Laurel Brooks
From Chicago to Rome
THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION'S STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES OPEN EXCITING DOORS FOR STUDENTS
An important part of education is learning about life and perspectives beyond those that come naturally. Furthering one’s academic career often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing change to expand knowledge and understanding of the world around you.
The School of Education recognizes that it is invaluable for students to become globally minded advocates, leaders, analysts, researchers, activists, scholars, and educators - this is why Loyola is home to dozens of study abroad programs that promote life-changing experiences for students. Loyola graduate, Laurel Brooks, earned her Masters in Education in Higher Education in 2023. During her time at Loyola, Brooks studied abroad at the John Felice Rome Center (JFRC) during the summer of 2022.
When in Rome, students have the opportunity to stay at Loyola's beautiful John Felice Rome Center campus.
The School of Education Stands Out
For Brooks, choosing Loyola was easy. When the time came to finish her graduate level studies, she knew Chicago would be a wonderful place to pursue a career in international education. Since the School of Education’s graduate programs provided study abroad opportunities - with some programs even embedding an abroad education into their curriculum - Brooks was eager to get started.
At the School of Education, undergraduate and graduate students can study abroad as they complete required or elective courses. Studying in Rome provides students with transformative experiences and opportunities as they are immersed in new cultures and ways of life.
“Though I may be partially biased since it is within my line of work, studying abroad is more than ‘just’ travel - it is an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and add further context to whatever you are learning,” said Brooks. “It can expand your perspective and enable you to meet people and learn about their perspectives as well.”
“I feel called to take what I’ve learned and share it with others, and to never stop learning!” Laurel Brooks
Committed to Social Justice
Loyola’s commitment to social justice remains a foundational aspect of education at JFRC. Students are pushed to explore and engage in learning that addresses systemic inequalities and advances social justice and equity on a national and international scale. Through the School of Education’s engaging study abroad programs, students commit to understanding and employing educational policy and advancing their professional practices to serve throughout the world.
“Our seminar class, Problem Solving, Thinking, & Creativity, focused on a reflective problem-solving approach to research design,” said Brooks. “Thinking about our identities and perceptions within the history and context of Rome pushed us not only to be more intentional about what we think to ensure our teaching does not occur in a vacuum but also to understand that thinking and teaching aren't static; they can and should adjust and evolve.”
.png "Loyola students walk down a sidewalk in Rome.")
Loyola students and faculty explore the streets of Rome, making the historic ruins their own immersive learning experience.
Immersed in Meaningful Learning
Today, Brooks serves as an Academic Process Specialist at IES Abroad, a study abroad organization that promotes academic excellence through a student-first approach. In her spare time, Brooks continues to expand her knowledge of curriculum and instructional design.
The School of Education’s study abroad programs proved to be incredibly beneficial for Brooks as she advanced in her professional career. The skills she gained at JFRC strengthened her capabilities in leadership and expertise in the field of international higher education.
“Though I was not new to the graduate school experience, I was new to being in a program that was purposeful. Nothing seemed like it was merely thrown together thoughtlessly,” she said. “I like to think of myself as a collaborator when it comes to leadership; I don’t expect or demand people to follow me, I want to share knowledge and learn from everyone around me and take action together.”
Study Abroad
The School of Education offers a variety of opportunities for students to learn and teach abroad where they will benefit from being immersed in education in different places and cultures.
Learn MoreStory by Kate Roudebush
An important part of education is learning about life and perspectives beyond those that come naturally. Furthering one’s academic career often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing change to expand knowledge and understanding of the world around you.
The School of Education recognizes that it is invaluable for students to become globally minded advocates, leaders, analysts, researchers, activists, scholars, and educators - this is why Loyola is home to dozens of study abroad programs that promote life-changing experiences for students. Loyola graduate, Laurel Brooks, earned her Masters in Education in Higher Education in 2023. During her time at Loyola, Brooks studied abroad at the John Felice Rome Center (JFRC) during the summer of 2022.
The School of Education Stands Out
For Brooks, choosing Loyola was easy. When the time came to finish her graduate level studies, she knew Chicago would be a wonderful place to pursue a career in international education. Since the School of Education’s graduate programs provided study abroad opportunities - with some programs even embedding an abroad education into their curriculum - Brooks was eager to get started.
At the School of Education, undergraduate and graduate students can study abroad as they complete required or elective courses. Studying in Rome provides students with transformative experiences and opportunities as they are immersed in new cultures and ways of life.
“Though I may be partially biased since it is within my line of work, studying abroad is more than ‘just’ travel - it is an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and add further context to whatever you are learning,” said Brooks. “It can expand your perspective and enable you to meet people and learn about their perspectives as well.”
Committed to Social Justice
Loyola’s commitment to social justice remains a foundational aspect of education at JFRC. Students are pushed to explore and engage in learning that addresses systemic inequalities and advances social justice and equity on a national and international scale. Through the School of Education’s engaging study abroad programs, students commit to understanding and employing educational policy and advancing their professional practices to serve throughout the world.
“Our seminar class, Problem Solving, Thinking, & Creativity, focused on a reflective problem-solving approach to research design,” said Brooks. “Thinking about our identities and perceptions within the history and context of Rome pushed us not only to be more intentional about what we think to ensure our teaching does not occur in a vacuum but also to understand that thinking and teaching aren't static; they can and should adjust and evolve.”
Immersed in Meaningful Learning
Today, Brooks serves as an Academic Process Specialist at IES Abroad, a study abroad organization that promotes academic excellence through a student-first approach. In her spare time, Brooks continues to expand her knowledge of curriculum and instructional design.
The School of Education’s study abroad programs proved to be incredibly beneficial for Brooks as she advanced in her professional career. The skills she gained at JFRC strengthened her capabilities in leadership and expertise in the field of international higher education.
“Though I was not new to the graduate school experience, I was new to being in a program that was purposeful. Nothing seemed like it was merely thrown together thoughtlessly,” she said. “I like to think of myself as a collaborator when it comes to leadership; I don’t expect or demand people to follow me, I want to share knowledge and learn from everyone around me and take action together.”