SEP offers direct contact with Chinese teachers and students allowing for the American students to learn more ‘authentic’ Chinese in terms of vernacular, slang, and common conversational Chinese, as well as industry nomenclature. Students have access to Chinese schools directly through exchange programs, internet communications, and “camps” (Summer/Winter).
American students, through closer contact with fellow Chinese students and teachers, will develop a higher level of cultural understanding which creates a higher statistical probability of stronger ties in business and political cooperation in the future.
SEP provides opportunities that encourage teamwork and leadership through sports tournaments and academic competition. American students from participating SEP schools have the opportunity to go to China, immersed in a Chinese school, and join Chinese sports and academic tournaments. In turn, Chinese students have the opportunity to do the same in the United States.
All American public school students whose School District participates in SEP will benefit from the revenue that the School District receives from the Chinese student’s tuition in China – a large percentage of which goes directly to the School Districts as monies for technological development as well as District development. This means that SEP even benefits schools and students that are not directly participating in SEP, but because they are enrolled in the participating School District, they benefit as well.