empowering globally minded students to learn, connect and lead beyond borders,” he says.