Editor鈥檚 note: This is the last in a five-part series spotlighting 鈥檚 global centers.

Marion Patsalides 鈥�28 didn’t just study in Strasbourg鈥攕he biked its backstreets, soaked in its baths and became a regular at the neighborhood patisserie. A mechanical engineering major in the , Patsalides studied abroad in the Fall 2025 semester and found Strasbourg to be more than she imagined.

鈥淪tudying abroad changed my perspective on myself and the world around me,鈥� she says. Here’s how Patsalides made the most of every week abroad.

Get a Bike

鈥淪trasbourg is a super bikeable city! My favorite way to explore was on my bike. It really enhanced my knowledge of how to get around and helped me feel more like a local.

鈥淭here are relatively cheap bike rentals or a biannual bike sale where you can get your own bike. Make sure to get bike locks, a helmet and a bell. It is illegal to ride a bike in Strasbourg without a bell, so that is an absolute essential.”

Spend a Weekend at Home

鈥淢ost people going to Strasbourg plan to travel around Europe almost every weekend. Since you have no classes on Friday (most of the time) and many exciting places to visit, it鈥檚 very enticing to book lots of travel every weekend once you get there. Plan a 鈥榮taycation鈥� for at least one weekend.

鈥淒uring the week, you will have work or studying to do, including your own classes. Make sure you allot a weekend to stay in Strasbourg and explore the whole city. Visit Homme de Fer for shopping and food and Petite France for the quaint atmosphere. Get to know your home base. It is a whole destination on its own, and it鈥檚 worth it to spend the time really getting to know it.

鈥淚 spent a few weekends in Strasbourg, including two at the end of the semester when I explored the famous Strasbourg Christmas markets with the millions of tourists in the city at the time.

鈥淢id-semester, I spent a weekend in Strasbourg touring around parts of the city I hadn鈥檛 been to before, and I visited the Strasbourg baths with my host mom. The spa experience was amazing and very relaxing. Experiences like this one can鈥檛 be beat, especially when they鈥檙e one block away from home!鈥�

Take the Train

鈥淲eekend travel is a huge part of this program. Many people choose to fly around Europe, since Strasbourg Entzheim Airport is just outside the city. I used the airport a few times (all three for the UK to visit family). However, the experience of riding the trains is so worthwhile too. Strasbourg is a major European train hub, so many places are easily accessible by train from the Gare Centrale, which is in turn easy to access by bus or by the A, C or D trams.

鈥淗owever, if you鈥檙e looking to save a little money or visit more places in Germany, just over the border is another large train station in Kiel, Germany. The Strasbourg trams have a stop right over the border at that station (A or D).

鈥淭rain journeys provide a beautiful, aesthetic view while getting you to most places in Europe quickly. I remember taking the TGV (French bullet train) to Paris having large windows and gorgeous views of the French countryside. Bring your passport to go over the border, and travel like the locals do!鈥�

Skip the Starbucks

Many of us are reliant on our morning Starbucks, but that isn鈥檛 the only option in Strasbourg. There are cafes and patisserie everywhere. While Starbucks, McDonald’s and other fast food do exist in France, there are so many more options at reasonable prices. Strasbourg has a lot of different types of food, and so many amazing restaurants and cafes.

鈥淪ome of us students in my French 101 class used to visit Patisserie Gerber Jean around the corner from the Strasbourg villa every day after class, and we became regulars! Explore around your neighborhood and visit local restaurants and cafes instead of the big chains.鈥�

Bring the Travel Guide

鈥淏ring an English guidebook from home for some of the places you think you might travel to (including France). Oftentimes, simply looking on Google for a good restaurant can ensure that you miss hidden gems and small businesses, especially in large cities like London or Paris. With guidebooks, someone has done the leg work and found delicious food for you.

鈥淎lso, sometimes guidebooks can find better hotels or hostels that fit your needs. Personally, a Rick Steves recommendation saved me a lot of money in London when he recommended a family-owned hotel a 5-minute walk from Victoria Station with reasonable prices. Better experiences and food can be found with an actual book than Google or ChatGPT can get you.鈥�

As a freshman, Mason Burley 鈥�27 made himself a promise: experience as much of the world as possible and 鈥減ut myself out there.鈥� In fact, his first trip over the Atlantic was a study abroad experience in Kenya. And he鈥檚 been racking up the miles ever since.

鈥淚 guess I did put myself out there,鈥� he says.

Since arriving at 性视界, the , minor and recently-named聽Remembrance Scholar and 2027 Class Marshall, has logged study away experiences on four continents鈥攑laying soccer with village kids in Kenya, bartering at a Maasai market, teaching at a private school in Poland, standing at the Brandenburg Gate and meeting a Holocaust survivor.

But Burley isn鈥檛 collecting passport stamps for the sake of it. Every trip ties back to the classroom he will soon be leading.

鈥淭hese experiences have helped solidify my decision to be a social studies teacher,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 be the educator I am without them.鈥�

Burley understands that cost is a reason some students might not do study abroad or study away. But his own journey was made possible by a mix of support that is available to others: the ; the , a gift by Lauri 鈥�77 and Jeffrey Zell 鈥�77; and 性视界 University Abroad.

鈥淒on鈥檛 be discouraged by cost,鈥� he says. 鈥淭here are many opportunities for financial help.鈥�

Even though you might only make one study trip, Burley鈥檚 story is proof that trip can change everything.

Below, take a tour around the world with Burley as he describes some of the photographic memories recorded along the way.

Summer 2024: Kenya

Burley: During our study abroad trip to Kenya, we were based in a homestay in the village of Ugweri. This photo was taken when we were heading out for dinner. We met some village kids and played soccer with them. I remember they were fascinated by my hair as they had never met someone with straight hair before.

This Kenya study abroad program is organized by (SOE) professors聽听补苍诲听. It enables pre-service teachers to experiencing rural and urban education in the nation and interact with students, teachers and university faculty.

A major difference I saw with Kenyan education is that the government picks your major based on the state鈥檚 needs. Also, the education system is a British colonial holdover. The lessons were very western-centric education, with not much about native history.

This photo shows some of my cohort at Nanyuki, a small village on the Equator that is a big tourist destination even for Africans. My cohort was a mix of undergraduates, graduate students and doctoral students. All were from the School of Education except for one.

One of the most interesting places I visited in Kenya was a Maasai market. There were hundreds of vendors, and we got to barter with them. It was good to experience these local customs, and I became quite well known for bartering!

Spring Break 2025: Washington,聽 D.C.

Burley: During Spring Break, SOE Professor聽听辞蹿蹿别谤蝉听, a credit-bearing immersion week in Washington, D.C. This group was mostly undergraduates from SOE and the . We met with human rights activist groups, visited organization such as the US Institute of Peace, and toured the Holocaust Museum.

As a history teacher, I am interested in teaching the Holocaust and learning how to bring the new era of policies and activism into this work, because human rights abuses are ongoing.

This photo is of almost the entire DC immersion week cohort. We were visiting the world war memorials near the National Mall when we took this selfie next to one of the famous cherry blossom trees. It was a very good cherry blossom day.

Fall 2025: Central Europe (Czechia, Germany, Moldova, Poland, and Romania)

Burley: In 2025, I was awarded a Tyler Center for Global Studies Fellowship, which is a grant made to 12 universities by Florida State University and distributed at 性视界 by聽. As part of this grant, I am working on a research paper about Soviet-era education programs, how they affected Soviet bloc children and how they were used to spread propaganda.

The above photo was taken in Warsaw Old Town, which was rebuilt after the bombing of World War 2, using old paintings as references. We spent between three and five days in each country and traveled by bus. We visited museums and other cultural and historical sites, including the Nazi camps Auschwitz and Treblinka, and took classes at Poland鈥檚 University of Lower Silesia.

This photo shows the famous Brandenburg gate in Berlin. There was an NFL game being played in the city between the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts. That was a crazy clash between German and American culture!

Berlin was my favorite of all the places we visited. It had both old and newer history, and I was especially struck by the contrast between East and West Berlin, the differences in public transportation and the contrast between the old halogen lights in the East and the new LED lights in West Berlin. As a history teacher, those disparities gave me food for thought.

January 2026: Houston, Texas

Burley: Another short-term study away course SOE offers is the聽, which you can take for credit with Professor Emerita聽. This program is geared more toward Holocaust educators, so there were social studies education students on this trip, as well as some museum and library studies students.

The cohort traveled to the Holocaust museum in Houston, Texas, to learn how to properly teach about the Holocaust and human rights. There are lectures, and we even met a Holocaust survivor, Bill Orlin, who is a local legend. He is in his 90s, but he is still sharp as a tack, digging back dozens of years. He was a lovely gentleman to talk to, and he made us understand the importance of individual stories when learning about the Holocaust.

Editor鈥檚 note: This is the fourth in a five-part series spotlighting 鈥檚 global centers.

South America was entirely new territory for Ella Roerden before her semester abroad in Santiago, Chile. Four months later, she left with volcano views, a 10K finish and a new sense of her place in the world.

Roerden is an anthropology and international relations major in the who hails from 性视界. She has studied abroad for three semesters鈥擣lorence in fall 2023, Santiago in spring 2025 and the Exploring Central Europe program in fall 2025鈥攁nd now serves as a 性视界 Abroad global ambassador.

鈥淚 traveled to Europe before, but I had no idea what to expect, frankly, during my trip to South America,鈥� Roerden says. 鈥淚t ended up working out quite well! I learned a lot about myself and my place in the world there, and my story- and memory-oriented self got to take in so much in just four months. The time I spent in Chile is precious to me, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.鈥�

Here’s what she’d tell every student heading there.

Spend Time Outdoors … Take a Hike!

鈥淏oth in the city of Santiago and all around Chile, there are plenty of places to go hiking. Visit the 鈥楲os Lagos鈥� (The Lakes) region of Chile to find hikes through forests, wowing you with volcanic views. In towns like Puc贸n and Puerto Varas, we connected with nature and saw things I would not see back home.

鈥淭here is little else as satisfying as cresting the peak of a mountain to find yourself looking across a valley at the crater of a volcano. Chile has hundreds of volcanoes and several mountain ranges, most notably the Andes. You might think hiking up one mountain just to see some other mountains sounds monotonous, but the sights took my breath away every single time. Those hard climbs were worth it to get a glimpse of natural beauty on a scale I don’t see in 性视界.鈥�

Visit the Public Parks in the City

鈥淪antiago is a massive city, and it can seem like it’s all urban neighborhoods. If you take a closer look, you’ll find plenty of public parks. From the mini-mountain in the heart of the city, Cerro San Crist贸bal, to Plaza 脩u帽oa, a flourishing neighborhood square, the parks in Santiago are filled with life. After a long day of class, I enjoyed getting ice cream with friends and heading to a centrally-located park to watch the sunset before going home for dinner. Looking back, those moments of fun, whimsy and relaxation in the parks were some of the best times during my semester in Chile.鈥�

Take Advantage of Group Activities

鈥淭he program directors are your built-in tour guides. They can teach you so much beyond just the classroom. The group tours offered may seem like just another obligation, but they ended up being some of the best fun I had.

鈥淪antiago is packed with history, and many parts can’t be covered in class lectures. Walking the city with program staff showed me some hidden gems to take my family to when they visited, provided conversation points to take back to my host family and gave me an opportunity to develop deeper bonds with the staff while getting to see Santiago through their eyes. Touring niche neighborhoods and museums gave me a deeper understanding and doing it with the group led to insights I wouldn’t have gotten if I had explored those places alone.鈥�

Act Like a Local

鈥淚t can be daunting to try and speak a new language when you’re surrounded by native speakers, but be brave! Do your best to engage with all parts of the culture around you. I attended local artisan markets and crafts fairs, ran a huge 10K race through the heart of the city, went to a music festival, visited an escape room and a cat cafe, and so much more.

鈥淚t took me a while to learn that there is more to being in a new place than just doing all the 鈥榯ouristy鈥� things (but those are fun too!). A lot of times, doing the things locals do can be just as cool and interesting, if not more so, than the popular activities and sights.鈥�

Engage With Your Cohort

鈥淩emember that you are all in this experience together! None of you will experience it exactly the same way, but you will have a lot in common and the feeling of being in it together will take you a long way. Along the road, friendships and camaraderie will develop naturally, and hopefully, you will find that you can all lean on one another.

鈥淧eriods of change can be hard, especially near-constant travel, so it鈥檚 helpful to have a support system of people who are going through the same thing. You’ll always remember when those people were there with you when you needed them most鈥攎aking you laugh, celebrating, studying and traveling together and living the best of the human experience alongside you.鈥�

Students interested in studying abroad in spring 2027 can begin applying on Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m. ET.

With over 60 program options and locations around the globe, from major cities to hidden gems, there’s a 性视界 Abroad experience waiting just around the corner. 性视界 Abroad centers in Florence, London, Madrid, Santiago (Chile) and Strasbourg (France) are each designed to provide an authentic and immersive study abroad experience. Select World Partner programs are available across Africa, Asia, Australia and more.

View all .

New Program Features Debuting in Spring 2027

Iconic Travel Destination Added to Santiago Center Program Itinerary

Beginning in spring 2027, the Santiago Center program is adding an exciting component to its included travel itinerary: students will take a group trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, to explore the expansive Inca terrace system.

As a master class in agricultural innovation, students will dive into the history of this ancient land while studying soil conservation, water irrigation systems and more. In addition, all courses in the spring are taught in English, with the exception of Spanish beginner and intermediate Spanish language classes. This spring program is ideal for students who have basic Spanish-language skills and are interested in .

Looking to fulfill core course requirements? The course Dictatorships, Human Rights and Historical Memory in Chile and the Southern Cone, taught by center director Mauricio Paredes, will now count as IDEA credit. This course studies the military coup of 1973 and its time period and evaluates its significance and contributions to the configuration of social, political and economic aspects of Chile today.

In addition, all students studying in Santiago in spring 2027 will receive a $2,000 location grant automatically applied to program costs. There is no additional application required.

Learn more about .

性视界 Abroad Global Ambassador Isabella Gardea poses in Machu Picchu, Peru.

Special Program Launching for Environment, Health聽 and Policy Enthusiasts

The Santiago Center will also offer a new program focusing on health, sustainability and the environment in Latin America. will include new focusing on local health practices Latin America.

Chile ranks among the region鈥檚 leaders in environmental legislation, public health reform and urban sustainability. Students on this program will explore the intersection of these issues through special courses and field trips, including visits to Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Buenos Aires and more.

Exclusive Communications Internship in Strasbourg, France

In collaboration with the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the Strasbourg Center has partnered with local publication station ARTE to create a new paid, nearly full-time, on-site internship program.

, a leading European media and cultural platform headquartered in Strasbourg just minutes from the 性视界 center, will host two prestigious internship opportunities in the Digital News and Global Offers divisions exclusively for 性视界 students. This credit-bearing internship program will allow students to intern, produce media and take related courses at the Strasbourg Center.

A limited number of opportunities are available, and all internship students will receive a monthly stipend and a $1,000 scholarship. The application deadline for the ARTE Internship program is Sept. 1; students can reach out to Brad Gorham or visit the to learn more.

Preparing to Study Abroad

The spring 2027 application cycle opens on Friday, May 15, at 9 a.m. ET and closes on Oct. 1 for most programs; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the exception of special programs and World Partner programs. The application deadline for World Partner programs is July 1. For specific deadlines, students should refer to each program鈥檚 individual application page.

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as many programs have limited capacity. Due to these constraints, securing a spot at specific Centers in the spring, and at World Partner programs, cannot be guaranteed. As part of the application, students will be asked to select a second and third choice program should their first choice program reach capacity.

For more information, students can with an international program advisor or make a general advising appointment to explore their options. 性视界 Abroad will continue to offer virtual advising appointments throughout the summer on a limited basis.聽Visit the to view all application details and requirements.

Editor鈥檚 note: This is the third in a five-part series spotlighting 鈥檚 global centers.

Most students go abroad to see the world. Marc Pantano 鈥�26 went to Madrid and built one鈥攃omplete with a Spanish cooking class, solo trips and establishing a new a cappella group.

鈥淪tudy abroad in Madrid was one of the most transformative experiences of my life,鈥� says Pantano, a marketing management and supply chain management major in the from Newington, Connecticut. 鈥淚n the fall 2024 semester, I had the chance to fully immerse myself in a new culture, travel all over Europe and grow in ways I didn鈥檛 really expect.” Pantano now serves as an Abroad global ambassador.

鈥淟ooking back, my experience wasn鈥檛 just about the places I visited, it was about learning how to be independent, stepping outside my comfort zone and really taking advantage of everything available to me,鈥� he says.

Here are some of the biggest things he learned along the way:

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

鈥淚f I had to sum up studying abroad with one idea, it would be this: you really just have to say 鈥榶es鈥� and try things you normally wouldn鈥檛.

鈥淓ven choosing the fall semester was a little outside my comfort zone because a lot of my friends wanted to go in the spring. I was nervous about not knowing as many people, but I鈥檓 so glad I did it because I ended up meeting so many new people from 性视界 and other schools.

鈥淥ne of the first big experiences I had was the Signature Seminar course on marine ecology in the Mediterranean Sea. We did research, visited labs and museums, cleaned beaches and even went scuba diving, which I had never done before. That alone set the tone for the rest of the semester.

鈥淒uring the semester, I did a solo trip to Venice. Traveling by myself felt weird at first. I thought I would feel embarrassed or awkward, but I actually had a great time. It was incredibly peaceful, and I got to do whatever I wanted, which made the experience really fun. Now, I even feel comfortable asking strangers to take my photo!鈥�

Take Advantage of Your Classes and Schedule

鈥淚 tried to take classes that were interesting but also gave me perspectives I wouldn鈥檛 normally get at my home school.

鈥淚 took business classes that showed me how marketing and business differ in Europe compared to the U.S., especially in my marketing class focused on Spain. I also took Earth science, which tied into the marine ecology course, as well as sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which made everything feel real, applicable and something I felt could be expanded into the U.S. My sports business class also gave me a different perspective on the global sports industry, which I never would鈥檝e been exposed to.

鈥淥ne thing that made a big difference was also planning a schedule that was flexible around travel. My last class was on Thursday afternoons, which meant I had extra time for weekend trips. If that is not an opportunity, don鈥檛 worry! Enjoy the classes you get to take. They are taught so differently with the smaller class size that we were able to go on multiple field trips for each course. This experiential learning was incredibly memorable and was a great way to get out of the classroom and learn more about Madrid!鈥�

Match Your Trips to the Seasons

鈥淭his is something I thought about after choosing to go abroad in the fall and it ended up making a big difference.

鈥淚 started off traveling a lot during the warmer months, Spain was perfect for that, especially places like Valencia, Seville, Barcelona and smaller coastal towns. I also went to Portugal, Morocco, Italy and France early on.

鈥淎s the leaves started to change, I shifted toward places like Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.

鈥淏y the end of the semester, I was also doing more seasonal activities like Christmas markets in Germany and the Czech Republic, which made everything feel even more special. At the same time, Madrid itself always had so much going on that I never felt like I had to travel constantly.鈥�

Seek Out Experiences (Not Just Trips)

鈥淲henever I was doing anything or going anywhere, I was constantly searching to find experiences in each destination. In Madrid specifically, I took advantage of the Passport Program, which listed a ton of activities students could try.

鈥淪ome of my favorites were a Spanish cooking class, Tasty Tuesdays With 脕lvaro; a bike tour with my professor Monica; and attending a flamenco show. These were all available to us as students, so I made sure to take full advantage of them!

鈥淭hrough MadWorld and other campus opportunities, I ended up attending the most events in my program. But it never felt like something I was checking off a list. It was genuinely fun and a great way to meet people and try new things!鈥�

Make Something of Your Own!

鈥淥ne of the things I鈥檓 most proud of from my time abroad was starting an a cappella group called 隆Acapaella!

鈥淚 wanted something that would bring people together, so I created a group that ended up including students from 性视界, Duke, Amherst, Kenyon and more. I was the founder, president and social media director, so I handled rehearsals, taught music and managed our Instagram.

鈥淎t the end of the semester, we performed 鈥業 Want You Back鈥� at the Instituto in front of students, staff, faculty and host families. Seeing everyone come together from completely different schools and backgrounds was honestly one of the most rewarding parts of my whole experience.

鈥淚t made me realize that abroad, and life, is what you make of it!鈥�

Editor鈥檚 note: This is the second in a five-part series spotlighting 鈥檚 global centers.

One diverted flight. One friend doused in clam pasta. One night in a pub basement, too choked up to sing “Piano Man.” Mairead Connolly ’28 went to Florence with a plan and came back with something better鈥攖he kind of stories that don’t fit in a caption and a confidence she didn’t know she was looking for.

Connolly, a resident of Watertown, Massachusetts, is a forensic science major and psychology major in the . She studied abroad for the fall 2025 semester through 性视界 Abroad and now serves as an Abroad global ambassador.

鈥淚 went during the fall for a fresh start, but also because I believe it makes so much sense to experience warm, cool and a bit of cold weather than to arrive there when it鈥檚 cold and dark,鈥� Connolly says. 鈥淒uring the fall, you can experience the summer vibes but also experience the Christmas markets.鈥�

Here are her recommendations, in her own words, of five things to do to get the most out of your Florence study abroad experience.

Focus on Your Own Experience

鈥淏efore going abroad and while you鈥檙e actually there, it鈥檚 easy to compare your experiences to what you see on social media. It made me set unrealistic expectations that every aspect was going to be perfect or as close to perfect as I can get.

鈥淏ut there are going to be moments where things don鈥檛 go as planned, you feel a little out of place or you have to adjust on the fly. Those moments end up being just as meaningful. They push you to adapt, figure things out and learn more about yourself. You get through them with a great story!

鈥淭here was a night when my friends and I had a reservation at a popular restaurant in Florence that is known for their gnocchi. We believed we聽had聽to go. We never made it to the restaurant. Instead, we passed a place that sold gelatoshakes (called 鈥淰enchi,鈥� please try them, they are amazing) and stood by The Arno watching the stars come out.鈥�

Be Open to Going Solo

鈥淚 loved traveling with friends and my family when they came to visit, but the solo trips I did are some of my favorite memories from being abroad. Going on a trip solo gives you time to think in a way you don鈥檛 usually get. You can process what you鈥檙e experiencing and learn more about yourself.

鈥淥ne of my favorite solo trips was while I was on fall break with friends in London. I鈥檝e always wanted to see Stonehenge so I marked a whole day for that trip. Later I went to Bath. I went to lunch by myself, met new people, tried mead for the first time and followed a tour with a really funny guide. There was no schedule, no pressure, just me experiencing everything at my own pace. It gave me a level of confidence I hadn鈥檛 felt before.

鈥淓ven just going for a walk to the Boboli Gardens in Florence had me romanticizing my day as I walked down the narrow streets listening to Billy Joel. Moments like these reminded me of why I wanted to go abroad.鈥�

Stay Present and Embrace Quiet Moments

鈥淪tep back from the moment and look around, notice the people you鈥檙e with and pay attention to how you feel. I started doing this, especially in places that felt significant like in Bath or in the Louvre.

鈥淏eing in a different country with so much history and culture, I slowed everything down and made the experience feel more real. Those moments stand out clearly in my memory, and I feel like I actually experienced them.

鈥淚 visited the Sistine Chapel in Rome. When I reached the main chapel, I looked up to see 鈥淭he Creation of Adam鈥� by Michelangelo. I intentionally slowed everything down and let myself really feel it. That moment has stayed with me far more clearly than any picture ever could.

鈥淥n our last day of studying abroad, my friends and I were at a pub and there was karaoke in the basement. The song 鈥淧iano Man鈥� by Billy Joel came on, and everyone started singing and swaying together. It was bittersweet, as we were leaving Florence and each other. I stopped singing and watched my friends smiling and swaying, and it felt like everyone in the room was one.鈥�

Recognize Your Growth Along the Way

鈥淣ot every moment abroad is going to feel like a big, life-changing experience, and that鈥檚 okay. Sometimes growth shows up in smaller ways, like figuring out transportation, adjusting to a new routine or becoming more comfortable in unfamiliar situations.

鈥淭here will also be moments that really push you. One of mine was when my flight was unexpectedly diverted, and I ended up landing hours away, late at night with no plan. I had to figure out how to get back to Florence on my own. It was so stressful, but looking back it鈥檚 one of the experiences I鈥檓 most proud of. It showed me that I could stay calm, problem solve and handle things independently. It鈥檚 important to recognize those moments because they鈥檙e where you realize how much you鈥檝e actually grown.鈥�

If Your Program Offers a Signature Seminar, Do It!

鈥淚 participated in the Hands on History seminar, a 10-day trip through different parts of Sicily with a small group. It was intense and exhausting at times, but it was also one of the most memorable parts of my semester. I formed strong connections with some of the people on the trip, and those friendships have lasted beyond the trip and shaped the rest of my time abroad.

“One moment that I still laugh about happened during one of our group dinners. We were all starving and ready to eat, and the waiter accidentally spilled pasta with clams onto my friend鈥檚 head. It turned into one of those moments where everyone was crying laughing, and it completely broke the tension from the day. It sounds small, but such moments brought us closer so quickly.

鈥淚 also went on a half-day trip to the Carrara Marble Quarry, which was one of the iExplore opportunities. This was the quarry where Michelangelo got marble for his sculptures. A tour guide showed us around their small outdoor museum and gave us some background information on the history of the quarry, how they cut marble and what they do with it now.鈥�

Editor’s note: This is the first in a five-part series spotlighting ‘s global centers.

Fish and chips. Red double-deckers. A rooftop garden with Thames views. Nash Newton ’27 went to London for a semester abroad and came back with something far harder to fit in a suitcase: a completely new perspective on the world.

Newton, a resident of Portland, Oregon, is a policy studies major in the | with a focus on citizenship and community engagement. He studied abroad for the fall 2025 semester through 性视界 Abroad, and now serves as an Abroad global ambassador.

Newton took classes in marketing, politics and environmental sustainability efforts, among others. Through trips, he performed field studies and explored historic locations throughout the city of London and various parts of the UK such as Liverpool, Cornwall, Lockerbie, Scotland, and Cardiff, Wales.

性视界 London organized a trip to Lockerbie, the site of the Pan Am 103 bombing in 1988 in which 270 people, including 35 students studying through 性视界鈥檚 Division of International Programs Abroad were lost. He heard personal stories from residents and met this year鈥檚 10 Lockerbie Fellows. The trip also included a visit to Glasgow, where participants attended a play titled 鈥淪mall Acts of Love,鈥� inspired by the stories surrounding the tragedy and the experiences faced by those after the event.

鈥淪tudying abroad at 性视界 truly shifts your perspective,鈥� Newton says. 鈥淓mbrace both the challenges and positive experiences, as they will create lasting memories and stories鈥攚hether you鈥檙e exploring solo or traveling with a group, attending classes or navigating an unfamiliar location.鈥�

Here are his recommendations, in his own words, of five things to do to get the most out of your London study abroad experience.

Explore a Museum

“Visiting the V&A East Storehouse Museum was a remarkable experience, as it showcases between 250,000 and 500,000 art pieces spread over three levels. This museum stands out for its unique presentation of many recognizable artworks. Many museums offer character and rare pieces, Additionally, visiting museums is usually free and provides a valuable opportunity to learn about history in an engaging way.

“I also visited the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Banksy Limitless Museum, showcasing the artist’s works and their significance in making points about political issues that were present at the time. There’s a course called Who鈥檚 Collecting Who that teaches students about object collection, often including weekly museum visits around the city. The London Transport Museum stood out as my favorite. I loved its layout, showcasing the evolution of transport from early vehicles to modern buses, taxis and Tube trains.”

Explore a New City or Town

“Exploring Chester and cities like Liverpool; Brighton; Cardiff, Wales; and Dublin, Ireland, revealed rich history to me. Traveling by train near London offered new opportunities to test my independence and step out of my comfort zone. Charming towns scattered throughout England are just a quick train ride away, each with its own unique character waiting to be discovered. Traveling by train makes the experience more inviting and can connect you to many more places than ever before.

“Participating in field study trips for courses like Sustainability on Trial (GEO 304) and Green Britain (GEO 300) was a transformative experience for me. Those opportunities deepened my understanding of sustainable resources and their potential to reduce carbon footprints. As a policy major, I am uncertain about my career direction after graduation, but I am eager to explore opportunities in this field to see whether they align with my interests. I traveled to Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Finland and Norway and visited urban planning offices and parliament buildings in Stockholm, Sweden and Ivalo, Finland, among others.”

Find Hidden Spots in London

“The Garden at 120 rooftop offers greenery and views of the River Thames, providing a unique perspective on London. Many rooftop spaces are free, allowing residents and visitors to see the city from different angles. Hidden parks throughout the city offer calm escapes for lunch breaks and people-watching, often just a short walk from central streets like Oxford Circus. I recommend exploring neighborhoods outside central London, such as Shoreditch, Hampstead Heath, Hackney and Greenwich, where locals shop, eat and live.”

Enjoy New Cuisine and Engage in a New Culture

“Explore various markets in the city, including Spitalfields Market in East London, which features two sections: one for clothing, jewelry and local artists, and another food section with numerous vendors offering bakery items and foods representing many different cultures. During my time in London, I indulged in Japanese, Chinese, Ethiopian, Indian and British cuisine, including the traditional full English breakfast.

“On Nov. 5 and throughout the whole week, the main cultural event that happened was a holiday in England called Bonfire night (Guy Fawkes Day). The holiday commemorates a failed mission in 1605 to blow up Parliament. Throughout the week there are fireworks and bonfires in small towns around England and Scotland. There are festivals and fireworks in different parks throughout London.

“性视界 London offers students cultural opportunities including attending West End shows as well as a Premier League match (West Ham vs. Burnley) and a rugby match. They also organized events like ABBA Voyage, an immersive concert featuring digital versions of the ABBA band. One class allowed us to visit city farms and gardens, such as Kentish Town Farm, which has various animals.”

Take a Unique Course

“Taking courses abroad offers new insights. Green Britain included field studies, as we examined how Earth-life system processes shaped Britain鈥檚 environmental resources and the impact of political devolution on human interactions with these resources. The course involved ecological investigations of arable land, fossil fuels and marine habitats, as well as policy analysis. It also fostered connections with classmates and the professor, providing a richer experience than traditional lectures. Such trips uniquely address unspoken questions and deepen understanding through direct engagement with the environment.

“The 性视界 London Center campus is centrally located for commuting. The student well-being staff provided valuable recommendations, particularly during fall breaks. They organized two weekend trips for fall 2025, one to Dublin and another to Paris. I chose Dublin, where we visited the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Howth Bay, fostering connections with fellow students and staff. Though locations change each semester, they remain rewarding to visit as a group.”

Check Out More of Newton’s Photos Below

The first round of France’s 2026 mayoral elections sent a clear message: the French left holds a plurality鈥攂ut voters aren’t ready for radical change.

With alliances forming ahead of the March 22 runoff and the 2027 French presidential election on the horizon, John Goodman, assistant professor of political science by courtesy appointment and director of 性视界 University Strasbourg, breaks down what the results mean for France’s political future.

To request an interview, contact Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Expert Analysis: France’s Political Mood Heading Into the Runoff

Goodman writes:

“After a lot of handwringing about a far-right takeover in France, the first round of the mayoral elections produced a clear signal of the country’s mood: The left side of the political spectrum holds a plurality of French votes, just as it has in the recent national elections.

“In every major French city鈥擯aris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Nantes and Rennes鈥攖he Socialists, Greens or a coalition of the two came in first in Sunday’s elections. That said, to win in the second round they will need votes from either the far-left French Unbowed party (La France Insoumise), whether through a formal coalition or simply by letting those voters ‘vote their consciences.’ Many Socialists and Greens鈥攍ike the mayoral candidates in Paris and Marseille鈥攈ave rejected outright alliances with the far-left. Meanwhile, the far-right National Rally (RN) party, which came in second in many places, is calling on center-right parties to form a coalition under the RN banner in the second round.

“What’s the conclusion? One year out from the presidential election, and pending the second round of mayoral elections, it seems France is in a left-leaning mood鈥攂ut not one in favor of radical change either for the far-right or the far-left.”

The role of entrepreneurship driving economic development in Kenya. Education systems and the propaganda machines behind them in Eastern European socialist states. The preservation of Polish castles and their use for telling the country鈥檚 history.

Those are just three of the independent research projects seven 性视界 students pursued internationally last year as Tyler Center Fellows, supported by a聽$20,000 grant to and the (SOURCE) by the .

For the students who participated, it was a life-changing experience.

鈥淭his fellowship changed who I am,鈥� says Mason Burley 鈥�27, a double major in adolescent education and history in the School of Education and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The University has once again received an award from the Tyler Center for 2026 and is currently accepting applications for fall 2026 fellowships based in Santiago and Strasbourg. Below, three students who received the fellowship in 2025 share their experiences.

鈥楻esearch Something You Love鈥�

Burley, whose research project was focused on the education systems during the era of socialist republics in Poland, Romania and Moldova, says the Tyler Center Fellowship was his first substantial experience with research.

鈥淚 am fascinated by Joseph Stalin and his cult of personality and, more specifically, how his sheer influence on the region consumed every single aspect of life,鈥� Burley says. 鈥淔rom school, jobs, social life, government and interpersonal connections. Stalin was lurking in all of these, and it has been a goal of mine to see its effects firsthand.鈥�

The Tyler Center grant and research opportunity opened the gates for him to study the topic in-depth and in-person.

鈥淚t is my academic goal to be a well-rounded educator who is exceptionally knowledgeable in my content area,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 felt that this type of deep immersive, experiential type of research would benefit not only me academically but my students in my future classroom.鈥�

The experience made Burley fall in love with research and “experiencing” history, and has since inspired two additional research projects.

He says visiting Poland, Romania and Moldova, speaking with people and learning their stories was an experience he’d repeat in a “heartbeat.”

鈥淒o whatever your heart says,鈥� Burley says. 鈥淕o to a new place and touch the earth. Eat food from a street cart. Put everything that you鈥檝e ever learned away for a second and just experience life as it passes by. Be you, unapologetically. Then come back to campus and show everyone just how cool it is that you got to research something you love.鈥�

鈥楤e Creative鈥�

For Ella Roerden 鈥�27, the fellowship also allowed the pursuit of a passion project.

A student in the Maxwell School studying anthropology and international relations, Roerden visited five medieval castles around Poland with the goal of analyzing and comparing how they鈥檝e been preserved and restored, as well as how they鈥檙e being used as museums in the present day.

鈥淭he narratives all differ, and they each tell a different part of the story of Poland,鈥� says Roerden. 鈥淚 was drawn to castles because of my childhood love of fairytales, all of the magic, dragons and princesses. When I learned that Poland had over 500 castles, I knew I had to find a way to visit some and incorporate them into my studies.鈥�

Like Burley, she says the experience opened her eyes to research, which previously she thought had to be “formulaic and physical.” Gaining the experience of pursuing a topic in the humanities has her looking forward to an international relations capstone.

鈥淚f you’re already going to be in a different country, take advantage of the opportunities and resources there that we don’t have here in 性视界 (like medieval castles) and be creative!鈥� Roerden says.

鈥楶ut in All Your Effort鈥�

Mary Begley 鈥�26, a Whitman School finance and entrepreneurship major graduating in December, traveled to Kenya in May 2025 with a professor and fellow students, supported by her grant.

鈥淚 had the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and experience how businesses operate within an emerging economy,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ecause of this opportunity, I decided to conduct independent research where I spoke one-on-one with small business owners to learn about their experiences running a business in Kenya.鈥�

The best part, she says, was speaking with entrepreneurs and learning about their work, their passions and the challenges they face as business owners.

She encourages other students to consider the Tyler grants.

鈥淧ut in all your effort,鈥� she says. 鈥淔or me, I was very new to research and had no idea how to conduct it at first. But having the right people around you and consistently asking questions or seeking feedback really helped me throughout the process.鈥�

How to Apply

Fall 2026 Tyler Fellows鈥攕upported by awards up to $3,000鈥攚ill design projects in Santiago or Strasbourg with guidance from a home campus faculty mentor, as well as 性视界 Abroad and SOURCE staff. Students must first be accepted into one of those programs.

As part of the fellowship, they will take a 鈥淩esearch in Community鈥� seminar and participate in cohort activities with Tyler Fellows from other institutions.

鈥淭he Tyler Center for Global Studies Fellowship not only provides essential funding to support students鈥� international undergraduate research activities but also facilitates a community of scholars engaging with cross-cultural research both here at 性视界 University and in the larger, multi-institution Tyler Center program,鈥� says Kate Hanson, director of SOURCE. 鈥淪tudents navigate the complexities of research with another culture alongside fellow students and mentors in a program that facilitates discussion and reflection.鈥�

Interested students should first email ugresearch@syr.edu to express their interest in the Tyler Fellows Program and then prepare a project proposal and apply through .聽Applications are due by April 2 or July 9.

An information session for interested students will be held Thursday, March 19, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the sixth floor of 100 Sims Drive.

SOURCE can also help students develop research ideas, find faculty mentors and prepare application materials. Contact the SOURCE team at ugresearch@syr.edu or 315.443.2091.

In a world increasingly shaped by both connection and division, a diverse group of students is embarking on a distinctive journey of leadership and learning. The Global Interfaith Leadership Project (GILP), housed at Hendricks Chapel, represents a pioneering approach to preparing tomorrow’s leaders by combining religious and spiritual formation with practical civic engagement.

The program’s inaugural cohort, selected from across the University’s schools and colleges, brings together undergraduate and graduate students from varied faith traditions and backgrounds. From a Somali Banti student working to address food insecurity, to a chemical engineer coordinating interfaith dialogue, to a public administration student with White House experience, these scholars represent the rich tapestry of perspectives that GILP seeks to cultivate.

A Distinctive Approach to Leadership

What sets GILP apart is its “Roots, Reach and Results” framework鈥攁 holistic approach that moves beyond traditional interfaith dialogue. The program deepens students’ own religious or spiritual foundations (Roots), expands understanding and collaboration across traditions (Reach) and works to create tangible positive change in communities (Results).

“This project addresses a crucial need we’re seeing among students today,” explains Imam Amir Duri膰, GILP project director and assistant dean for religious and spiritual life at Hendricks Chapel. “Students are seeking meaningful opportunities to make a positive and profound impact. At the same time, we’ve witnessed a 150% increase in student participation in religious and spiritual programs at Hendricks Chapel over the past eight years. GILP brings these two trends together in a way that prepares leaders who can heal divides, imagine new possibilities and empower others in service to the common good.”

Diverse Backgrounds, Shared Commitment

The 2026 cohort members come from nine schools and colleges across the University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, spanning architecture, engineering, public policy and environmental science. Their varied academic pursuits reflect the program’s commitment to interfaith leadership across all disciplines.

Among the cohort is Abdirahman Abdi, a senior majoring in African American Studies from the South Side of 性视界. Drawing on his lived experience as a refugee, he co-founded the Sadaqa Foundation to address food insecurity in Kenya’s Dagahaley Refugee Camp鈥攅xemplifying the program’s emphasis on translating spiritual values into concrete community action.

Ronit Hizgiaev, a sophomore in the Maxwell School studying international relations and law, society and policy, brings her experience as multifaith chair for 性视界 Hillel. She has been instrumental in the Salaam Shalom program, where students learn Hebrew and Arabic to find common ground through language. “Ensuring everyone’s voices are heard and accounted for is a crucial value I hold,” she says.

Mian Hamid, a graduate student in the iSchool, serves as Hendricks Chapel’s interfaith engagement coordinator and convener of the Student Assembly of Interfaith Leaders. His role bridges the program’s academic learning with hands-on leadership development, rooted in both empathy and shared action for the common good.

Graduate student Gianna Juarez, pursuing a master of public administration in the Maxwell School, previously served in the Biden-Harris Administration and at United Way Worldwide. Her background in strategic implementation adds depth to discussions about translating interfaith values into policy and practice.

Beyond Dialogue: A Comprehensive Learning Experience

Scholars participate in weekly interactive sessions, civic projects and visits to local and regional faith communities. The program culminates in an international study journey and participation in the Interfaith America Leadership Summit.

The planned trip to Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina will offer particularly powerful learning opportunities. Students will examine Holocaust memory in Germany and the aftermath of the Bosnian War and Srebrenica Genocide. In Sarajevo鈥攐ften called the “European Jerusalem”鈥攖hey will explore centuries of interfaith coexistence at the crossroads of East and West, examining how religious and moral frameworks shape both the best and worst outcomes of human history.

A Tapestry of Faith and Purpose

The cohort spans a wide spectrum of religious and spiritual identities. Sandy Smith, studying forest ecosystem science at SUNY-ESF, brings a spirituality rooted in nature. “Nature teaches us that diversity is our greatest strength,” she notes, “and I believe that through interfaith collaboration, we will bring humanity to its greatest potential.”

Each of the 16 scholars is also developing a civic engagement project aimed at creating lasting change in the 性视界 community and beyond鈥攁ll grounded in the Roots, Reach and Results framework.

The GILP is a timely response to the challenges of our interconnected yet divided world. These scholars aren’t just learning about interfaith leadership鈥攖hey are living it, demonstrating that differences can be sources of strength and that a shared commitment to the common good can overcome division.

For more information about GILP at Hendricks Chapel, visit the .

Students at the 性视界 Strasbourg Center recently met with the European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho, who shared insights into her professional path and experiences as an ombudswoman. The event was part of the center鈥檚 European politics speaker series held throughout the month of February.

In addition to the ombudsman, a recent session was held at the European Parliament with European Member of Parliament Dario Nardella (Italy), who was also the Commencement speaker at 性视界 in 2024.

As the European Union Ombudswoman, Anjinho is responsible for investigating cases of maladministration within institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union. These issues involve matters related to transparency, delays in access to documents or the management of funds. She described herself as a public servant, bridging European citizens and EU policy-making bodies through building trust and legitimacy.

Cultivating relationships and driving inspiration

性视界 University鈥檚 presence in Strasbourg, France, since 1974 means that it benefits from official relationships with local institutions, including the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, opening unique doors for students.

Through the diplomatic network of Center Director John Goodman and 性视界 professor Alun Drake, it was clear that the ombudswoman would be a dynamic speaker and great role model for 性视界 students. Anjinho presented to over 60 students at the Strasbourg villa, focusing on topics relating to courses Mapping Strasbourg, a core course on Strasbourg and life abroad, and The Global Workplace, concentrating on internships, careers and pre-professional development.

During her presentation, the ombudsman emphasized the importance of ensuring that European citizens feel heard by public institutions. She explained that trust in these institutions depends on people believing their concerns are taken seriously and that there is an independent body advocating for fairness and transparency. Drawing on her experience as a public servant, she highlighted her understanding of the challenges citizens face when engaging with institutions.

This perspective, she noted, helps make the ombudsman鈥檚 office more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that all individuals feel represented and supported.

鈥淲hat I found particularly interesting was her perspective on democratic deficit鈥攈ow many citizens feel departed from the institutions and decision-making processes that govern them. It put into words some of what I have been sensing in the political landscape over the past few years,鈥� says Neha Chhablani ’27, a student in attendance studying political science and environment, sustainability and policy.

Chhablani says seeing roles like Anjinho’s focused on rebuilding public trust in government makes her feel “hopeful about the future.”

Anjinho also shared her personal journey to becoming an ombudswoman. Previously, she worked in academia, government and served as Portugal鈥檚 deputy ombudsperson and secretary of state for justice, ultimately running for and being elected European ombudsman.

She reflected on the obstacles she faced as a woman in public service and diplomacy and spoke about having moments of doubt or feeling unrecognized for her hard work. Despite these challenges, her dedication and sense of purpose carried her to the role she holds today.

Anjinho encouraged students to keep pursuing their goals, even amid struggle or rapid changes in the political landscape.

鈥淎s a student with an interest in diplomacy, I found her speech to be very inspiring, and I know the other students in the room found her just as moving,鈥� says international relations student Mariana Luz ’27. 鈥淚 left her speech feeling a sense of relief and have a new perspective on what’s to come in the future!鈥�

性视界 Teresa Anjinho聽

Anjinho was sworn in as the European ombudsman in February 2025 and acts as the bridge that connects the European citizens to the bodies that make policy for Europe.

From 2022 to 2025, she was a member of the supervisory committee of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Prior to that, she was a member for the deputy ombudsman of Portugal (2017-2022), secretary of state for justice in the Portuguese government (2015) and member of Parliament in Portugal (2011-2015).

Anjinho is a lawyer, an independent human rights expert and a scholar who specializes in public international law, gender and equality. She has been teaching at the NOVA School of Law and at the Lus Gentium Conimbrigae Institute of the University of Coimbra. She has also published a number of scientific papers.

When Jean-Laurent Lareyre was paired with a 性视界 student for an engineering class assignment in 2023, he had no idea where that connection would lead.

The project at Institut National des Sciences Appliqu茅es (INSA) in Strasbourg, France, sparked something unexpected: a passion for helping American students navigate life abroad.

Since that initial pairing, Lareyre鈥攚ho goes by JoJo鈥攈as become an invaluable guide and friend to more than sixty (ECS) students studying in France.

What began as tutoring in physics and electrical engineering classes has evolved into something far richer. Lareyre now helps students explore Strasbourg and the surrounding Alsace region, introducing them to hidden gems and local experiences they might otherwise miss.

鈥淭hey are curious and want to experience life in Strasbourg,鈥� says Lareyre. 鈥淚 love when they invite me along. I want them to discover every part of student life at INSA and in Strasbourg.鈥�

Lareyre鈥檚 own international background makes him a natural cultural bridge. Originally from Mauritius in East Africa, he also lived in China as a child and now speaks Chinese, French-Creole, German and English fluently.

鈥淔or me, it鈥檚 important to communicate with everyone,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e all engineers. We have the same skills, so we relate to each other well.鈥�

His adventures with 性视界 students and staff have included mountain hiking trips. He understands their desire to make the most of studying abroad鈥攊t mirrors his own journey.

鈥淚 wanted to go abroad. I didn鈥檛 see myself always staying in the same country,鈥� Lareyre says. 鈥淢y parents traveled a lot, and I want to be like them.鈥�

鈥淛oJo has been a tutor, mentor and friend to years of 性视界 and ECS students studying abroad. He has been a wonderful role model鈥攁 high-achieving engineering student with an international perspective and a warm, engaging and fun personality. We鈥檝e adopted him as fully聽 性视界,鈥� says John Goodman, the director of the .

Now balancing graduate studies at INSA with an engineering position at a pharmaceutical company in Strasbourg, Lareyre isn鈥檛 certain where his career will take him next. But he hopes the connections he鈥檚 made will come full circle.

鈥淚t would be so much fun to reconnect with students I met in Strasbourg when I鈥檓 in the United States,鈥� he says. 鈥淢aybe someday they鈥檒l be my guides.鈥�

Six more students are taking their interest in social justice to the Southern Hemisphere as in a unique study abroad opportunity that furthers their research skills and broadens their knowledge of an important period in Chilean history.

The students, based at the 性视界 Abroad center in Santiago, are continuing work initiated by two previous student fellows last fall. They are exploring the human rights violations of the Pinochet dictatorship in that country and contributing to work that is underway at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights in documenting the stories of victims and creating biographical profiles in their memory. During Pinochet鈥檚 17-year reign, more than 3,000 people died or disappeared, 200,000 suffered exile and over 30,000 were tortured.

The fellows are working with Mauricio Paredes, director of the Santiago center, 聽a scholar on Chilean internment camps, nationalism and U.S. involvement in Chilean politics, and are learning skills with the museum鈥檚 archivist and collections manager. The fellows are:

• Madiou Bah ’27, economics () and broadcast and digital journalism (); the media’s role in generating support for the regime.
• Jherlyn Brady ’27, communication and rhetorical studies (); the dictatorship’s impact on education and how institutional reforms, including both explicit and hidden curriculums, were used to implement social control.
• Grant Montonye ’28, international relations (Maxwell School); how the country’s legal system and constitution were used to install and validate authoritarianism.
• Sophia Ortiz-Heaney ’27, economics and international relations (Maxwell School); the dictatorship’s impact on the labor force and unions; forced relocation cases; the neoliberal narrative of individual success.
• Mason Rosenbaum ’27, international relations (Maxwell School); state repression and power and the perception of citizens as threats to the government, with historical comparisons to the current government and police.
• Laila Terrell ’27, international relations (Maxwell School); gender-based violence against conservative and far-right women from a historical perspective, and how gender may be seen as a threat to authoritarian control.

The second group of global fellows broadens the project鈥檚 scope while providing unique research opportunities specifically aligned to students鈥� interests in an abroad setting, says Kendall Phillips, director of the Lender Center for Social Justice. 鈥淭here is such a deep and complex legacy to the dictatorship [period] in Chile that we wanted to engage a wide interdisciplinary perspective.鈥�

The fellows will present their research findings at a symposium held at the museum on Tuesday, May 5, in concert with a planned discussion led by 性视界 University Artist In Residence . Weems will discuss her work around monuments and 鈥淐ontested Sites of Memory鈥� in relation to the projects of the Lender Global Fellows.

Fall Fellows’ Experiences

Ayanna (AJ) Hyatte G ’25 and Ohemaa Asibuo ’27, who were Lender Global Student Fellows in Santiago last fall, 聽say their experiences in Santiago and working at the museum provided sobering but valuable knowledge that has informed their views of social justice and impacted their plans for international relations careers. They studied with Paredes and worked with Museum of Memory archivist Rodolfo Ibarra and collections manager Maria Luisa Ortiz.

Hyatte analyzed the museum鈥檚 database for victims not involved in the left-wing politics that typically made people targets of the dictatorship. Those individuals “exemplified how the loss of the rule of law affects everyone,鈥� Hyatte says. 鈥淢ost of our host families and professors had their own firsthand or familial experiences with [the dictatorship] and provided testimonials and that definitely changed how I engaged with the subject … [and] permanently changed how I view historical events.” Hyatte completed a master鈥檚 degree in international relations and is pursuing public policy career options and doctoral programs.

Asibuo, a junior dual major in international relations and Spanish, scoured victim databases to identify how various social groups were affected and categorized them by their ages, jobs and how they died.

“It was pretty heavy to deal with, especially when I came to people who were [my age] or even younger. I motivated myself by remembering that the goal was to spread the victims’ names, not let them be forgotten, and to use commemorative education to prevent these types of things from occurring again. Now, I hope to continue to advocate for using past historical events as warnings to help us navigate how we approach our futures,” she says.

Paredes says the impact of the students鈥� work is clear. 鈥淲ithout a doubt, this research will help Chilean society understand how the loss of democracy and the rule of law affect everyone equally, regardless of political preferences,” he says.

In soccer, build-up play is when a team uses short passes to move the ball from the defensive third into the attacking half.

In many ways, the groundbreaking relationship between the sport analytics program in the Falk College of Sport and the in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, has been a build-up play that鈥檚 resulting in unique 鈥渟coring opportunities鈥� for sport analytics students and Oldham Athletic.

性视界 four years ago,聽Sport Analytics Professor met at a sports analytics conference in Spain. Reade is a professor of economics at the University of Reading in Reading, Berkshire, England, and a diehard Oldham fan.

Last year, when Sanders was working with Falk College student Ava Uribe and Associate Sport Analytics Professor on soccer-related research, he reached out to Reade for help with collecting data and ideas on how best to mine that data for actionable insights. With Uribe, a member of the women鈥檚 soccer team, as lead author, the research was selected among thousands of entrants as one of seven finalists in the research paper competition at the prestigious MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston.

In advance of the conference, Reade visited Falk College and was amazed to learn of the work being done by sport analytics students with 性视界 Athletics and professional teams and leagues around the world.

Darren Royle, the CEO of Oldham Athletic who has a background in sport analytics, created an Academic Advisory Board that includes out-of-the-box thinkers and passionate football fans like Reade (Oldham is the only professional club in England with such a board). Reade passed the idea of working with the University to Royle, who says there was a 鈥渒een appetite on both sides鈥� to create an innovative partnership by sharing knowledge and providing opportunities for sport analytics students to work with Oldham.

鈥淲hat we found was a real pool of talent and a high level of skill by the students with what they鈥檝e done so far,鈥� Royle says. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e been very diligent around this, and their work already has fed into our (player) recruitment process.鈥�

The build-up play of the partnership progressed in early December at the second hosted by Oldham in conjunction with the University and the University of Reading. Professor , chair of the Department of Sport Analytics, sport analytics graduate 鈥�23, and Falk Director of Corporate Partnerships and External Engagement have been involved with the relationship from the start and played key roles in the conference.

鈥淭his was a rare opportunity to work with a club that combines deep tradition with a genuine commitment to innovation and education,鈥� Paul says. 鈥淥ldham鈥檚 history gives the partnership immediate credibility, but what truly stood out was how deeply Darren and James care about education at every level, from young children to adults engaged in lifelong learning.”

鈥淭heir initiatives in Manchester have the potential to be transformative for the local community, and it was important to me that 性视界 and Falk College sport analytics be part of something that connects football, education, and social impact in such a meaningful way,鈥� Paul says.

High-Level Insights

Starting in June, 15 sport analytics students embarked on a series of data analysis projects aimed at helping Oldham identify a player鈥檚 style of play, strengths and weaknesses, mindset and character (for example, how the player responds after a difficult match, proneness to injuries and salary expectations).

鈥淪ome of the work the students have been doing is novel; certainly, it hasn鈥檛 been done before in our league,鈥� Royle says. 鈥淚t has fitted as an extra resource for us since we had just got promoted back to the EFL and we didn鈥檛 have the structures and staffing in place that a team in the EFL might normally have.鈥�

To oversee the students鈥� work, Riverso enlisted the help of Freson, a former senior data analyst for Oldham who is now an assistant data scientist for the Blackburn Rovers Football Club in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, and a data analyst for the Estonian Football Association. As a student in Falk College, Freson was the lead data analyst for the 2022 性视界 University men鈥檚 soccer team that won the NCAA Division I national championship.

鈥淛ames (Reade) and I created open-ended projects based on the needs of the club, and delegated groups of students to work on each project,鈥� Freson says. 鈥淭hat allowed them to deliver high-level insights while developing their own skills and learning how to cater the end product to the end user.鈥�

鈥淗opefully one day I鈥檒l be working in a front office or with the analytics鈥� staff for a top club like Tottenham and this internship has greatly helped me prepare for that,鈥� says sport analytics major Gavin Anderson ’28. 鈥淚t has offered me invaluable insight into the day-to-day operations of a club and what teams value in players and potential targets.鈥�

Paul says perhaps the biggest benefit for the students is that they鈥檙e operating at a truly professional level in terms of expectations and impact as they鈥檙e working with real data, real constraints and real decision-making timelines.

鈥淲hile we have strong partnerships elsewhere, the scope and continuity of the work with Oldham is unique; students are not just completing stand-alone projects, but contributing to an ongoing analytics and strategy process,鈥� Paul says. 鈥淭hat level of immersion accelerates learning, builds confidence, and prepares students to operate in global sport environments in ways that are difficult to replicate in a classroom alone.鈥�

鈥榃e See The Synergies鈥�

The Football Analytics Conference in December provided an opportunity for the 性视界 contingent and Oldham officials to discuss short- and long-term opportunities.

鈥淚 see this developing as a long-term partnership that allows 性视界 University students to gain invaluable professional experience while also allowing Oldham to conduct analysis way beyond their means otherwise,鈥� Freson says.

鈥淵ou guys are unique because of your founder (Paul) and your model for students,鈥� Royle says. 鈥淲e really like the thinking around it. So we’ve kind of mapped ourselves to your culture, philosophy, and strategy and we see all the synergies.鈥�

The historic Villa Rossa has welcomed generations of University students to Florence鈥攁nd a recent renovation has made it even more inviting.

University staff and Italian officials gathered Jan. 19 to inaugurate a new accessible entrance to Villa Rossa, the home of the , at the Piazza Savonarola campus.

The entryway鈥攎ade possible as part of a $10 million gift by alumnus Daniel D’Aniello 鈥�68, H鈥�20 and his wife, Gayle, in 2022鈥攕its level with the sidewalk and offers more space and improved lighting to community members going in and out of the building.

Originally, visitors to the villa needed to climb two steps to enter the building through a small door. The renovation relocated the main entrance to a larger carriage door that originally provided access to the villa’s garden.

The change eliminates barriers for people with mobility impairments and offers improvements to security and operations, says Sasha Perugini, director of the Florence program.

鈥淭his renovation honors Villa Rossa’s heritage while meeting the needs of our community today,鈥� Perugini says. 鈥淎s 性视界 Florence’s home since 1959, this building serves approximately 350 people daily. The new entrance reflects our commitment to preserving the beauty and history of this space, while ensuring it is accessible, welcoming and safe for everyone who enters.鈥�

In addition to the redesign of the main entrance, the gift made by the D鈥橝niellos allowed for the renovation of the welcome and front desk area and the overhaul of the building鈥檚 cafeteria, which previously had stairs at its entrance. The eating area is now directly accessible from the main entrance.

Daniel D鈥橝niello鈥檚 ties to Florence and the University鈥檚 campus there go back decades. He studied abroad in the city in the fall of 1966 and became one of the who worked to save Florence鈥檚 artistic and cultural heritage after a devastating flood.

He was given the Keys to the City in 2023 in recognition of his actions, and the University鈥檚 Florence program has been named for the D鈥橝niellos since 2022, in honor of the transformational nature of the gift to expand opportunities for students, attract exceptional faculty and improve the program鈥檚 facilities.

Perugini says D’Aniello embodies what 性视界 University Florence believes in: study abroad creates authentic, meaningful bonds that endure across decades, enriching both students and the communities that host them.

鈥淥ur relationship with the local community has always been central to our mission,鈥� Perugini says. 鈥淲e created the Gigliucci Archive, named after the family who owned the villa and first welcomed 性视界 University, to preserve this shared history. This renovation represents another chapter in the continuing story of both the building and Florence’s evolving landscape. We express our deep gratitude to Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello.鈥�

The inauguration of the new entrance on Jan. 19 was attended by Florence officials, including Dario Danti, city councilor for universities and research; Bernard Dika, undersecretary to the president of the Tuscany Region; and Michele Pierguidi, president of the city鈥檚 District 2.

Danti reflected on the longstanding relationship between the city and the University, calling the school an 鈥渁uthoritative presence鈥� in the community.

鈥淥ver all these years, the Florentine campus has grown and evolved while maintaining the same objectives as its beginnings: the deepening understanding by its students of Italian art and society and the creation of a solid intercultural relationship with the city that hosts it,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e are certain that in the coming years 性视界 University in Florence will continue to be a cultural bridge between two worlds through the exchange of stories, ideas and visions.”

Dario Nardella, a member of the European Parliament who was the mayor of Florence when D鈥橝niello was given the keys to the city, said in a statement he was delighted to see the project completed. He lauded D鈥橝niello鈥檚 contributions to the city both as a student responding to the 1966 floods and more recently, with his support for the University鈥檚 Florence program.

鈥淣ow as then, a love story repeats itself between 性视界 and Florence, between D’Aniello and our community,鈥� Nardella said. 鈥淎 story that will remain forever in the memory of future generations of 性视界 students and Florentines.”

性视界 University Florence is organizing its for November, when the city will be hosting commemorative events marking the 60th anniversary of the floods.