When you think of studying abroad, community college might not be the first place that comes to mind. However, CCBC is breaking new ground in global education, offering affordable study abroad and field study opportunities that are changing lives and advancing opportunities.

CCBC student Attia Robinson’s deep passion for animals, combined with her pursuit of an associate degree in biology and her career goal to work in wildlife field study, all made her an ideal candidate for studying abroad. Yet, this incredible opportunity wasn’t initially on her radar. 

“Studying abroad wasn’t something I thought I could afford or think about,” said Robinson. One day, she was on the CCBC Essex campus and was called over to a Global Education information table. “They asked me, ‘Do you want to study abroad? We’ll help you do it. You’re going.’ They were more confident than I was!” 

Next, Robinson attended an information session. In exploring her options, one opportunity stood out: the chance to study marsupials in Australia at the Center for Rainforest Studies. The promotional literature promised a summer of observing tree-climbing kangaroos, egg-laying mammals, flightless birds, giant lizards and many other iconic animals that live in Australia’s ancient rainforests and dry savannas. She found CCBC’s Global Education faculty and staff eager to guide her. 

“From encouraging me to apply, to identifying the right opportunity, to helping me to write my scholarship application, CCBC helped me through everything.” – Attia Robinson, biology and Global Education

Robinson was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 to U.S. citizen undergraduate students with high financial need to study or intern abroad. 

Robinson embarked on a four-week trip across the globe—her first time ever leaving the United States. While some first-time travelers choose group study options, this trip would be solo. 

“Before this, every time I traveled, I wanted to go home at some point,” shared Robinson. “Both CCBC and the field study program were so supportive and understanding. I was concerned about feeling stuck in Australia, but that didn’t happen.” 

During her time in Australia, Robinson stayed in the rainforest in cabins with other students in her study abroad cohort. Together, they ventured into rainforests, studied ecosystems and learned the Latin names of Australian marsupials. 

During their field experiences, they studied the biodiversity of new and old growth and captured sounds from various animals to build on the work of previous cohorts. They visited the Atherton Tablelands, a fertile, lush and rugged plateau in Queensland. The students explored waterfalls, rainforests and volcanic crater lakes as part of their studies.  

“At night, we did something called spotlighting, where we’d use lights to look for eye shine in the forest,” said Robinson of a particularly memorable activity. She also seized opportunities to engage in local exploration and activities, such as snorkeling, during her scheduled free time. 

The experience not only exposed Robinson to a different culture but also confirmed her dream career path. 

“I always thought I wanted to go into field research work. This trip confirmed it for me.”

Now at Towson University, Robinson’s path was shaped by CCBC biology instructor Natalie Minkovsky. The professor introduced her to the Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program, which enabled Robinson to pursue a STEM-focused bachelor’s degree at Towson while being paid to conduct student research. Robinson is currently studying the conservation of the northern map turtle, a regionally endangered species. 

“I’m using the same techniques that I used in my field study research in Australia,” said Robinson

Her goal is to finish her bachelor’s degree, work at a zoo and eventually pursue a master’s degree or a full-time research position. She is also eager for future adventures, with hopes of visiting Alaska and eventually owning a small farm, surrounded by animals. 

“If you’re not sure what your next step is, CCBC will help you figure it out,” said Robinson, who calls herself a “total advocate” for CCBC. “Even if you do know what you want, they’ll still help you get to where you want to go.”