Eddie Conger, superintendent of charter school International Leadership of Texas, is interviewed by Xinhua in Houston, Texas, the United States, on Sept. 12, 2019. Learning Chinese not only helps American students build understanding and trust of China but also makes them more competitive in the future, Eddie Conger has said. (Xinhua/Liu Liwei)
HOUSTON, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Learning Chinese not only helps American students build understanding and trust of China but also makes them more competitive in the future, an American educator has said.
Eddie Conger, superintendent of charter school International Leadership of Texas, told Xinhua in a recent interview that learning the language is a good way for American students to know about China.
"China is one of the most important countries in the world. And it's very important that our kids learn the language and learn the culture so that we can continue to develop a positive relationship with China."
Established in 2012, International Leadership of Texas teaches students English, Spanish and Chinese languages from kindergarten all the way through high school.
Conger said the school has received positive feedbacks from students and parents for the Chinese language teaching. Mastering Chinese also helps students become more competitive when pursuing higher education.
"Our kids are applying to MIT, Stanford, Yale, University of Chicago that we've had students get accepted to. They look at our kids and see that it's not only the academics but it's the languages, especially Chinese," said the superintendent.
According to Conger, educational exchanges between the United States and China could help the two countries overcome difficulties and challenges.
"If our children are able to master the language and feel comfortable in their skin and in the culture to travel throughout China from Harbin all the way to Haikou, it would be fantastic for the American kids and for the Chinese students to be closer together and work together," he said.
