Eight college students from southern China's Shantou University will take a special seasonal job starting in August, reporting on the presidential election in the United States.

The chosen journalism majors, including one freshman, are scheduled to attend the national congresses of the Democratic and Republican parties on August 24 and September 4, respectively, according to China News Service.

After that, they will follow the two major candidates as they campaign across the country until November 4, when the 44th President of the United States will be selected.

During the course of their three months on the road, the students will get to interview candidates, senators, and other people involved in the election to better depict the political mechanism and status of the United States.

The activity is sponsored by the Li Ka Shing Foundation established by Hong Kong business tycoon Li Ka-shing.

(CRI June 18, 2008)