The Office of Educational Equity and Diversity Program has announced that they will be taking students on a trip abroad to visit Beijing. On Wednesday Andy Herrera held two information sessions on this year's planned excursion. The meetings were held at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Reed 150.

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The overseas trip is planned for Mid-May, the group will depart from Erie on May 13 and return on May 20. The eight-day trip promises to be filled with entertaining and educational excursions such as exploring the Great Wall, and the Forbidden City.

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The trip is curated through Education First College Study Tours a company that partners with educators to create academically and culturally rich programs that put students in new environments. Together EF college study tours and the office of equity and diversity have put together a versatile trip meant to better and entertain students of all majors. The trip abroad does not count for credits unlike some other overseas trips hosted through Behrend. However, it has proved to be desirable, over 27 students attended the evening information session. With such high enthusiasm being shown, students who are interested in the trip should act fast, as the trip is only open to 14 students.

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After a day of travelling, students are able to slide into their Chinese experience by meeting their tour director and enjoying a relaxed dinner in Beijing. The second day of the Beijing experience promises a jam-packed fun day, as students visit the summer palace, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Beijing University all in the same day. Students will also enjoy a dragon boat ride, and participate in a Taiji lesson.

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Day three of the trip features longer excursions such as a tour of the Great Wall of China and a quick stop at the 2008 Olympics site. While finishing the day with a relaxing traditional tea ceremony. Day four has a visit to the zoo, and Heaven Park scheduled. Students will also be able to enjoy a traditional rickshaw tour and finish by having dinner with a local Hutong family. As the trip winds down on the fifth day, the group will get to visit the Yonghe Lamasery Temple. The Yonghe Lamasery Temple is a temple and monastery which has been preserved since it was actively used in 1694. Known for its unique architecture and multiple artworks the temple pulls in tourists from across the globe.  

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On the last day, before students depart back home, students are released to explore Beijing on their own until they join up to enjoy their final meal together in Beijing, a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

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The eight-day trip costs approximately $3,490. This approximation covers everything except select meals and other indulgences like souvenirs. If the cost of the journey presents itself as problematic, students can pursue funding through various grants and scholarships. Penn State’s Student Engagement Network offers grants to students and may cover up to $3,000. The application for spring semester funding opens on October 19. Another option available to students is to pursue a scholarship through EF College Study Tours. This year alone, the company is awarding $20,000 worth of scholarships.

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If you are interested in learning more about the trip or tagging along talk to Andy Herrera in Behrend’s Office of Educational Equity and Diversity Programs or email DiversityBehrend@psu.edu.