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Schools

Perpich Center Builds Chinese Exchange Program

Perpich Center for Arts Education is developing an exchange program with China.

Students at the Perpich Center for Arts Education are getting ready for a trip to China. It’s the second trip the school has offered to its students in an effort to broaden their cultural horizons. 

“We are really interested in building a relationship with the high school in Luoyang, China,” said English Teacher Kevin Clark, who also organizes the trip.

“We want our students to experience Chinese culture and Chinese students to learn about our art-infused culture here at Perpich.”

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A group of 11 students will leave at the end of the month for a 12-day trip during spring break. The students will stay with host families and tour the city and schools.

“It’s truly an authentic experience,” Clark said. “It’s not designed to be a shopping trip. These trips have significant cultural weight and encourage each culture to learn from one another.”

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The trip follows a visit from two high-ranking Chinese education officials to Perpich several weeks ago. Secretary of Party Committee Li Youzhong and Director of the Foreign Affairs Office Zhao Liming toured Perpich, sat in on classes and enjoyed an American meal cooked by one of the teachers.

“The poignant moment of the evening came when the Chinese foreign affairs director said, ‘I feel like I am home,’” Executive Director of Perpich Center for Arts Education Susan Mackert said.

“That is what this global educational program is about, building bridges of mutual respect and understanding through education.”

To return the cultural experience, the Perpich Center for Arts Education will host a group of Chinese students for three weeks in April.  

The Golden Valley arts school hopes to expand the trip, and eventually incorporate a teacher exchange into the program.

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