BATESVILLE – Batesville Community Schools are hosting more than a dozen Chinese students this week as part of a global immersion program.
The elementary students have traveled from Batesville’s sister school in Hangzhou, the largest city in the Zhejiang Province of China. The six day camp began Monday and concludes Saturday.
Each school day consists of a language class where local students are instructed on introductory Chinese while the scholars from China are studying English. The class also features field trips to downtown Batesville and other local attractions.
Batesville Middle School art teacher and program organizer Grace Kontour said during a May school board meeting that the Chinese students are staying with host families.
“They want to get into the true American lifestyle like barbecue in the yard, watching a movie, the things we do everyday.”
When Superintendent Jim Roberts was asked if Batesville students will one day travel to China, he responded, “That is certainly the goal.”
