East Stroudsburg University Hospitality Students Gain Global Experience in Greece

Students from East Stroudsburg University recently traveled to Greece during spring break as part of an international study program organized by the College of Business and Management and the Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Management Department. The immersive experience provided 16 students with a firsthand look at one of the world’s most influential tourism destinations while connecting classroom learning with real-world industry practices.

Throughout the program, students explored Greece’s rich history, culture, and hospitality traditions. Highlights included visits to the historic Temple of Apollo and the world-renowned Acropolis Museum, where students examined how cultural heritage and tourism intersect to shape the visitor experience.

Students also participated in a roundtable discussion on sustainable tourism with representatives from the Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET) alongside faculty from the University of West Attica. Additional experiences included a Greek culinary workshop and lectures on traditional olive oil and honey production, offering insight into the country’s longstanding agricultural and culinary heritage.

The program also brought students to the coastal city of Chania, where they experienced the region’s vibrant hospitality culture, historic architecture, and Mediterranean lifestyle. The program offered valuable perspective on how tourism, culture, and local traditions work together to create meaningful and memorable guest experiences, an essential foundation for future hospitality, business, and tourism leaders.

The HRTM Department has a long history of offering international study opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. These experiences are designed to broaden cultural awareness while strengthening students’ professional knowledge and career readiness in a global industry.

The students who participated in the trip are: Maya Barbosa, a senior majoring in finance from Stroudsburg, Pa.; Julia Ciampa, a graduate student studying communication sciences and disorders, from Newark, N.J.; Troy Gentzel, a senior majoring in criminal justice from Stony Brook, N.Y.; Kiara Godoy, a junior majoring in hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management from East Stroudsburg, Pa.; Jenna Hornberger, a sophomore majoring in hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management, Ephrata, Pa.; Mariah Lake, a junior majoring in business management from Stroudsburg, Pa.; Carley Matkowski, a freshman majoring in early childhood education from Philadelphia, Pa.; Natasha Ptakowski, a senior majoring in hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management from Tannersville, Pa.; Charlotte Russo, a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders from York, Pa.; Brooke Shallop, a senior majoring in hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management from Stroudsburg, Pa.; Molly Smith, a junior majoring in accounting from Bangor, Pa.; Zandray Thompson, a senior majoring in finance from Neptune, N.J.; Tiara Wallace, a senior majoring in marketing from Philadelphia, Pa.; Kinsey Walturz, a sophomore majoring in hospitality, restaurant, and tourism management from Easton, Pa.; Kiara Wallace, a senior majoring in biology from Philadelphia, Pa.; and Caroline Westphal, a senior majoring in biology from Bangor, Pa.

“I am incredibly proud to see our students engaging in international experiences that expand their understanding of the global economy,” said Sylvester Williams, dean of the College of Business and Management. “Opportunities like this trip to Greece reflect our deep commitment to experiential learning—ensuring that students gain firsthand insight into how commerce, culture, and business practices intersect around the world. These transformative experiences help prepare them not only for meaningful careers, but also to become thoughtful global citizens.”

The spring break program in Greece once again demonstrated the value of global learning, equipping students with practical industry insights while experiencing one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations.

For more information about ESU’s hospitality, recreation and tourism management program, contact Dr. Stanley Li-Ming Chiang, by calling (570) 422-3624 or email lchiang@esu.edu.

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