Year 9 St Joseph’s College students will get the chance to live and study in China for six weeks.
The $13 million Victorian Young Leaders to China Program will select 90 students from eight schools for the study tour.
Education minister Martin Dixon said the program was intended to develop Victoria as Australia’s most Asia-ready workforce.
“By strengthening the leadership and intercultural skills of a core group of young Victorians – and developing their understanding of our most important trading partner – we are giving Victoria a competitive advantage in the Asian century,” Mr Dixon said.
Scheduled to depart in March next year, the students will spend one week in intensive Mandarin language training, one week visiting key cultural sites and four weeks in classes at leading schools in Shanghai and Nanjing, capital of Victoria’s sister-state, Jiangsu Province.
Mr Dixon said the program specifically targeted Year 9 to encourage students to stay engaged in learning and to accelerate their performance into senior years and beyond.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity at a critical time in a young person’s development, when what they learn about themselves, other cultures, subjects and languages can make a lasting difference to their future,” Mr Dixon said.
Nine educators accompanying the students will participate in a tailored professional development program.
“The benefits of this program will extend far beyond the students and educators taking part – it will be a catalyst for promoting Chinese language and culture in schools across the state.”
