Mongolian teachers come to FSU for immersive English program

Zhang Yu teaches English at the university in Mongolia. It's her first time in America. She and the others jumped at the chance to come to FSU to take part in the program.

"I've dreamed a lot of times that I want to go to America," she said. "It is kind of amazing because, as an English teacher, to have the cross-culture awareness is sadly needed for us."

The students brought their own culture, in the form of traditional Mongolian dishes, and they have been preparing their home cuisine to share with FSU students.

Fang Wen said he hopes this summer is the start of an ongoing exchange.

"We need to improve our English first and learn American culture and also discuss some cooperative projects between our university and FSU," he said.

It's the second year for the summer program, but FSU hosts a large number of Chinese students every semester.

"We have a large Chinese presence on our campus," said Sharmila Udyavar, of FSU's International Education Program.

"In addition, we also have Fulbright Scholars from China every year. They help us teach Mandarin Chinese to our students. It's a very strong connection that we have with them," Udyavar said.