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�

The first time Carrie Mae Weems H鈥�17 came to 性视界, she was an emerging artist with a restless curiosity and a camera. That was in the early 1980s, when 鈥攖he internationally recognized artist residency program on the 性视界 University campus鈥攊nvited her to come and work. She did not yet know that the city, and the University, would shape her life in ways she could not have anticipated, including meeting her husband, photographer and Light Work director Jeffrey Hoone.

Nearly 45 years later, Weems has come full circle. Appointed in January 2020 as the University’s inaugural artist in residence, Weems spent six years weaving herself into the fabric of the institution she had first encountered as a young artist. She is now concluding that tenure, leaving behind a legacy as layered and far-reaching as the bodies of work that have made her one of the most celebrated artists of her generation.

鈥淐arrie Mae Weems鈥� work has long challenged the world to see with greater honesty and imagination, and she brought that same spirit to 性视界 University. Her presence here has strengthened our academic community in meaningful ways,鈥� says Candace Campbell Jackson, senior vice president and chief of staff to Chancellor Emeritus Kent Syverud. 鈥淲e thank her for her leadership, her artistry and the lasting imprint she has made on this campus. Carrie has defined possibilities for what the artist in residency can be, and for this we are truly grateful.鈥�

A Legendary Career

Over four decades, Weems has built a practice that spans photography, text, audio, video, installation and performance. Her series 鈥淔rom Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried鈥� repurposed 36 appropriated images from the 19th and 20th centuries to interrogate the relationship between African American subjects and photographic history. Her 鈥淜itchen Table Series鈥� turned domestic space into a stage for intimate, complex narratives of Black womanhood.

The institutions that hold her work read like a map of the world’s great museums: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate Modern, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum and the National Gallery of Canada, among many others. In 2014, she became the first African American woman to receive a solo retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum, a milestone she noted had arrived “really late in the day.” Rather than simply presenting her exhibition, she transformed the Guggenheim’s auditorium into a five-day convening of artists, thinkers and performers

Her honors include the 2013 MacArthur Fellowship, the 2023 Hasselblad Award, the Ford Foundation’s Art of Change Fellowship, the BZ Cultural Prize and the U.S. Department of State’s Medal of Arts. In October 2024, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. presented her with the National Medal of Arts at a White House ceremony, the highest honor the United States government bestows upon artists. She was the first African American female visual artist to receive it. Weems has installed a permanent work that will be featured in the Barack Obama Presidential Library, opening to the public in Chicago on June 19.

Yet for all the accolades, some of Weems’ most telling work during her 性视界 residency happened in studios, classrooms and conference rooms.

Mentorship Flowing in Both Directions

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, Weems went to her studio. She designed posters, billboards and campaigns that honored frontline workers. What began as a response to the situation in 性视界 became a national effort, eventually spreading worldwide. Shopping bags carrying text that she composed were distributed at food banks. Buttons, masks and murals went out by the thousands. Students were at the center of the work, packaging materials, designing alongside her and earning wages she insisted upon.

That insistence on reciprocity, on the idea that mentorship flows in both directions, threads through everything she did at the University. She founded the Institute of Sound and Style, a rigorous workshop for teenagers in 性视界 struggling against the weight of community violence.

Graduate students served as her assistants on the project, and she was candid about what she received in return. “As much as I found that I was helping them,” she said, “they were helping me as much as I was helping them. I’m not simply the giver. I’m also the receiver.”

In April 2024, she traveled to Florence to deliver a public lecture鈥�”Resistance as an Act of Love”鈥攖o students enrolled in the , reviewing the work of studio arts students there. She then brought eight of those students to Venice for the Black Portraitures conference, held in concert with the Venice Biennale.

Her “Monumental Concerns” convenings, which she organized through the University and were held at the Museum of Modern Art, drew hundreds of scholars, artists and thinkers into conversation about monuments, memory and contested public space.

Engaging Deeply

鈥淭hrough her residency, Carrie Mae Weems has created opportunities for 性视界 University to engage deeply with some of the most pressing cultural conversations of our time,鈥� says Miranda Traudt, the University鈥檚 assistant聽provost for strategic initiatives and director of arts. 鈥淏y bringing together artists, scholars and communities, she has helped make this campus a hub for dialogue that shapes contemporary art and culture.鈥�

At the celebration marking the close of her residency, held March 16 at Light Work, Campbell Jackson reflected on what it had meant to work alongside her. “You’ve shown us how essential creativity is to the strategic future of this institution,” she said, “and to our broader society.”

Weems herself was characteristically humble. “I never think that I’m doing anything that is important,” she said. “I just feel that I need to work at things that matter to me, that uplift me, that inspire me, that carry me.”

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�

Through leadership, academics and an unwavering commitment to the Orange community, annually two students earn one of the most distinguished honors of a 性视界 University undergraduate career, being named the Senior Class Marshals. For the Class of 2027, the Student Experience division is proud to announce William Lewandowski 鈥�27and Alyssa Limjuco 鈥�27 as the rising Senior Class Marshals.

Together they will guide their graduating class during Commencement, play a role in recommending the Commencement speaker and engage directly with senior University administrators to discuss student experiences and perspectives. Among other responsibilities, Lewandowski and Limjuco will represent their class at Universitywide events and build connections with alumni.

“From integrity, heart and academics, to a genuine passion for community, William and Alyssa embody everything we hope to cultivate in our students. As Class of 2027 Senior Class Marshals, they have earned this honor not just through achievement but through both big and small intentional daily actions that have culminated into what it means to truly have Orange pride,” says , associate vice president for the Student Experience division, dean of students and chair of the selection committee.

William Lewandowski

Originally from Lockport, New York, Lewandowski is preparing to enter his final year at 性视界 University more than 60 years after his grandfather, Dr. James Olson 鈥�60, had his own student experience. Despite the distance, he says he has always found a piece of home within the Orange community.

Sharing an alma mater not only deepened Lewandowski鈥檚 bond with his grandfather but illuminated shared lifestyle philosophies that have ultimately built a foundation for being a Senior Class Marshal.

鈥淓very time I would go back home from 性视界 University, I would talk to him and he loved hearing all my stories and what I was doing on campus,” says Lewandowski. “As a dentist for 50 years, he impacted so many people with his quality of care but also with his humility and willingness to accept payment in the form of homemade cookies or plants for his garden. He didn鈥檛 care who you were, he just wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of others. He taught me that true joy in life comes from people. It鈥檚 the people at this University that make it so great. I learned that very early on as a first-year student within the Whitman Living Learning Community.鈥�

A Whitman Leadership Scholar and member of the dean鈥檚 list, Lewandowski is pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises in the . He has worked as a peer mentor and lead ambassador, showcasing the Whitman student experience for prospective and admitted students.

Throughout his undergraduate career his pursuit of experiential learning has propelled him into countless opportunities offered by 性视界 University. Weaving together hands on experience in venture capital, consulting, content marketing and private equity, Lewandowski鈥檚 internships have spanned Triangle Insights Group, 5Point Venture Partners and Blue Star Innovation Partners.

Helping student entrepreneurs and working to spark student interest in entrepreneurship, Lewandowski has spent much of his time immersed in the University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additional highlights include his participation in the , where he has served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and as an Entrepreneurship Fellow. Expanding into content creation, he has been published in Poets&Quants, 鈥�,鈥� and Ecology Prime, 鈥�.鈥�

鈥溞允咏� University gave me a platform to be who I want to be,鈥� says Lewandowski. During his undergraduate career Lewandowski has showcased where his academic rigor meets real-world impact. He has worked to help launch the new and has further harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit by starting two businesses. Clique Sports is a digital platform focusing on connecting college athletes with professional athletes regarding guidance and mentorship, and WM Media is focused on adding DJ and photography services to local events.

鈥淭o me, being Orange is about the people鈥攎aking an impact on the lives of others to help them achieve their goals,鈥� says Lewandowski. 鈥溞允咏� University is a place where new ideas are encouraged and innovation is supported. There are big changes approaching the University and as the Class of 2027 we can become agents of change and leave our mark, which is quite a special opportunity.鈥�

Alyssa Limjuco

Alyssa Limjuco may have joined the Orange community from Silver Spring, Maryland, but she grew up in a military family, which meant moving between different places and school systems. These experiences quickly taught her how to adapt and understand different spaces and people, a skillset rooted in community building and empathy, that she has strengthened throughout each of her undergraduate experiences.

鈥淚 try to lead with empathy, stay open-minded and be someone who helps bridge gaps between groups,鈥� says Limjuco. 鈥淏eing selected as a Senior Class Marshal felt like recognition of a lifelong learning process. Not just the end result of my undergraduate experience but each time it has taken and will take, to get comfortable, to find my voice and to become someone who contributes meaningfully across different spaces while also fostering connections.鈥�

As a student in the (VPA) and the , Limjuco is a dual major in film and sociology. Her dedication to academic excellence is quickly realized through multiple scholarships alongside membership in the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, being a Ren茅e Crown University Honors Scholar and never missing a dean鈥檚 list placement.

As an Honors Academic Enhancement Awards recipient, studying abroad in Bologna, Italy, become possible. During this time she immersed herself in experiential learning weaving together classes that explored film history, visual strategy and preproduction planning, alongside Cinema Ritrovato, the world鈥檚 leading festival of restored cinema. Professional development highlights also include serving as the communications manager for the OrangeReels Film Festival and producing viral digital content as the Project FreeFall video editor.

鈥淲hat 性视界 University gave me was permission to explore fully and commit deeply. Receiving honors and merit-based scholarships, including support to study abroad, affirmed that interdisciplinary work was not only possible here but valued,鈥� says Limjuco.

Limjuco鈥檚 involvement spans widely as an active member of communities both on and off campus. On campus she has helped to connect veterans and military families with relevant support programs through the , she serves as the National Panhellenic Conference vice president of communications, as an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, a VPA peer coach, a Shaw Center STEM literacy tutor, OTTOthon team captain and as president of the Boxing Club. Globally, she amplifies the mission of Habitat for Humanity International, as video production and editing intern and as a volunteer for Habitat鈥檚 Women Build, a program that builds stronger and safer communities.

鈥淭he legacy I hope to leave is one of connection, demonstrating that involvement across disciplines, identities and roles strengthens a campus rather than divides it. I hope to be remembered as someone who embraced the full breadth of 性视界 University, someone who led with intention, while believing and supporting through intentional actions, that the University is at its best when students are encouraged to bring all parts of themselves into the spaces they serve.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

For spring break, March 9-13, students traveled to perform mission service, immersed themselves in learning experiences, took in new sights and dominated on the field.

Here are some of the ways they spent their spring break:

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.

As rain fell over the Luxembourg American Cemetery last summer, Kaitlyn Kushner 鈥�26 stood before a grave marker bearing a family member鈥檚 name she knew little about growing up, her great uncle. He died 80 years ago while serving as a private first class in the U.S. Army during World War II.

George T. Kushner Jr., who fought and survived the Battle of the Bulge during his time in the Army, died on March 18, 1945. Kaitlyn knew that his sudden death from battle wounds 鈥渨as a devastating loss鈥� and had 鈥済enerational impacts鈥� on her family.

鈥淓verything in my family was changed by his death and I had this light bulb moment that I needed to do more research on this,鈥� says Kushner, a television, radio and film (TRF) student in the .

Thanks to a 鈥渙nce-in-a-lifetime鈥� study abroad experience through a collaboration between the , Kushner walked the same streets he walked 80 years ago, developing a strong spiritual connection while producing a documentary honoring his life.

Partnering with the World War II Foundation, Newhouse professor Shaina Holmes brings students abroad to assist with the production of documentaries that tell the stories of World War II soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

鈥淲alking the same locations he walked brought up emotions I didn鈥檛 know were possible. I was processing and grieving someone I never knew,鈥� says Kushner, who participated in the . 鈥淭his was such an impactful journey, and I felt like being in the places where he was helped me get to know and better understand his life.鈥�

Assisting Documentary-Makers in Preserving the Past

On each trip, Holmes鈥� students serve as production assistants on sets spread across locations that played a pivotal role in the war. 性视界 University was the first higher education institution to partner with the World War II Foundation in the summer of 2022. This summer鈥檚 trip to Normandy will be the fifth.

Students work alongside seasoned crews of documentary makers, shooting video, conducting interviews with historians and surviving family members and lending a hand while learning valuable lessons and gaining one-on-one mentorship.

鈥淭his is a great educational experience that elevates what they’re understanding from the classroom,鈥� says Holmes, an associate TRF professor. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the purpose of the World War II Foundation, for the next generation to hear these stories and keep these stories alive.鈥�

Holmes says students contribute to between two and three different documentaries while in Europe while also mapping out their own short- and longform content, which can take the form of聽a documentary, articles, videos on YouTube, photo essays, podcasts or multimedia content for social media.

鈥淭he energy and the creative environment working alongside these professionals was just electric and I learned so much working with them,鈥� says Kushner, who wants to help clients bring their stories to life as an account manager at a video production agency once she graduates in May.

A First Hello, 80 Years Later

One of the prized family possessions Kaitlyn carried with her around Luxembourg was a digitized version of the binder containing the letters her great uncle wrote to family back home in Pennsylvania during the war, along with newspaper clippings and photos of George.

Through those letters home, in which George described his movements and the sights he saw along the way while awaiting updates from his family, Kaitlyn was able to 鈥渢rack his weekly movements through Europe.鈥�

“This experience brought him to life for me. I could imagine seeing what he saw when he fought in the Battle of the Bulge,”聽Kushner says. 鈥淚 have specific letters where he mentioned certain locations and I was able to go there and picture things as he saw them. I really felt attached to my great uncle, even though nearly a century separates us.鈥�

The most moving and spiritual experience happened when, with some help from Holmes and director of photography Jim Karpeichik, Kushner was granted permission to film in the Luxembourg American Cemetery where her great uncle was buried.

As part of Kushner鈥檚 capstone and Ren茅e Crown University Honors Program thesis, she is working with Holmes to turn in her final project, a documentary about the life of her great uncle.

鈥淚 got to say my first hellos to my great uncle in his final resting place, and that鈥檚 when I took a moment to really feel his presence,鈥� Kushner says. 鈥淭hat was when I felt the closest to him and it was such an existential moment standing in the spot where he was buried and getting to meet him for the first time.鈥�

While applications have closed for this summer鈥檚 trip to Normandy, students interested in the 2027 summer trip to Poland can contact 听(shholmes@syr.edu) or 听(csbrody@syr.edu).

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.