The Anderson High students have been building a relationship with their peers over the course of a year through the Austin-Taichung Sister Cities Committee, part of Sister Cities International.
The visiting students are living with Anderson High School host families and attend classes with the Chinese language students. Some of the activities planned include visits to the Texas Capitol, the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, the University of Texas, NASA, the Alamo, and Enchanted Rock State Park.
Anderson is one of only three high schools in the Austin School District that offers Chinese language instruction. Also, during their Austin visit, the visiting students will sign a sister-school agreement with Anderson High School. Some Anderson students are planning a visit to Taiwan in the summer of 2011.
From the Students
I asked the Austin Independent School District if the students could describe their experiences and tell a little about their new friends. Below are their responses.
From Tim Graham
What's it like to have students from Taichung, Taiwan visiting?
I felt awkward at first but it fun to get to know someone from a different country.
What's the most important thing you hope to learn from your peers from across the globe?
Additional words from the Chinese language - I want to learn some Chinese slang
When you visit Taiwan in 2011, what will you hope to learn?
Chinese culture
Why is it important to understand other people and cultures?
To gain better understanding of other people and to not offend them.
What are you doing with the students from Taiwan while they are here?
Astrid (my Chinese student) are going classic American stuff - such as eating hamburgers, pizza, Texas BBQ, bowling, going to movies, going to my sister's soccer games and hanging out watching TV.
From Dillan Milligan
What's it like to have students from Taichung, Taiwan visiting?
It is definitely different than having a sister around, but it is nice.
What's the most important thing you hope to learn from your peers from across the globe?
I want to practice my Chinese and understand the Chinese culture better.
When you visit Taiwan in 2011, what will you hope to learn?
The Chinese language and Chinese culture.
Why is it important to understand other people and cultures?
To broaden your horizon. It is especially important in today’s world, where Asia has so many rising economic powers.
What are you doing with the students from Taiwan while they are here?
I am taking Sandy, my exchange students, to experience true American life, including being a true Texan. A lot of eating out, like in burger joints, visiting farms with longhorns, going 4-wheeling.
From Jordan Marrufo
What's it like to have students from Taichung, Taiwan visiting?
It is a great experience. It has taught me a lot about how they live as well.
What's the most important thing you hope to learn from your peers from across the globe?
Chinese language and their way of life.
When you visit Taiwan in 2011, what will you hope to learn?
Chinese language and culture, especially their belief system.
Why is it important to understand other people and cultures?
We are living in a increasingly globalizing world. It is extremely important to learn about the peers from across the globe.
What are you doing with the students from Taiwan while they are here?
I take my exchange student everywhere I go, hanging out with my friends, watching TV.
Pictures from teacher Kelly Long
Tim Graham holding a sign at the airport
Sofia Euthymiou and friend Mary at the bowling alley
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