CANTON – Twenty-five students from China, Russia and other countries have traveled to the North Country this summer to immerse themselves in American culture and take part in SUNY Canton's international summer program.

The students arrived on Sunday, July 11 and will be on campus for almost a month. They are visiting from Kazan State Finance and Economics Institute and Lomonsov Moscow State University, both in Russia, as well as Guangdong Women's Polytechnic College in China.

"Each summer, our international summer program allows students to experience both our culture and our higher education system," said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. "The campus and local communities greatly benefit from the interactions with the students while we provide them with an educational opportunity most international students never have."

Students will study English as a Second Language and Global Finance, Economics and Culture. The students will earn participation certificates for completing their respective courses at the program's graduation ceremony on Thursday, July 28.

Director of International Programs Marela Fiacco noted it is the first time students from Guangdong Women's Polytechnic College will step foot on campus and take courses.

"Guangdong's participation in our summer program will further SUNY Canton's relationship with the institution, which we have been developing since 2009," Fiacco said. "We have hosted two short-term scholars here who have observed classes and we hope as the partnership grows we are able to host another who will teach Chinese at the ollege."

Fiacco said the next steps in collaborating with Guangdong include accepting students into SUNY Canton's programs and having Assistant Professor of Business and Public Administration William T. Jones lead students in a visit to China where they will study at the institution in Summer 2012. Jones will propose to teach a course in international business communication while visiting overseas, according to Fiacco.

The students' visit to the United States will be highlighted by visits to Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, the Thousand Islands and the Adirondacks. Students will also have the chance to experience many local businesses and events including visits to the Canton Farmer's Market, North Country Public Radio, the Frederick Remington Art Museum, and the annual Potsdam Festival.

In addition to off-campus excursions, students will enjoy the College's new Roos House athletic facility, movies, campus barbecues and bonfires among other activities. Students will also take part in two American Family Nights, where families around the North Country welcome the visiting students to their homes for dinner, take them out for ice cream, and introduce them to American customs and traditions.

Following the end of the program, the students will spend their final four days in the United States in New York City.