Primary school students are getting the chance to experience Chinese culture through a unique student exchange program.
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Team China Bendigo is a program that involves 18 local primary schools visit China for an overseas learning experience.
It also sees Chinese students visit Bendigo for eight weeks and stay with a number of local families.
Marong Primary School principal Russell Jeffrey said the program offered students a unique experience.
“Other schools in Melbourne have similar things but nothing like our home stay program,” he said.
“It was forged about eight years ago when principals visited China and met with education department representatives and formed partnership where the program commenced.”
Mr Jeffrey said Chinese families wanted their children immersed in an English language environment.
“They are sent here for eight weeks and we arrange families from each school,” he said.
“We have 18 schools involved and 55 students (visiting) a year. So there are 55 homes caring for those kids.
“From our perspective, our parents wouldn’t send primary school aged students overseas (on a home stay). In return, we do overseas learning experience. We have done three of those and have another planned this year.”
Mr Jeffrey said local school students visit Shanghai and Suzhou on their trip to China.
“Occasionally students stay with (Chinese) families for one night but they visit sister schools from the program,” he said.
“Asia is becoming a booming area in the 21st Century both economically and culturally.
“As part of own studies of Asia in school, we want to introduce students to these cultures.”
The Team China Bendigo program has had success with one Chinese student returning for a second visit with her family.
“It is a great feather in the cap of our program that kids have come for long time, had a wonderful experience,” Mr Jeffrey said.
“On this occasion, the family so excited about child having a wonderful time, that they were keen to come back and see school and meet staff.
“It was also an opportunity for them to realise that in the 1850s Chinese people came here and settled and that Bendigo is renowned for Chiense heritage.
“When the visitors were here they were delighted to see the connection between Bendigo and China.”
For more information visit http://teamchina.global2.vic.edu.au