Sp03 China Tour Testimonials

The following are excerpts from essays on the educational value of the Sp03 tour that were submitted by recipients of China Study Tour Grants and/or students registered for the three credit China Studies course or one credit China Tour course, which were offered in conjunction with the tour. Most of the following comments are regarding the tour, although some pertaining to the three credit China Studies course are also included.

Ashley McDougal, MBA student, China Studies student

“What started out as a course being taken to fulfill an elective requirement ended up being the most valuable experience in my life.”

“The educational experience that I personally gained from this course and especially trip words can not describe.”

“Because of this course and trip I have become extremely interested in learning more about international business.”

“My one and only recommendation to any potential prospects for this trip would be to enroll in the three credit course that Dr. Mahan offers.”
”If you are even considering participating in this trip, do not let an opportunity of a lifetime slip away: explore what China has to offer you both educationally and personally. This trip has made a significant impact on my life and I know that it can do the same for you.”

Celina Henderson, MBA student, China Studies student

“The educational value of the China Studies Tour was beyond my expectations.”

“One of the most important recommendations I would make to students on future tours is to take the 3 credit course in order to get a clear understanding of Chinese history, economics, politics, and other cultural aspects of the country. The trip to China is a wonderful experience that can only be fully captured by being educated in its background. It makes every event more meaningful when you have some knowledge of what it is all about.”

Rose Zawistowski, undergrad, China Studies student

“The Splendid China Tour was one of the best investments that I have made thus far in my life.”

“I would definitely recommend the China Studies course to any student who will be participating in the Splendid China tour. The China studies course provided me with the foundation of knowledge about the Chinese culture and history.”

“If I was asked to go on the next Splendid China tour I would quickly [answer] yes.”

Angie Leasure, MBA student, China Studies student

“…when people ask me how my trip was I tell them it was wonderful and I cannot wait to go back.”

“Taking the China Studies class also helped in preparing me for what I saw while traveling in Beijing,…”

“In today’s global world, it is so important to understand different cultures and lands. I think being able to travel to Beijing helps you build a much better understanding for a place that is much different that the ones we live in here in Erie.”

“I am so glad that I was able to take part in the China tour; it was truly a memorable experience. The trip was well planned out from the day we left until the day we arrive back in the states, you could not have asked for better arraignments. I truly appreciate the hard work Dr. Mahan put into making it one of my most memorable traveling experiences yet!”

Charles Hirsch, MBA student, China Studies student

“I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in international business.”

“I could see myself going into international business as a result of this class.”

Kristi Gusty, undergrad, China Studies student

“My experiences in China will be ones that I will always remember…”

“I cannot stress enough how much educational value this trip had to offer. I learned and experienced so many different things while I was there.”

“Overall, this trip is by far the greatest experience I have ever had. I would highly recommend it to any person…The experiences that you have on this trip are ones that you learn from and can take with you your whole life. Being able to partake in this trip is one of the best advantages Gannon University has to offer.”

Jason Harkobusic, MBA student, China Studies student

“…the experience of visiting and seeing the sights of China is one that I will never forget. There was so much learned on this trip it is hard to express everything in writing.”

“I would suggest to any student, faculty or friend to go on the trip to China.”

“Overall I must say that it was the best trip I have ever taken. If I can get time off of work again I will without doubt attend another Gannon trip to where ever they go.”

Kelly Matczak, MBA student, China Studies student

“”…the China Studies Tour has exceeded my expectations…”

“This trip…gave me one of the most memorable experiences of my life.’

“I highly suggest taking the three credit China Studies course when going on this trip…It was such an asset to learn this valuable knowledge prior to going. I think it highly adds to the sense of appreciation that on[e] can glean out of this trip.”

“To understand China one must experience it in person. Books and movies surely supplement it, but to understand it you must live it. One must meet the people, eat the food, ride the transportation, climb the Wall, visit the homes and interact with the people who work and live there.”

“I highly recommend this trip…”

Michael Barber, MBA student, China Studies student

“If you are not part of the 3-credit class take advantage of sitting-in on the class anywary. Several of the non-students did and I feel they benefited in doing so.”

“Keep an open mind before you go and while you are there. It will be an unforgettable life experience.”

Denee Rogowski, MBA student, China Studies student

“The China Tour was an exceptional tour. It was better than I would have ever guess it to be. I am so glad I decided to go.”

“The whole China experience was great and educational. I learned more about the Chinese culture and people that I ever expected to. One would never be able to gain the experience we did though books or videos. One must experience by doing to take it all in.”

“I did feel very safe during my trip.”

“When I got home all I have though about and talked about is going back to China. I am ready to go back at any time. It was an experience of a lifetime and one I would not trade for anything. I am anxious to go back to China and would consider taking the China Tour again with Gannon University.”

Michael Kuhn, MBA student, China Studies student

“The China Studies Course is a well organized, well planned learning experience.”

“The most important thing that I will take from this experience is the knowledge and understanding gained during this process. Another very important take-with from the course was the lifetime of new friendships made on this journey.”

Cory Johnston, undergrad, one credit China Tour course student

“I would first recommend students to welcome this experience. It was an unbelievable time for myself.”