Summer Study Abroad Made Possible Through Elaine Baran Scholarship

Several Brookdale Community College students expanded their academic and cultural horizons this summer through study abroad opportunities made possible by the Elaine Baran Scholarship, which supports students participating in international educational experiences.

The following students participated in Brookdale’s faculty-led summer study abroad programs:

Zachary Berger of Manalapan earned his associate degree in culinary arts in May and traveled to Rome, Naples, and Sorrento with faculty from Brookdale’s Culinary and hospitality program.

Anthony Castello of Howell is pursuing a degree in business administration and traveled to Milan and Florence with the fashion merchandising program.

Hannah Post of Brick is pursuing a degree in fashion merchandising and traveled to Milan and Florence with Brookdale faculty.

Gabriella Viana of West Long Branch is pursuing an associate degree in hospitality management and traveled to Rome, Naples, and Sorrento with 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 the fashion merchandising program.

In addition to Brookdale’s faculty-led programs, one student is participating in an independent study abroad experience.

Alek Monahan of Brick is pursuing an Associate of Science degree at Brookdale, with plans to continue his studies in Plant Agriculture and Horticulture. This summer, he spent six weeks studying at the American University of Rome. Support from the Elaine Baran Scholarship helped make the experience possible—an opportunity that held special personal meaning for Monahan.

“This opportunity was deeply personal and special because it was always my mom’s dream to go to Italy. After losing her, having the chance to experience a place she always hoped to see was incredibly meaningful and healing. I felt like I was carrying a part of her dream with me throughout my time there. I’m incredibly grateful for the scholarship and to everyone who believed in me and helped make this experience possible.”

Global Learning at Brookdale

Brookdale Community College 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.

Students can participate in a variety of international experiences, including independent study abroad for a full semester, January term, or summer term; short-term faculty-led programs lasting 7–14 days; transfer abroad opportunities; and international internships and community service experiences.

Each year, Brookdale’s International Education Center sponsors faculty-led study abroad programs during the summer that last 7–14 days. These immersive travel experiences are integrated into semester-long courses taught by Brookdale faculty, taking students beyond the traditional classroom to explore history, culture, and contemporary issues firsthand. Participants earn 3–4 academic credits or service-learning credit upon successful completion of the course and its travel component.

Summer 2027 faculty-led programs are planned for Denmark, Germany, Iceland, and the Netherlands, providing students with exciting opportunities to experience new cultures while enhancing their academic learning.

To learn more, visit www.brookdalecc.edu/international and www.brookdalecc.edu/study-abroad.

The Elaine Baran Scholarship was established to honor the life and achievements of Elaine Baran, a longtime Brookdale faculty member whose dedication to the College and the global community helped shape Brookdale’s international programs. Her passion for creating meaningful global learning experiences continues to open doors for students seeking to broaden their education through international study.