Mandarin Language Exchange Program

In early 2007, the Stamford, CT public School system initiated a pilot venture of the Mandarin Language Exchange Program (MLEP) with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation. The school district had already shown a strong commitment to international exchange, having sent more than 110 students and 50 educators to its Sister City of Jiangdu, China since 2004.

Stamford schools teamed with the AIFS Foundation’s Academic Year in America (AYA) pro­gram. This joint venture allowed Stamford to take its exchange program to the next level as a participant in the MLEP. The program brought high school students from China to attend a full school year and live with a host family in the community.

Stamford schools sent letters to the homes of every freshman, sophomore and junior asking if they would be interested in hosting a Chinese exchange student. The high schools referred host families to AYA, who then handled all the program details and logistics.

Each of the participating high schools in Stamford has an International Exchange Coordinator who volunteers on the staff to help facilitate the program. Coordinators also help supervise the students throughout the school year, answer questions from families and help to identify new host families.

Stamford is an excellent model of integration of international exchange programs. They hosted 6 AYA students for the 2007-2008 academic year, and participate in a full year teacher ex­change and sister city program with China. In February, the schools collaborated together on a Chinese New Year celebration involving MLEP participants and the school community. This type of inclusion has yielded fantastic results from students, teachers and parents. An MLEP ceremony will be held at the end of the year. This event is sure to draw deserved attention to the maiden program as well as the school system itself. By working in conjunction with Academic Year in America, the Stamford Pub­lic School System is getting recognition at the state level for their extended exchange pro­gram.

“Stamford students have the chance to study Mandarin, and travel to China because of our Sister City relationship,” states Bryan Olkowski, Director of special programs and Coordinator of the MLEP program for the district. “Now, as an MLEP school, Stamford families also have the opportunity to host an exchange student for the entire school year. Such an experience, in addition to fostering international understanding and cooperation, has the potential to positively change and impact a child’s life forever.”

Stamford Public Schools has created an atmo­sphere of global learning and understanding, allowing students from two very different parts of the world to exchange ideas and establish friendships that last a lifetime.