Study Abroad with Rachel Helman
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Syracuse softball outfielder Rachel Helman will be spending the Fall 2010 semester studying abroad in London, England. She'll be checking in with SUAthletics.com with periodic updates throughout her European travels. Started in 1919, Syracuse University has one of the most extensive study abroad programs in the country. Syracuse currently operates seven overseas centers in Beijing, Florence, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Santiago and Strasbourg (France) with new centers in Africa under development. Additionally, with SU world partners, summer and short-term programs, student and student-athletes have study abroad options in more than 20 other countries. Click here for more information about SU Abroad. One of three seniors on the 2011 softball squad, Helman is enrolled in the Bandier program, focusing in recording and allied entertainment industries. Click here to learn more about the Bandier program in the College of Visual and Perfoming Arts.
Hiiii 'Cuse! The semester has officially begun. or at least it feels like it has. Istanbul and Turkey felt like a dream compared to the apartment/flat hunting my roommates and i have been doing since we got here yesterday. London is absolutely beautiful but i was COMPLETELY taken off guard by the already fall/sweater weather. We are being put up in a hotel until we find a place to live. we are thinking the east side and/or near hyde park ... where more young people live! As for Istanbul (and the rest of Turkey) ... i found the Turkish culture to be absolutely beautiful. They really do love their country and it makes it that much more exciting to be there because all the people of turkey WANT you to LOVE it there and return with amazing things to say. We went to this place in the middle of our trip called Cappadocia. Basically, it is one of the oldest places on the planet. It dates back to the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Constantinople empires. CRAZY! It was the beginning of Christianity basically, and there are miles and miles of underground tunnels and cities and passageways that are now open for people to see. BUT only 10 % of the underground is excavated. SERIOUSLY crazy and fascinating. My roommate and travel buddy, Kyra, was an awesome companion and have figured out that it is absolutely necessary to travel with people you trust and feel comfortable with. We made many friends and were SUPER excited to watch the USA basketball team play in the world championships which JUST HAPPENED to be in Istanbul!!! The downside was, that we were asking around and around for what time the game was, and there were some people that told us the wrong time!! We missed the game by about 2 hours, but were happy to say the least that we won. I mean , we obviously are going to win. Im pretty sure Lebron could take on the entire Slovenia team.They dont seem to stand a chance, no offense to them. Anyways, we had a great last night in Istanbul, saw some americans and they also sent us on our way to London with an amazing take on Turkey. I want to go back already! More to come --- as we have only been here a day and a half and not much is taking place except apt. hunting. iT was really nice to see some familiar Bandier faces this morning though. So many Syracuse kids here! i really do miss syracuse though. It's really weird not to be there. Especially with my girls on the team!! Love always , Rachel
Hi there -- Let me tell you that there is nothing like arriving at the airport (in Newark, N.J.) and discovering that you forgot your passport at the house. Anyways, managed to get it all straightened out amongst the distress. I am off today with my traveling companion (from the Bandier program) Kyra Zeller to London, England! We are staying the night and storing our unnecessary amount of luggage at a friends house and then hopping on a plane the next day to Istanbul, Turkey! 10 days of history, exploration, and adventure in the place where east meets west. We will be meeting up with my cousins, who happen to LOVE baseball, and will hang out with them. I'm bringing my glove of course. There you have it, a picture to show you my life as of now in two huge suitcases and an overstuffed carry on bag that will hopefully fit in the overhead compartment. But kids, this trip is not all fun and games. I will be interning for a music branding/promotions company and taking classes in London at the Farraday house (Syracuse University London building). I have a workout packet AND a workout partner, Christina Tan from the SU tennis team is also going abroad with me and in Bandier!! I will write soon and update more when I can! I miss all my girls on the team dearly. A little too much actually ;( Bye Americaaaaa! |
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