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For Immediate Release
July 31, 2014


Suffolk Study Abroad Students Say "Arrivederci!" to Italy

More than two-dozen Suffolk County Community College students will return to Long Island today after completing a four weeks long Study Abroad program in Sorrento, Italy where they studied Intercultural Communication and Italian language at the renowned Sant'Anna Institute.

The students were immersed in programs taught by a combination of local Italian scholars and Suffolk County Community College faculty in classes attended by students from across the globe.

The students also were given the opportunity to learn and immerse themselves in local culture, sample local delicacies, tour Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Amalfi Coast, visit the ruins of Pompei and climb Mt. Vesuvius.

The students were led by Suffolk County Community College Associate Professor of Italian and adviser to the College’s Italian Club Annamaria Monaco who was recently elected president of the Long Island Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI).

“The overseas study experience does not end when students return to campus,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay, “we encourage our students to build upon and share their experience as well as integrate what they’ve learned while immersed in a different culture.”

Students enrolled in Suffolk County Community College’s Study Abroad Programs earn college credit while enriching their learning experience.

 “The Suffolk County Community College Study Abroad Program is committed to providing the best educational opportunities globally and allows our students to not only get an excellent educational experience in their subjects of choice, but to also gain a better understanding of the global workforce, world business trends, different cultures, languages and traditions. In an increasingly globalized work environment Study Abroad is a great way for students to get a competitive edge after graduation, either when applying for a job or pursuing further educational opportunities,” said College Associate Dean of Special Programs and External Partnerships Dr. Iaroslava Babenchuk who visited with the students in Europe this summer.

Among the students pictured above are:

  • Taylor Cook (Farmingville)
  • Stephanie Galuzzo (Rocky Point)
  • Danny Cevallos (Medford)
  • Jessica Tomasulo (Patchogue)
  • Laura Somma (Medford)
  • Anthony Ricottone (Farmingdale)
  • Andrew Durham (Medford)
  • Chelsea Carlen (Wading River)
  • Leah Maguffin (East Islip)
  • Lundy Harland (Huntington)