Brookdale Students Expand Global Perspectives Through Summer Study Abroad Programs

Students from Brookdale Community College are gaining international experience this summer through study abroad opportunities made possible in part by the Elaine Baran Scholarship, which supports students participating in global learning programs.

Brookdale’s faculty-led summer study abroad programs took students to Italy, where they explored culture, industry, cuisine, fashion, and hospitality while earning academic experience abroad.

Zachary Berger of Manalapan, who received his associate degree in Culinary Arts in May, traveled to Rome, Naples, and Sorrento with faculty from Brookdale’s Culinary and Hospitality program.

Anthony Castello of Howell, a Business Administration student, participated in the Fashion Merchandising program’s study abroad experience in Milan and Florence.

Hannah Post of Brick, who is pursuing a degree in Fashion Merchandising, also traveled to Milan and Florence with Brookdale faculty.

Gabriella Viana of West Long Branch, who is pursuing an associate degree in Hospitality Management, traveled to Rome, Naples, and Sorrento with Brookdale faculty from the Culinary and Hospitality program.

Keith Westpy of Hazlet Township recently completed the Culinary Arts Certificate and is currently pursuing an associate degree in Fashion Merchandising. He traveled to Milan and Florence with faculty from Brookdale’s Fashion Merchandising program.

In addition to the faculty-led programs, Alexander “Alek” Monahan of Brick is participating in an independent study abroad experience. Monahan, who is pursuing an associate degree in science, will study at the American University of Rome in June.

Brookdale promotes global engagement by recruiting and supporting international students, developing opportunities for education abroad, creating co-curricular programs, and integrating global issues and perspectives into the curriculum. Education abroad opportunities include semester, Jan-Term, and summer study abroad programs, short-term faculty-led experiences, internships, and community service abroad.

The Elaine Baran Scholarship was established to honor the life and achievements of Elaine Baran, a longtime Brookdale faculty member dedicated to both the College and the global community. Her passion for creating international learning opportunities played an important role in the development of Brookdale’s global education programs.

To learn more about global learning opportunities at Brookdale, visit our website: www.brookdalecc.edu/international and www.brookdalecc.edu/study-abroad.