By Sadie Hunter
Mt. Vernon Community School Corp. last month launched a comprehensive International Exchange Program.
Collaborations have begun with Anshan, China, and Maioli County, Taiwan, with a goal to bring international students to MVCSC in the 2017-18 school year and also send MVCSC students and staff abroad.
The district’s English Immersion Exchange opportunities include a two-week summer camp, a semester experience or a full-year student exchange. Tuition is being developed for each option.
The district said later stages of the program will include the development of aormitory, with the former Fortville Boys & Girls Home as a potential site. MVCSC also has identified an independent investor, who has expressed an interest in the development.
“The international learning opportunities are a significant step for Mt. Vernon students,” Supt. Shane Robbins said. “We will foster the international partnerships in education between Taiwan and China and provide their students with a safe learning environment and a complete English-immersion experience.”
Recently, MVCSC administrators participated in the Global Forum on Education at Kokomo Schools in Kokomo. Several Chinese and Taiwanese delegates attended. At the forum, a memorandum of agreement to continue educational collaboration was signed by Robbins.
