Chinese Classes Broaden Willie Strausser’s Worldview
August 25, 2011, page 8.....

With three Chinese instructors on staff, Vermont Commons School (VCS) in South Burlington offers five years of Mandarin Chinese language classes. The program began in 2007 because parents, students and faculty recognized China’s emergence as a world influencer and believe that fluency in its language can open opportunities.
Willie Strausser, a VCS student from Charlotte, has already found his Chinese language skills very useful. “Of all of my academic experiences, none have shaped me more than the three years I have spent learning Chinese. I really do believe that language is a window into any society, and learning about a culture as far removed from my American lifestyle as China is, is incredible. VCS gave me the opportunity to visit China twice before graduating high school and has been instrumental in forming my decision to major in East Asian Studies when I go to college. Not only has learning Chinese taught me a new language, it has also given me a global, anthropological, multi-cultural worldview,” says Strausser. 
According to Peter Gilmore, Head of Vermont Commons School, “Learning Mandarin helps students gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, which has an increasing impact on our economy and global position.” 
Ben Wang, who has been a teacher at Vermont Commons School since 2009, notes, “I find it an enjoyable challenge to introduce the Chinese-speaking world and worldview to curious and inquisitive students. The Vermont Commons School is a great environment for applying cutting-edge pedagogical approaches. Our ambition is to become a model for Chinese language teaching and learning in Vermont and the U.S.” 
It is the philosophy at Vermont Commons School that competency in more than one language deepens students’ ability to be engaged, world citizens and the school offers five years of Spanish language classes as well. 

Information for this article was provided by Vermont Commons School, which is an independent, college-preparatory day school in South Burlington for students in grades 7-12. For information visit vermontcommons.org.