国际英语新闻：100,000 Strong Initiative Gets Boost from Chicago Ties to China

The Advisory Committee of President Barack Obama's 100,000 Strong Initiative, which encourages Americans to study in China, is led by former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel and departing Chicago Mayor Richard Daly. Daly, who's been mayor for 22 years, led Chicago in engaging China and promoting cross-cultural programs.  His efforts earned the Windy City the distinction of being "the most China-friendly city" when President Hu Jintao visited in January. That distinction is helping Chicago support President Obama's goal.

It may not sound like an American classroom or look like a traditional American classroom.

But students from the Walter Payton College Preparatory School in Chicago are getting an education on the Far East.

“For young students, it’s a very smart investment to learn Chinese I think,” said Wen Ya Lu, one of several language instructors at the school. Chinese language classes have been a regular part of the curriculum in the Chicago Public School system for more than a decade. “We believe we are one of the first, several schools, that started or promote Chinese language learning,” Wen Ya Lu said.

“The mayor has initiated the largest public school Mandarin program in the United States. There are 42 schools in Chicago that are teaching Mandarin to more than 12,000 students," said William Spence, co-chairman of the Chicago Sister Cities China Committee.  He says language classes are one way departing Mayor Richard Daly has engaged China, America’s second largest trading partner.  Chinese President Hu Jintao recognized those efforts in January.  During his state visit, he spent time in Chicago, and visited with students and faculty at Walter Payton.

“That probably had more to do with raising the level of awareness of Chicago in China than any other single act,” Spence said.