Syracuse University students engage in global STEM learning experiences
Syracuse University is breaking stereotypes in STEM education by offering students international learning opportunities. Programs in Italy and the UK enhance their academic and cultural experiences.
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Transformative learning opportunities
Syracuse University challenges the notion that studying abroad is difficult for STEM students. Through innovative partnerships, the university connects students with advanced laboratories and hands-on learning activities worldwide.
For example, engineering students can join specialized programs in Strasbourg, France, and Florence, Italy. These experiences sharpen their technical skills while immersing them in diverse cultures and educational systems.
Real-world applications
Computer engineering major Hassatou Bah traveled to Lockerbie, Scotland, with a delegation from the Syracuse London Center. There, she participated in a Remembrance Exchange weekend, reflecting on the tragic Pan Am Flight 103 disaster. Bah led workshops for local sixth graders, teaching computer coding and the contributions of women in technology.
“My family crossed an ocean to give me opportunities they never had. The students who were lost were crossing an ocean for an education. Like me, they held hopes for what Syracuse could help them become,” Bah said, expressing her personal connection to the experience.
Impact on local communities
These programs impact students and foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in local communities abroad. This aligns with the university’s mission to prepare students for global citizenship and leadership roles.
Beyond technical skills, students gain insights into public health systems and environmental management by examining differences between the U.S. and other countries. Tommy DaSilva, a public health student at the Maxwell School, noted stark contrasts in healthcare delivery between the U.S. and the UK during his summer abroad.
Growing interest in STEM education
Interest in STEM education is rising at Syracuse University and across Central New York. Local industries seek skilled workers, prompting educational institutions to enhance STEM programs and provide real-world experiences.
Recent reports show a surge in enrollment in STEM courses at Syracuse University, reflecting a broader trend in Central New York. This aligns with the growing demand for professionals in technology and engineering, especially as companies like Lockheed Martin in Salina expand operations.
By The Numbers
- 100+, students engaged in workshops for local pupils in Lockerbie, Scotland, during Syracuse Abroad programs.
- 4, workshops led by Syracuse students on computer coding for sixth graders in Scotland.
- 2, countries where Syracuse University offers specialized STEM programs: France and Italy.
Conclusion
The international STEM learning opportunities at Syracuse University enrich students’ educational experiences and foster meaningful connections with communities abroad. As demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields grows, these programs position Syracuse students as competitive and culturally aware leaders in their future careers.
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Sources
- Syracuse University News, Global Science and Intercultural Impacts: Celebrating Experiential Learning in STEM
