In a collaborative effort to expand study abroad opportunities, leadership, staff, and faculty from the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) convened on January 24, 2024. The meeting included James Pellow and Sara Hart from CIEE, and Karen Wilson-Stevenson, Anthony E. Munroe, Erwin Wong, and Marva Craig from BMCC.
Five BMCC students—Benita Batama (Communications), Jessie Lee (Computer Information Systems), Michele Thomas (Business Administration), Faynat Wassihun (Communications), and Saffiyah Wilkerson (Animation)—will participate in summer internships in London and Paris as part of a new partnership with CIEE.
On May 9, CIEE announced BMCC as one of four institutions nationwide to receive $1 million in matching grants over four years. This funding will establish new study abroad programs aimed at enhancing institutional goals and student outcomes.
BMCC aims to become the leading community college in the U.S. for producing globally minded graduates ready to serve their communities at all levels. The BMCC Global Scholars Program will serve 1,000 students over four years through international internships, service programs, and faculty-led honors programs.
“This initiative will significantly increase the number of students participating in study abroad programs, positioning BMCC as a national leader in preparing associate degree recipients as global leaders,” said BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe. “For many of our students, studying abroad has been a distant dream. Recognizing its immense value, we are committed to providing this invaluable opportunity.”
CIEE President and CEO James P. Pellow, Ed.D., expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “BMCC aspires to be the leading international educator among over 900 two-year public community colleges in America, and we look forward to supporting their bold vision over the next four years.”
The BMCC Global Scholars Program will include three distinct elements to ensure accessibility for students of all majors and backgrounds: an eight-week summer global internship, a four-week summer international service program, and annual two-week summer faculty-led programs for high-achieving students. These programs will cater to ethnically diverse, Pell-eligible, and first-generation students.
By implementing the Global Scholars Program, BMCC aims to become the nation’s top two-year college for global programs, demonstrating that students from diverse and high-risk backgrounds can benefit from global experiences to advance their careers and economic mobility.
“Studying abroad transcends academic pursuits within a classroom; it is a transformative journey that opens doors to diverse customs, traditions, and perspectives,” said President Munroe. “Our students will broaden their horizons, enhance their adaptability, and embrace global citizenship. This experience will instill independence and self-reliance that will serve them well in their future endeavors. We are immensely grateful to Dr. Pellow for his support and investment in making this life-changing opportunity possible for our students.”
President Munroe will be a featured speaker at the 12th Annual Global Internship Conference (GIC) in London from June 19-21.
BMCC students will gain valuable career and cultural experiences through their internships. Three students will travel to Paris, while two will go to London, working in various fields such as gamification of SaaS solutions, video production, marketing, research, communications, social media management, content creation, and influencer outreach. Sharon Reid, Director of Internships and Experiential Learning at BMCC, emphasized the importance of these experiences in developing intercultural competencies and teamwork skills.
All participating students will receive academic credit for their internships. On May 16, several students shared their excitement about the upcoming ventures at a luncheon with President Munroe and other college officials.
Communications major Benita Batama, who will intern at Chateau Des Joncherets in Paris, expressed her enthusiasm: “I am ecstatic about spending time abroad, exploring Paris, and making new connections. This experience will advance my career, expand my intercultural awareness, and hone my leadership skills.”
Business Management major Michele Thomas, also heading to Paris, looks forward to blending her passion for business and fashion with the allure of French culture: “From exploring hidden gems in the city to gaining hands-on experience in the fashion industry, this journey is about embracing every moment, from the hustle of intern life to the magic of living abroad.”
Through these transformative experiences, BMCC students will not only gain professional skills but also a broader understanding of the world, enhancing their future endeavors and global citizenship.
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