A World of Possibility: Travel Abroad with SUNY Niagara

By Madeline McGuire

SUNY Niagara offers a fantastic travel abroad trip every year at the end of the spring semester. Professor Bridget Beilein, the program coordinator, says that “The trip abroad for this school year will take place in the spring semester, and we are going to visit Barcelona, Southern France, and Italy. The trip is May 19th-May 27th.” She also states that “Students can register for the trip up until February 10th,” so if you’re thinking about checking it out, there’s still time! The trip for next year (the 2027 trip) will be to Greece and will take place around the same time in May.

Professor Beilein mentions that “While a specific GPA may not be necessary to join the program, being a student in good standing, demonstrating solid academic effort, and acting as a responsible global citizen are important, especially when traveling abroad.” Don’t worry about having a specific major either, because any students, faculty, staff, or community member who demonstrates acting as a responsible global citizen is welcome to participate in the trip. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who enjoys traveling.

The cost, however, can seem a bit much at first glance, but everything is included! As far as cost per trip is concerned, every year is different, depending on location. This year, all travelers will be visiting three countries, and it is for participants aged 18-29 the cost is $4,460.00, and for participants 30 and older, the cost is $5,140.00. As Professor Beilein says, “Generally, it stays in this price range and includes the following: flights, on-site transportation, hotels, breakfast, some dinners,  local guides, on-site field director, and tickets to museums,” so everything is paid for as soon as you start the trip!

Below is an organized itinerary for this year’s trip, so you know what to expect:

Flight to Barcelona

Fly Overnight: Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Barcelona.

Day 1-2: Barcelona

  *   Arrival: You will land in Barcelona and be met at the airport by your Field Director.

  *   Las Ramblas Tour: Enjoy a walking tour of Las Ramblas, a vibrant pedestrian mall filled with entertainment, markets, and shops.

  *   Dinner: Have a welcome dinner in Barcelona.

Day 3: Barcelona

  *   Park Güell: Visit the public park designed by Antoni Gaudí, famous for its colorful mosaics.

  *   Guided City Tour: Take a guided tour to see Barcelona’s top sights, including:

     *   La Sagrada Família: Gaudí’s massive and still-unfinished cathedral.

     *   Gothic Quarter: Explore the Roman-era neighborhood, now bustling with shops and restaurants.

     *   Barcelona Cathedral: Admire the Gothic Revival architecture and its mythical gargoyles.

  *   Guided Visit: Enjoy an in-depth visit to La Sagrada Família.

Day 4: Barcelona

  *   Free Time: Spend a half-day exploring Barcelona at your leisure.

  *   Tapas Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Spanish tapas lunch.

  *   Explore: Enjoy more free time to explore on your own.

Day 5: Barcelona to the French Riviera

  *   Travel Day: Journey from Barcelona to the French Riviera, with a stop in Carcassonne.

  *   Carcassonne Tour: Tour Carcassonne, a complete medieval fortress, and step back in time.

Day 6: French Riviera and Monaco

  *   Day Trip: Travel to the principality of Monaco and the seaside town of Èze.

  *   Perfume Factory: Visit a perfume factory to see how fragrances are made.

  *   Nice Walking Tour: Take a walking tour of Nice to see its beautiful villas and beaches.

  *   Dinner: Enjoy dinner on the French Riviera.

Day 7: French Riviera to Cinque Terre

  *   Travel Day: Travel to the coastal Italian villages of Cinque Terre.

  *   Cultural Engagement: Explore the “Five Lands,” five small villages built into the Italian coastline.

  *   Dinner: Have dinner in Cinque Terre.

Day 8: Cinque Terre to Florence

  *   Travel Day: Travel to Florence, with a guided tour of Pisa along the way.

  *   Guided Learning: Tour Pisa with a local guide to see the famous Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, and the Cathedral.

Day 9: Florence

  *   Guided Learning: Take a guided tour of Florence to see:

     *   Piazza della Signoria: Lined with classic statues.

     *   Ponte Vecchio: A medieval bridge housing famous artisan shops.

     *   Basilica of Santa Croce: The burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and others.

     *   Gates of Paradise: Bronzed doors depicting scenes from the Old Testament.

  *   Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Florence.

Day 10: Depart for Home

  *   Departure: Depart for home with wonderful memories of your journey.

There are numerous study abroad programs available, both long-term and short-term. Professor Beilein is happy to meet with a student who would like to do a longer trip. Here is a link to all study abroad opportunities offered in the SUNY system: https://www.suny.edu/studyabroad/

She has also had a student who ended up loving their trip so much, they didn’t want to leave, which sounds totally understandable! She states that “Two years ago, I had a student do a study abroad for a semester in Granada, Spain, and they are now working and living in the city, currently. I have had numerous students do more than one study abroad trip with me, and I have had students who feel encouraged to plan their own trip after building their skill set on a study abroad with SUNY Niagara.” These trips sound like insane opportunities that are impossible to pass up! So, if you love to travel and want to go on a fun one-country or multi-country trip, then either contact Bridget Beilein now for more information, or just sign up!