Aarhus Business College Students Bring Global Learning to Brookdale

The Danish delegation will spend nearly two weeks at Brookdale, from September 28 through October 9, learning alongside Brookdale students and faculty while experiencing American business practices and life in New Jersey and the greater New York metropolitan area.

The study tour, thoughtfully curated by Dean and Professor Michelle Zuppe and Professor Dr. AnnMarie Hughes, is designed to take learning beyond the traditional classroom. Throughout their visit, the Aarhus students will participate in Brookdale classes, collaborate with students and faculty, visit businesses and regional destinations, and complete a marketing project that will culminate in a final presentation.

A particularly meaningful part of the experience is happening outside the classroom. The visiting students are staying with local host families, giving them the chance to experience everyday American life while sharing their Danish culture and traditions.

Learning Across Cultures

The academic program brings the visiting students into Brookdale classrooms across several disciplines. Sessions will explore marketing, global sourcing and sustainability, fashion business, sports marketing and management, economics, global business, public speaking, and American business structures.

The students will also examine cultural differences in communication and business, including Hofstede and Hall cultural theories, and learn how to adapt a sales pitch for an American audience.

Interaction with Brookdale students is also woven throughout the visit. The Danish students will participate in classroom activities, spend time with Brookdale’s Fashion Club, and experience campus traditions, including the annual Bonfire sponsored by Student Life & Activities.

New Jersey Becomes the Classroom

The experience extends throughout the region, allowing the students to see firsthand how business, marketing, hospitality, entertainment, tourism, and culture intersect in the United States.

At Bell Works in Holmdel, the group will explore the concept of the “Metroburb” and tour the landmark former Bell Labs property, now home to businesses, restaurants, retail, community spaces, and events.

Another full-day excursion will take the students to MetLife Stadium for a behind-the-scenes tour before they visit American Dream in East Rutherford, providing exposure to two major examples of the region’s sports, entertainment, retail, and tourism industries.

Closer to Brookdale, the students will visit the College’s Culinary Education Center before traveling to Asbury Park, where they will experience the Asbury Hotel, Convention Hall, and the boardwalk.

The students will also have a free weekend to explore New York City, adding another dimension to their introduction to American culture, commerce, and daily life.

The Second Annual Study Tour reflects Brookdale’s growing commitment to global learning. Creating opportunities for students and faculty from different countries to learn with and from one another.

For the Aarhus students, the experience offers an opportunity to study American business and culture firsthand. For Brookdale students, faculty, and host families, their visit brings an international perspective directly to the College and the surrounding community.

For everyone involved, the classroom becomes a little larger and the world a little closer.