International students at 91爆料 get to experience local attractions

November 6, 2017

91爆料 students from around the world got a chance to experience local attractions through trips hosted by University Center for International Education (UCIE).

On Oct. 7, more than 50 international students visited Young鈥檚 Jersey Dairy, where they could run through a corn maze, pick out a pumpkin and take on a hayride. Dan Young, CEO of the farm who earned a MBA from 91爆料, talk to the students about his perspective on continuing and growing the family business in the Dayton area.

The trip to Young鈥檚 was new for several students, since many had never been in a corn maze or picked a pumpkin before.

Bill Holmes, associate vice president for international affairs at 91爆料, said the students benefit greatly from the trips.

鈥淭he trip to Young鈥檚鈥 Dairy gave students a firsthand experience with traditional celebrations of fall in the Midwest with elements of the U.S.鈥檚 unique spin on Halloween. More significantly, students had the opportunity to learn about local entrepreneurship from the proprietor of Young鈥檚 Dairy, Dan Young,鈥 he said.

Catherine Hernandez, international student program coordinator for UCIE, said the trips helped international students get to know the local area. She encouraged those participating in the International Friendship Program to attend, as it gave participants an opportunity to see local attractions in a new way.

鈥淲hen you hang out with international students and go to places with them, you鈥檙e rediscovering the area with international lenses, so things are brought out that you may have never noticed before,鈥 she said.

On Oct. 21, the UCIE took 60 students to Hocking Hills, a state park where visitors can hike to see caves and waterfalls. The students visited Old Man鈥檚 Cave, one of the most popular trails at Hocking Hills, featuring waterfalls, gorges, a waterfall known as The Devil鈥檚 Bathtub, and the cave, where at least three people are known to have lived. The students also visited Conkle鈥檚 Hollow, a nature preserve with the deepest gorge in Ohio.

鈥淭he Hocking Hills trip enabled students to learn about the distinctive natural history of Ohio by allowing students to directly witness the rock formations and gorges carved by receding glaciers,鈥 Holmes said. 鈥淭he whole purpose of these kinds of events is that we are educating our students on attractions that are local.鈥

UCIE plans trips throughout the year. The trips, Hernandez said, are inexpensive, fun and allow students to make friends from all around the world. It鈥檚 a win-win all the way around.

Other upcoming trips include ice skating, skiing and canoeing. To learn of upcoming UCIE trips, visit wright.edu/international-education.