For the new semester, 12-year-old Gia, a native of Ulan Bator, capital of the Republic of Mongolia, arrived at a primary school in Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to study Chinese.

 

"Both my elder brother and sister have studied Chinese in China," Gia said. "I heard from them that there are more people and more buildings in China than our country. There are also lots of interesting things, so I longed for China."

 

As the economic, technical and cultural co-operation between the two countries increased rapidly, Mongolia has experienced an upsurge of interest in learning Chinese.

 

In Ulan Bator alone, there are six schools specialized in teaching Chinese. Another 40 schools have also offered Chinese courses. But Enho Qiqige, Gia's teacher, said primary and middle school students often choose to learn Chinese in China where there is a better language environment.

 

A total of 517 students from the Republic of Mongolia came to the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to study Chinese, according to statistics from the autonomous region's Education Bureau.

 

Fifteen schools in Inner Mongolia now recruit students from the Republic of Mongolia. During their studies, which last from two to three years, the students also learn computer, English, mathematics, arts and music as well as attend physical education classes.

 

The schools have hired teachers who are fluent in both Mongolian and Chinese for the young students.

 

After finishing senior middle school, most Mongolian students would choose to pursue their studies in higher educational institutions in other cities of China.

 

Last year, 22 students from Omnogobi Aimag, the southernmost province of Mongolia, arrived at the No 6 Middle School of Alashan Left Banner in Alashan League of western Inner Mongolia.

 

The Alashan League government has allocated 10,000 yuan (US$1,233) for each of the Mongolian students to help cover their living and educational expenses.

 

(China Daily March 17, 2006)