The partnership between the University and American Airlines that began this fall has brought benefits to both students and the airline, according to Chuan Tsai, N.C. State representative for the AA College Program.

Tsai, a senior in business management, said he receives “a steady flow” of e-mails every day from individual students and organizations around campus asking for airfare assistance.

“We’re already integrated in campus,” Tsai said.

He said in the past two months the program has been initiated on campus, he has set up partnerships with various student groups and athletics.

“Anyone can get involved in this,” Tsai said.

And he said he is interested in any suggestions or ideas for giveaways or programs from students.

Tsai said the AA program is “for students, by the student.”

“I materialize ideas other students have,” Tsai said. “I try to make it happen.”

NCSU students have taken advantage of the recent benefits from AA.

According to officials of the national AA college program, N.C. State is the number-one university in the country for student participation in available services, such as the Advantage program.

Sarah McDaniel, junior in Spanish and nutrition, said she has felt the benefits of becoming involved in the partnership with AA.

McDaniel recently was awarded the Global Leaders Scholarship from AA, which provides free airfare for her study abroad experience next semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“Roundtrip tickets to Buenos Aires right now can be about $3,000,” McDaniel said. “It has made the trip much more affordable.”

McDaniel said she is looking forward to her experience and plans to take pictures, learn cultural differences and improve her language skills.

Other students are enjoying the partnership for recreational purposes.

Candice Sylvan, a senior in environmental technology, won a roundtrip ticket at the All-Night Bash this semester.

“That was a good graduation present,” Sylvan said.

Sylvan said she plans to use the ticket to go to Trinidad in the Caribbean during the spring.

“I’ve always wanted to go there,” Sylvan said. “Always jump on every opportunity you get.”

And Tsai said he is brainstorming other ideas to help students receive benefits from the partnership with American Airlines.

A treasure hunt is planned for Thursday, which will include a chance to win a $750 roundtrip ticket to anywhere in the continental United States, Mexico, Canada, Caribbean or Bahamas, according to Tsai.

All students are invited to participate by answering questions available at the Witherspoon Campus Cinema box office Thursday.

For a set of correct answers, a student will receive a golden envelope. Other envelopes will be placed in strategic places around campus, such as underneath the Technician newspaper box.

“Someone gets the lucky envelope,” Tsai said.

Although there is only one roundtrip ticket, Tsai said all the envelopes have some kind of discount.

“We’re trying to get students to travel more,” Tsai said. “That was our mission from the beginning — to get students out there and add a benefit for being a student.”

Tsai said he and AA understand students are “strapped for cash.”

“I’m here for whoever needs me,” Tsai said. “It’s up to students to reach out to me.”

Other ways for students to use the AA program include half-time giveaways at basketball games or joining the “American Airlines Backs the Pack” Facebook group, according to Tsai.

“That’s not going to stop any time soon,” Tsai said.