(KTRS) – For the first time, Harris-Stowe University is sending students to take part in a long-term study abroad program.

Early Friday Darius Terrell and Zackary Davis started their trip to Ningbo, China where they will spend the next several months continuing their business studies. Education officials say that only 10 percent of students, nationwide, participate in study abroad programs and minorities make up the smallest percentage of students who do take part in the programs.

The Harris-Stowe program owes its creation, in part, to a focus by President Barack Obama on bringing together historically black colleges and Chinese universities to expand study abroad opportunities. Harris-Stowe will send four students to China starting in the fall.