CRI听力:Australian Students Invited by Xi Start China Trip

More than 20 6th grade students will visit, accompanied by their teachers and parents. Chloe is one of the students.

"I'm really excited, and a little bit nervous. And we are all grateful."

Each of these students has a personal connection with President Xi. The story dates back to one year ago. The students came up with an idea to send a letter to president Xi and Madam Peng, inviting them to visit Tasmania. Each Child wrote a letter to President Xi, introducing the unique wildlife, spectacular scenery, and delicious food of Tasmania.

Shortly afterwards, the students got a response from the President. President Xi visited Tasmania and met the students during his state visit to Australia, and invited the children to visit China.

A boy named Theo says all of them remember that day and they always talk about it.

"It's a memory that I will remember forever. They were so friendly, and they really wanted to meet us."

The students are looking forward to their trip to China. Chloe says there will be a lot of things to see and experience.

"We are going to Beijing Zoo, our sister school, the great wall, and we are going to take the fastest train in the world."

The students want to make new friends in China. They have even prepared gifts and practiced songs to sing to their Chinese mates.

Theo says it's good the two nations are friendly, and he says he wants to study in China one day.

"The China Australia relationship is stronger. We can send our students to study in China and they can study here. I want to study in Beijing."

Mr. Xu Xiao, the Counselor for Education of the Chinese Embassy in Australia, visited the school before the students' departure. He brought maps of China as gifts to the children. And he says they will have a close look at Chinese culture during their visit.

"This trip together with your future study of Chinese language and culture, will help you to better know China. I hope that all of you can make your own contribution to a better China-Australia relationship."

The principal of Scotch Oakburn, Andy Muller, says the invitation of President Xi is significant, and the trip will help the children prepare for the future.

"The invitation from President Xi is incredibly significant. In terms of the students, this is going to help develop their enthusiasm for learning about China, Chinese language and culture. It will help them to be better prepared for their future."

For CRI, I'm Wang Xiao from Launceston.