Coca-Cola helps fulfill Obama's dream of sending students to study abroad in China
July 15, 2011
President Barack Obama began the "100,000 Strong" initiative in 2009 to encourage friendly relations between the U.S. and China.
The Department of State reports that from 2001 to 2007, the amount of American students who studied in the Asian nation rose by roughly 30 percent, and the government agency predicts that interest will continue to grow. In the early stages of the initiative's development, the total budget to fund the project was estimated to be around $68 million.
To support the initiative, the Coca-Cola Foundation recently awarded $1 million worth of grants to 160 students who will be traveling to China for school.
"Through this grant, we hope to establish a stronger relationship, find common ground and build a better understanding between our nations," said Muhtar Kent, the Chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Company.
Students who are traveling to China may be anxious about living in a country with a culture that is vastly different than that of America. They can bring along international calling cards to stay in touch with their families, which can help stave off feelings of homesickness.
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