Beyond the Classroom: The Rennert and Berkeley College Experience

Studying English at Rennert International is about much more than improving English as a second language (ESL) skill. As members of the Berkeley College community, Rennert students have the unique opportunity to experience an American higher education environment while studying English in New York City.

Through interactions with Berkeley College faculty and professionals, international students gain exposure to academic disciplines, career fields, creative thinking, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)—all while putting their English skills into practice through meaningful, real-world experiences.

One highlight of this connection has been a series of interactive workshops for international English learners led by Berkeley College faculty and professionals. These experiences take students beyond the traditional English classroom, introducing them to new ideas, practical skills, and areas of study they may not have previously considered.

 Beginning in March, Rennert students welcomed Alfonso Torino, PhD, Chair of Interior Design in the School of Professional Studies at Berkeley College, for an introduction to the world of interior design.

The workshop gave students an opportunity to explore fundamental design concepts and learn more about the creative, academic, and professional possibilities within the field while practicing English in an engaging learning environment.

In April, Amy Soricelli, Vice President of Career Services at Berkeley College, led a practical workshop focused on building a strong professional presence on LinkedIn.

Students learned strategies for developing a cohesive and compelling LinkedIn profile, networking effectively, and communicating their experience and accomplishments to a global audience. The workshop also explored how AI is changing the way professionals develop their profiles and approach career networking.

Artificial intelligence continued to be a theme when Maria Rivera, Director of Continuing Education and Professional Development at Berkeley College, led an interactive workshop on AI and public speaking.

Students explored ways to use AI tools to prepare, organize, and strengthen presentations while building the confidence to communicate more effectively in English. The session demonstrated how technology can support both language development and professional communication skills.

Jasmine Briggs-Rogers, Senior Director of Career Services at Berkeley College, brought the focus to career development with a workshop on resume writing.

Students learned how to create a resume that gets noticed and how to tailor their experience, accomplishments, and skills to a specific job or professional opportunity. The workshop provided practical strategies that students can apply at different stages of their careers and wherever their professional journeys may take them.

Creativity has also played an important role in the workshop series. Julia Hutchinson, Chair of Graphic Design in the School of Professional Studies at Berkeley College, introduced Rennert students to Zentangle®, a hands-on drawing method centered on patterns, creativity, and experimentation.

The activity demonstrated how creative thinking and exploration can contribute to graphic design. For students who may not previously have considered a creative field of study, the workshop offered an engaging introduction to the possibilities within graphic design.

Berkeley College professor Ben Hoyng, from the 3D Digital Visualization and Graphic Design programs, introduced students to the artistic process of printmaking.

During the hands-on workshop, students carved their own print tiles and used English to communicate, create, and learn while exploring another area of creative study. At the end of the experience, students were able to take home their own frame-ready artwork.

Rennert concluded the career-focused workshop series with a presentation by Randy Gómez, New York Director of Graduate Admissions for the Berkeley College MBA program.

The dynamic and informative workshop explored the use of artificial intelligence in both professional and academic environments. Students learned about practical applications of AI and received recommendations on AI platforms and tools that can support learning, productivity, and professional development.

These stimulating, hands-on workshops represent but one aspect of the many benefits for international students who want to get more from their English studies. Rennert International's position in the Berkeley College community, right in the heart of New York City allows students to go beyond the limitations of the ESL classroom to put their English to use exploring new ideas, experiencing higher education, developing professional and creative skills, and interacting directly with college faculty and professionals.

For international students, such exposures can broaden their understanding of what studying in the United States can offer and introduce them to academic and professional possibilities they may not have considered before.

At Rennert, learning English is not only about mastering a language. Rennert's *R.E.A.L. method creates an opportunity to experience, explore, connect, and discover where English can take you next.