Genesee Community College student Lori Mould recently traveled to China for a two-week study abroad trip.  The Communications, Media and Fine Arts major returned from her trip lots of memorable photographs, and a greater understanding of the culture of the Chinese people, too.

A group of State University at New York (SUNY) students and faculty members spent two weeks traveling in three major cities in China, including Beijing, the capital city, as well as Chongqing Special Municipality and Chengdu in Sichuan. The goal of the cultural exchange between SUNY and China, was to confront preconceptions by observing and studying China's reality.

"In my original essay to be selected for the 'Discover China' experience, I told of my perception of the way the world media, especially the media in the United States, portrays China," Lori said. "Because I am a Communications and Media Arts major, I had to find out for myself whether the propaganda that we have been exposed to about the Chinese government, the culture, and its people, were true or false."

Lori had the opportunity to visit the capital city of Beijing, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and the solemn site of the earthquake in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Along the visits to these sites, she learned about China not only through lectures, but also through Chinese language lessons, music lessons and calligraphy.

"I am forever grateful that I was provided the opportunity to visit China and learn more about the government, culture, and especially the people," Lori noted. "I know that I have made some friends for life and I am looking forward to the time when I can return to China to delve into a full Study Abroad Program."