Hear these American students sing and speak Chinese!

World
Europe

While most children in the US are looking forward to summer vacation to hit the beach or head to their favorite amusement park, some Washington DC kids are looking forward to visiting China.

The students have been immersed in Chinese language and culture since they were four to five years old. Now they are ready to put their language skills to use in the Middle Kingdom.

“We can speak the language and we understand what they think may be different than what we think but if we work together it can be something great,” 10-year-old student Arisemma told CGTN Digital.

American students immersed in Chinese culture. /Future Global Leaders

Six years ago, this group of youngsters began their journey together at a Washington Yu Ying Chinese Immersion Public Charter School. In their daily life at Washington Yu Ying, they learn about Chinese dynasties, the Great Wall, and the way of life in China. They've learned Chinese songs as well as how to read, write and practice math in Mandarin.

Making China dreams a reality

The students celebrated Chinese New Year Saturday night with a fundraiser celebrating music and food from China in conjunction with the US Confucious Institute. During the event intended to raise money to help cover the cost of their two-week trip to China, the students were able to demonstrate their Mandarin fluency to supporters.

The group heads to the Chinese mainland this summer, where they will explore the place of origin of their adopted language. These children will live and attend school and summer camps with their Chinese counterparts, a visit which will no doubt be a game-changer in their quest to more fully understand the Chinese language and culture.

“If we go we can make this country more diverse,” student Kelsey told CGTN Digital. “We can all change the way people think.”

Listen to the students speak Chinese:

Another student was quick to offer her insight on the benefits of the trip to China.

“We can be a bridge between China and America. I think it will be so cool,” student Mecca said.

Speak the same language

The inquisitive group of students is traveling as part of the Future Leaders Program.

While they are eager to put their Mandarin speaking skills to the test some of the kids said they are equally excited about trying Chinese cuisine.

"I want to go to China to have an experience I usually wouldn't have and to learn about their culture. Also to try some of the fried rice," 10-year-old student Desmond said.

They have a variety of career goals in life ranging from architect to world leaders and musicians. The parents we spoke to feel becoming socially and culturally adept in Chinese culture will be an important part of the students’ success.

American students immersed in Chinese culture. /Future Global Leaders

“I was traveling abroad and amazed at how many of the other students spoke multiple languages. I said when I have kids they will definitely know more than one language,” parent Ursula Richelieu told CGTN Digital. “We’ve been in this for 10 years now.”

Richelieu’s daughter is one of the students in the Future Leaders Program. She also has an older daughter who has been studying Mandarin since a young age.

American students immersed in Chinese culture. /Future Global Leaders

Head of the class

These students are at the head of the class in learning Mandarin at such an early age.

According to the Modern Language Association, Mandarin is one of the few languages to see an increase in enrollment amongst students in recent years.

Another parent explained why it was necessary for her child to learn Mandarin.

“When we travel to Africa in the summer my daughter is able to have a conversation with Chinese people living there,” parent Sosena Desta told CGTN Digitial.

American students immersed in Chinese culture have formed a Chinese band, the "Red Hot China Peppers"‍. /Future Global Leaders

According to a 2015 “Atlantic” report, less than one percent of American adults are proficient in a foreign language that they studied in a US classroom.

These students are hoping to shatter that statistic, especially after visiting the birth country of their chosen language.

“This advantage will take us farther in life,” 10-year-old student Christine said.