MCA International Students

MCA+International+Students

Photo by: Micah McDowell

Edna Pajela, guest writer

McKinney Christian Academy started opening its doors to international students in 2008.  Since then, MCA has welcomed international students from numerous countries including Belize, China, Germany, Mexico, South Korea, Jamaica, Vietnam, Zambia, and Taiwan. MCA ‘s International Student Program (ISP)  incorporates services such as specialized academic support, I-20 processing, designated international staff, counseling, and cross-cultural events. “MCA’s ISP enriches the cultural environment of our community. It provides not only opportunities for our internal students to pursue an American college preparatory education with a Christian worldview but offers a rewarding and enriching experience for host families as well,” explains Edna Pajela, Internal Student Program (ISP) Director.

There are a total of seven international students this year representing South Korea, China, and Jamaica. Four are middle school students while three are upper school students.  Sophomore Allen Tan elaborates on his MCA experience. “I like Texas and MCA. It’s a blast and it’s challenging. I know that I would be stronger through this experience.” Parker, the dad of 8th grader Max Zhang, expressed his satisfaction with his son’s experience. “We are very happy with MCA and how Max loves his school, his teachers, his classmates, and his host family.”