Syracuse University Abroad Florence Center

What position do you hold at SU Abroad? What has been your career path so far?

Bridget: The position of the Case Manager within higher education is becoming increasingly prevalent across colleges and universities nationally. However, it is not widely recognized specifically within the study abroad setting, so when this position was created in 2013, I jumped at the opportunity to apply.

Prior to my current position, my work at SU Abroad focused on financials in the business office. This familiarity has provided me with a better understanding of the unique financial aspect that the study abroad experience can bring.

My main responsibilities as the Case Manager at SU Abroad focus on student safety, and health and wellness within the study abroad environment.

My background in counseling provides me with the tools to connect with students and colleagues abroad on a more supportive level, as I work to provide resources for multiple types of challenges that can arise. I feel lucky to work in an atmosphere that promotes the potential for life-changing opportunities during such a transitional time in student development.

My work at SU Abroad, focusing on student health, safety, and wellness, has solidified my passion and commitment for working in the realm of study abroad within higher education.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

Bridget: Oh there are way too many to count! If I had to settle on one, I would say Brazil…or Iceland…or Chile…or Thailand. I think that my interest in cultural experiences was first ignited when my family hosted an exchange student, Vero, from Paraguay during my sophomore year in high school.

Vero had never seen snow before, so growing up in a small town outside Buffalo, NY, it was really impactful to see her experience that part of my culture for the first time.

When her parents came to visit, that’s when I knew that I wanted to experience other parts of the world I had never seen before. I remember it being so fascinating, witnessing Vero experience things for the first time. We still keep in touch today!

What was your favorite traveling experience?

Bridget: I was traveling with a group of 30 students participating on a ten-day Signature Seminar: The Greek Odyssey, prior to the start of their fall semester in Florence, Italy.

After a morning of student presentations and intense discussion on the Palace of Festos on the island of Crete, next on the itinerary was to visit a town I had known nothing about or had ever seen before, called Matala, As we began to approach, I knew it would be like nothing I had ever experienced before.

Once we arrived, the faculty leader announced some free time we were allowed at the beach. Some students preferred to rest, others wanted to swim in the sea, and others wanted to walk along the shore, visiting the small shops.

I rejoined the group after an hour or so of exploring, and was excitedly greeted by ten or so students, who said I just had to jump into the water with them, pointing over to a gorgeous cliff overlooking the ocean that the locals were jumping off of.

I am very afraid of heights, so I had some pretty major hesitations. After some convincing, I came to realize that I might never have the chance again to jump 60 feet into the ocean, from a cliff of a cave on Matala beach. As I swam offshore to the caves with the students among the rough sea, the nerves and adrenaline increased.

I have to admit, as I approached, it took a little more convincing from the students to jump, and I will say it was one of the scariest things I have ever done! The reward far outweighed the challenge to overcome that fear for me. That traveling experience was so memorable, and truly challenged me in ways I hadn’t expected.

What language have you always wanted to learn and why?

Bridget: I’ve always admired people that know many languages. I would love to learn German. I have ancestors who are German, so it would be meaningful for me honor that part of my heritage. It is also such a beautiful language to listen to!

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the SU Abroad team.

Bridget: There have been so many instances where my sense of pride in SU Abroad is reaffirmed that it’s difficult to choose. It could be from an email message from an appreciative parent shared throughout our staff, or seeing student alumni photos and blogs, or in conversation as I run across campus to run an errand.

The most impactful for me though, is when colleagues from our center programs abroad conduct administrative visits to the Syracuse main campus for meetings. Student alums from past programs are almost always invited to a reception hosted by SU Abroad, with their past director, as a sort of a ‘reunion.’

Watching these students enthusiastically re-tell stories, share memories and come together again with the visiting staff is so great. Their heartfelt embraces, the laughter, and the energy in the room is just electrifying! That’s how I know our office is really promoting something life-changing with our students. I am so grateful to have even just a tiny role in promoting this experience for our students.