Brookdale Community College has awarded four students the Elaine Baran Study Abroad Scholarship for January-Term (Winterim), Spring Term, and Summer Term 2022. The scholarship was established to honor the life and achievements of Elaine Baran, a former faculty member of languages who was dedicated to both Brookdale and the global community alike. Her passion and motivation for sharing the international experience were instrumental in developing Brookdale’s international programs. 

Study abroad student in Aix-en-Provence
Claudette Greenstein in Barcelona

Claudette Greenstein (West Long Branch, NJ) is majoring in Math/Science. Claudette participated in a January-Term traveling seminar to France, Italy, and Spain. Her seminar was titled: Wine, Gastronomy, and Sustainability of the Mediterranean.

“I had the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Greenstein. “Not only was I able to make incredible long-life friends, I was able to learn so much about other cultures and how they live. Every single day I experienced things that I will never forget. I want to thank the Elaine Barren Scholarship for making this dream of mine to study abroad a reality.” 

Erika Ann Borrero

One of her favorite life-changing days was learning how to make homemade fettuccini and gnocchi pasta and hearing about the teacher’s touching and inspiring life story.

“What sticks out the most to me was the Italian cooking class we completed in Rome, Italy. I love to cook and our teacher for this class was 80-year-old woman who has been working at her restaurant for over 40 years.”  

girl in Spain during a study abroad program, sitting on a wall with a cathedral behind her.
Jesse in Spain, in front of La Sagrada Familia.

Jesse Tango (Tinton Falls, NJ) is majoring in Business Administration. She plans to take courses and intern for a Spanish fashion company in Barcelona, Spain, during the Spring Term. 

Erika Ann Borrero (Monroe Township, NJ) is majoring in Interior Design. She will be participating in Brookdale’s faculty-led program to Italy in summer 2022. Her focus will be on interior design and architecture. 

“What I am most looking forward to during my study abroad experience in Italy is being totally enveloped in the culture and historically significant architecture, art and interior design,” said Borrero. “I am beyond excited to experience this with my classmates and professors who have been alongside me on my entire academic journey at Brookdale. It will surely be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I feel honored to take part in it.” 

a beautiful girl with a white dress on and dark sweater over it. she is smiling. she has dark hair and eyes and is sitting on a bench in the park.
Gabriela

Gabriela Mazariegos (Marlboro, NJ) is majoring in Math and Science. She will be participating in Brookdale’s faculty-led program in Italy this summer. Her focus will be on fashion merchandising. 

“I am so excited to go abroad for the first time since quarantine,” said Mazariegos. “I have been looking forward to just getting out. And I do not mean going to stores or restaurants, I mean travelling to different countries and spending more time outside in nature. I am so looking forward to meeting people again, and exploring new places.”   

For additional information about International Education programs at Brookdale Community College, please call 732-224-2799, email studyabroad@brookdalecc.edu or visit us on the web at www.brookdalecc.edu/international.