U.S., Chinese Schools Build Virtual Ed. Partnerships, Study Abroad Opportunities

From http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/02/01/19el-chinaexchange.h31.html

U.S., Chinese Schools Build Virtual Ed. Partnerships
By Katie Ash
January 30, 2012

Several schools aiming to better prepare students for a global economy and foster cultural understanding between the United States and China have turned to virtual exchange programs between American and Chinese schools.

"The global market is changing 24-7," said William Skilling, the superintendent of the 4,600-student Oxford community school system in Michigan. "We feel it is mission-critical for every student to become fluent in a world language and fluent in multiple world cultures."

To that end, the district hires only native speakers to teach foreign languages, hosts both virtual and physical exchange programs with Chinese students and educators, and launched an international school in China that will allow students from the district to study there.

Read a full description of what the school systems are doing at http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/02/01/19el-chinaexchange.h31.html