FYP- A Global Institution

While Tony Award winner Sutton Foster critiqued and serenaded a handful of FYP members in a master class last weekend, other staff continued their learning at Syracuse University institutions across the globe.

FYP staff members with Sutton Foster

Every year, a number of FYP staff members spend a semester abroad at one of SU's eight center-based

programs, as well as American programs outside of Syracuse. This fall, FYP juniors and seniors traveled to Los Angeles, London, Florence, and Hong Kong to study with SU. Despite traveling, working, and studying thousands of miles away,  our jet setters find time for the organization. 

"I don't go a day- probably not even an hour, let's be honest- without a Facebook notification, email, message or snapchat from someone in FYP," Becky Shafer, a junior magazine journalism major with two fully functional arms, said from Florence. "It's great to feel so connected to the organization."

Bailey Pfohl and Becky Shafer in Florence

Others, like sculpted and rebellious creative advertising major Drew Muller, have barely noticed they've been away from the organization. Electronic communication, the presence of other FYP staff, and the culture have made him feel like FYP came to London with him.

"To be honest, I've hardly noticed that I haven't been constantly surrounded by FYPeeps," Muller said over the power chords leaving his computer, emanating loathing for the establishment. "We've been to a bunch of musicals, and everyone in London is well-dressed and super fierce."

One of the perks of living in Europe is the ease of traveling across international borders, something our FYPers have taken advantage of this fall. A contingent of organized, prompt Londoners will make its way to visit the Florence students in November for something junior art history major and Florence student Bailey Pfohl called "the biggest baddest musical reunion ever known to this side of the Atlantic (next to ABBA)!"

Aside from travel, immersion in the culture of one's host country makes up a critical part of a semester abroad. London has already changed junior students Max Webb and Carlos Miguel Cervantes, Jr. for the better.

Some of FYP London in front of the British Museum 

Webb, surprisingly, hasn't worn sweatpants or a sweatshirt once during the fall semester. He has taken a liking to the falafel wrap from British chain Hummus Bros. Britain, though, has yet to dull his love for Beyonce.

Cervantes has embraced popular English culture head on, developing an impeccable "Geordie" accent after avid viewing of England's equivalent of the MTV program Jersey Shore. Cervantes also added that he has nearly perfected the art of making peanut butter and jelly tortilla wraps, and is currently working on publishing an academic study of the uses of salad cream, a popular British condiment.

Our talented staff makes waves across a variety of majors and professional platforms at home, and it's no surprise that they've been experiencing similar success outside of Syracuse.

Junior fashion design major Shannon Gately left the friendly confines of London academia to pursue One Direction across Australia.

Bryce Garcia, a senior television, radio and film major studying at the program's Los Angeles center, works as a production intern at Dreamworks Animation, which he described as a "playground for adults." Garcia is working on the film Home, starring Rihanna, who REALLY wants to meet him. Pretty badly.

Bryce Garcia with all of Hollywood in his hand

Ben Mitchell, a junior broadcast and digital journalism major, has spent the semester at SU's center in Hong Kong attempting to stave off longing looks at his defined jaw, marvelous mustache, and perfectly symmetrical face. At the conclusion of his classes, he'll spend time interning with CNN International before returning to the states.

Mitchell reflected what each FYP study abroad member has said- the organization goes with him wherever he travels. Despite living continents away, these students maintain contact with one another, carry on inside jokes, and even contribute to the functioning of the organization back in Syracuse. Travelers could leave FYP behind when they hop on the plane, but each of these students has chosen not to. That's where the beauty of the organization lies.

Ben Mitchell with his idol Mao Zedong

"Despite being in Hong Kong- thousands of miles from the Beyonce-obsessed, chore-loving and belt-crazy members of FYP- I can't shake my attachment to the organization," Mitchell said. "I made an 'Out Tonight' pun before going to a club and everyone looked at me like I was nuts. I am nuts. But in FYP, that's just par for the course."