Students can learn about study opportunities during Syracuse Abroad Day, Thursday, Feb. 7
Jacob Kahane ’21 spent his first semester as a Syracuse University student at the University’s Madrid program. It was a time of intensive learning, exploration of cultures and personal growth—a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Kahane says.
Jacob Kahane, second from left, with friends in Madrid
To other students thinking about the possibility of studying at any of the Syracuse Abroad centers or programs, he says go for it.
“Going abroad helps you find the best version of yourself, and you will come back a better person than when you left,” he says.
Kahane, along with several other students—global ambassadors—who have studied abroad, will share their stories and experiences during Syracuse Abroad Day, Thursday, Feb. 7, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Ilene and David Flaum Grand Hall in the Whitman School building.
Syracuse Abroad Day offers students a chance to hear about the more than 100 program options in 60 countries. Students can learn about financial aid options—including the new Syracuse Abroad Summer Program Merit Scholarship—and how study abroad fits with any curriculum. Syracuse Abroad staff will be available to answer questions.
“Syracuse Abroad Day is a great opportunity for students considering studying abroad to ask those detailed questions of students who’ve been there and know what it’s like,” says Erika Wilkens, assistant provost and executive director of Syracuse Abroad.
Students can enjoy light refreshments and international food and pick up Syracuse Abroad swag. This also will be the only chance this year for students to meet with representatives of Syracuse Abroad’s partner programs around the globe.
“Nearly half of all Syracuse University students study abroad in one of the many academically rigorous and dynamic programs through Syracuse Abroad,” Wilkens says. “They return with a global perspective and new core competencies that can be crucial to thrive in the global marketplace. We want to make sure all students are aware of the possibilities, for semester-long, summer and other short-term opportunities, to experience what many of their other peers have already discovered.”
Kahane, by participating in the Syracuse Discovery Madrid program, had the opportunity to study abroad even before he set foot on the Syracuse University campus. Along with his academic program and field study trips to different regions of Spain, he explored Madrid and traveled across Europe, visiting such cities as Paris and Rome.
Jacob Kahane with his father in front of the royal palace of Madrid
“Although the idea of starting my college experience abroad was intimidating at first, I look back on it as one of the greatest experiences of my life so far,” says Kahane, an economics major. “Spending time in Europe allowed me to grow as a person and become significantly more independent, helping me grow in self-confidence as I tackled the challenges that studying abroad presented to me.”
The experience opened his eyes to new foods, cultures and ways of life and allowed him to build relationships with his host family and the instructors at the Syracuse Madrid campus, along with other students studying abroad.
“I am still in contact with my host family, some of my instructors and many of the students who became very close friends of mine,” Kahane says.
Kahane encourages other students to think about the possibility of studying abroad and attend Syracuse Abroad day.
“When you study abroad, you will experience many things that you wouldn’t get to experience otherwise, and those things will help you grow as a person and prepare you for your future,” Kahane says. “Talking to people who have already studied abroad can help alleviate any concerns or hesitations you may have about studying abroad. They have firsthand knowledge of what it is like—and they probably had similar concerns to those you have when they were considering studying abroad.”
Along with attending Syracuse Abroad Day, students can also learn more by:
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience, as well as innovative online learning environments. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths. At Syracuse University, we offer a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges and 18 online degree programs. We have more than 15,000 undergraduates and 7,500 graduate students, more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, visit syracuse.edu.
