Minority Care International (MCI), in partnership with Texas A&M University-Commerce and the University of Mindanao (UM), is pleased to announce another batch of MCI scholars to embark on a Student Exchange Program on its third year.

Pearl Joy Bayanon and Jerald Cabangcala is slated to leave on August 14, 2011, for the United States to begin taking cross-cultural courses and participating in an internship program. Jerald will forge his cross-cultural experience working twenty hours a week in the nursing internship program at the Presbyterian Hospital of Greenville (near A&M-Commerce). Pearl Joy, a business major, will intern for twenty-hours a week in the Kilgore's Wealth Management office of Mr. Philip and Leslie Kilgore to learn American business practices and share those in the Philippines.

The President of the University of Mindanao, Dr. Willie Torres, said of the exchange, "This is a unique international experience for our students involving a semester of Cross-Cultural Studies in conjunction with a business or professional internship." Through the Cross-Cultural Studies Exchange, students will gain knowledge, skills for working in a global environment, and a greater understanding of organizational ethics.

Education has become a prerequisite for success in the twenty-first century but education needs meaning. This program by cultural exchange also emphasizes the basic civic principles of love, integrity, idealism, and civic responsibility. Along with preparation for work in a global environment and familiarity with other cultures' practices, the program also provides opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills while engaged in real life work situations. This strengthens students' transition from academia to the world of work after graduation.

"Education is the best diplomacy," said Dr. Dan Jones, President of Texas A&M - Commerce. When considering the partnership, Dr Jones believes both students will be citizen diplomats. Home hosting opportunities show that citizens can have a great impact on America's image overseas when visitors learn the compassionate, loving, and caring side of America and take this view back to their homeland. Likewise, American students will learn of the strengths of the Filipino students with their rich heritage.