Introduction

The XAVIER CHINA EXPERIENCE (XCE) is a 6-week overseas Enrichment Program for selected Grade 7 students. This innovative program will be launched during the Third Quarter of this school year.

One of the problems often encountered in teaching Chinese as a second language to Chinese Filipinos is the environment: Virtually no one speaks Mandarin in the Philippines. As a result, there are no opportunities for our students to practice what they learn in the classroom. The XCE provides our students six weeks of living in Xiamen, China, where the environment is conducive for appreciating and learning the Chinese language and culture.

A partnership with the Overseas Education College of Xiamen University, the XCE is primarily a Chinese Language and Culture Study Program. XCE participants will undergo an intensive program in Conversational Chinese, as well as a course in Chinese Culture and History and Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Educational tours and interaction with Chinese middle school students have also been organized to make learning extend beyond the classroom. Furthermore, the other academic subjects will also be offered to the students in Xiamen during the program.

However, the XCE is more than just an academic program. It is a total formation program. For this reason, the six weeks have been carefully designed, with strict implementing guidelines, so that the entire experience will be formative for the participants. A second--equally important--objective of the XCE is to encourage the Grade 7 participants to become more independent and responsible.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has generously agreed to be the Presentor for our First XCE Program. This coming October, 52 Grade 7 students accompanied by six Xavier faculty members will participate in the First Xavier China Experience. Among them are scholars who have been enabled to join the program, thanks to our sponsors: Shoe Mart, an XCE co-presentor and Metrobank Foundation, a sponsor. Two of our Grade 7 students' parents also made a donation to assist in defraying the costs for the scholars.

The XCE is the first of its kind. Xavier School is proud to launch this innovative program for its students.