A Life Changed by an Experience Abroad

An international relations major and Army ROTC student rises to challenges on the field and steps into a global classroom.

Brian Bauer has never been one to back down from a challenge. Whether it is the physical exertion from 6 a.m. training sessions with his fellow Army ROTC cadets or learning a new language, he enjoys pushing himself to his limits.

The senior from Ocean Township, New Jersey, is studying international relations at the Maxwell School and Chinese language through the College of Arts and Sciences. He has taken advantage of many opportunities presented to him—he joined Army ROTC, where he learns discipline; he’s a member of a fraternity, which has expanded his social circle; and he is a member of the American Red Cross Club, which helps him give back to the community.

Bauer is on the Forever Orange Student Alumni Council, which has connected him with alumni and shown him the power of the University network. He’s received career advice from alumni who are now lawyers, and he was set up with an internship in Hong Kong through an alumnus. “It’s nice to know alumni and learn how much they do for the school,” he says. “You get an idea of what helps Syracuse become Syracuse.”

The opportunities were made possible in part by the Gloria and Sidney Danziger Scholarship and the Syracuse Army ROTC Scholarship, both of which Bauer received. “Having a scholarship makes you realize how lucky you are,” he says. “To be able to go to a great institution like Syracuse and not have financial burden on top of that really helps me focus on my studies.”

One of the most meaningful experiences Bauer had was studying abroad in Hong Kong. The trip provided him the opportunity to test his Chinese language skills and immerse himself in the culture. He visited historic places, including the Great Wall of China, a tea house and a rice paddy in Malaysia. In between studying and trips to Beijing, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Tokyo, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, he made sure to sample as much of the food as possible.

“Having experience with different cultures and Mandarin will help if I want to work in that region of the world one day,” says Bauer, who took classes in Mandarin, religions in Asia and business economics.

He also utilized the alumni network to secure an internship at the Ogilvy public relations firm while abroad.

Upon graduation, Bauer will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He’s given a lot of thought to what he wants to do in the Army; infantry or military intelligence are his top choices. “I would like to utilize what

I study, so it would be rewarding to be able to utilize my knowledge of Chinese in the Army,” he says.

Bauer plans to be fully active duty for at least four years, then plans to attend law school and eventually practice law, while possibly serving part time in the Army Reserve. He’d love to practice international law, which would give him the opportunity to explore the world and work with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Also in his long-term plans is giving back to the Orange community that has given him so much. “I feel like I’m part of a big family that’s been around for 150 years,” he says. “I want to support students and let them know that being part of the Syracuse University community is about representing something bigger than yourself. It’s not just about donning that big S or bright orange shirt. You’re part of a family.”

—Lisa Maresca