EVERETT, WA- Seven students from Egypt will spend the 2008-2009 academic year studying at Everett Community College through an international student exchange sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

The program agreement with the U.S. Dept. of State- Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs is currently enabling almost 200 students nationwide from Egypt to perfect their English skills in the field of study in which they have already learned or worked.

These interests include business administration, journalism, public relations and multimedia. "I hope this practical study will qualify me for many job opportunities," wrote Samah Salah El Din Hassaan Mansur, one of the seven. Mansur is from Cairo, Egypt.

EvCC English instructor Phebe Shen is also the program's coordinator. "They have a lot of knowledge about their fields, and they'll be a great addition to their classrooms," Shen said. "The college will benefit from the knowledge and experience of the seven."