Pandas and spicy cold noodles will soon be on the itinerary for Victoria’s student leaders, with the Victorian Young Leaders to China program heading to Chengdu.
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced that the program will be expanded to include language and cultural immersion in Chengdu, in China’s southwest.
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province and is famous for its spicy cuisine and Panda sanctuary.
It will soon become Victoria’s second sister-state in China with a formal agreement to be signed later this year.
The Victorian Young Leaders to China program gives Victorian students the opportunity to travel to China for six weeks to immerse themselves in its culture, history and language.
The program helps inspire Victorian students to study Chinese languages, exposes students to international study and travel, and strengthens ties between Victoria and China.
Under the five year program, 1,500 Victorian Year 9 students will travel to China to visit Beijing and either Chengdu, Jiangsu or Shanghai.
This announcement builds on the strong relationship between the Victorian Government and the Sichuan Department of Education.
Earlier this week, Minister for International Education Steve Herbert met senior officials at the Sichuan Department of Education to discuss further collaboration between the pair.
Melbourne, Deakin and La Trobe Universities are all active in the Sichuan region.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“Life-long friendships are formed between Victorian and Chinese students through this program and it’s exciting to see it expanded to Chengdu so that Victorian students can experience even more of China’s unique history, culture and language.”
“Cultures and languages are shared and celebrated through this program, which fosters a greater connection between Australian and Chinese people.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020