YSU students share experiences of their voyage to China

By NATALIE LARICCIA

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

YOUNGSTOWN — Many people may dream of hiking the Great Wall of China, volunteering at a panda preserve and examining ancient Asian architecture.

But for 15 Youngstown State University students who recently took a three-week trip to China during their December 2009 winter break, this dream was reality and an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the country’s diverse culture and terrain.

These students shared their experiences and photographs with their classmates and families during a weekend symposium at Schwebel Auditorium in YSU’s Moser Hall.

All students who attended the trip are enrolled in geology courses taught by Raymond Beiersdorfer, in the department of Geological and Environmental Studies. Attending the trip and delivering a multimedia presentation are main components of the course curriculum.

Beiersdorfer coordinated and attended the trip, which featured a fast-paced itinerary that included visits to 12 central and southern-China locations, including Beijing, Shangri-La, and Shanghai.

The experience provided an opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of China’s geology, environmental science, anthropology and culture and included visits to the Great Wall of China and the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum in Banpo, Beiersdorfer said. Students also volunteered at a panda preserve.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.