Twenty-seven children from Romania --- 24 girls and three boys --- arrived in Haibin Primary School in Nanshan District on Sunday (July 2) evening. It was the biggest homestay group among 15 groups taking part in the Nanshan International Children Art Festival.

Children in the Romanian group are all members of Allegretto vocal group, an art group set up in 1974 and composed of children aged between 4 and 14. They will stage three or four performances in the festival. Aged between 7 and 14, these little artists have performed in several countries. But it is the first trip to China for most of them.

"We come to China to have an art exchange, to experience Chinese life style and learn Chinese culture, " said Gherasim Chirita, vice president of Allegretto.

"The kids are having a good time. They have become good friends with Chinese children," said Zeng Weidong, teacher with Haibin Primary School responsible for the reception of the Romanian group. On Thursday, the Romanian children are to have a special performance in Haibin Primary School.

All the Chinese families selected for the homestay can communicate in English. The Chinese children signed up for homestay two months ago. One third of the kids also specialize in the arts.

10-year-old Ana, and 9-year-old Irina live in the home of Wu Qifang, a third-grader. The three girls all love dolls, playing the piano and dancing. As Ana can speak English, the three have had a good time. Wu said she really admired Ana's independence as Ana always washes her own clothes after taking a shower and takes care of Irina who is one year younger than her.

Wu's parents are busy waiting on the two little guests too. They printed a week's menu and pasted it on the kitchen wall. They have learned how to cook western food and invited Wu's classmates to come home and play with them. They have also made plans to show the two guests around in Shenzhen.

American kids eager to stay in Chinese homes

Five students from the School of the Arts in San Francisco, California, were eager to know more about Chinese families on their arrival in Shenzhen on Monday.

Their weeklong culture and arts trip was organized by the Nanshan District Education Bureau.

Three of the five girls aged from 14 to 18 are in China for the first time. The other two are American-born Chinese who have been to China before but not to Shenzhen.

"This is the second time I have organized homestay activities, " said the group's leader, Marie Lee. Lee, who holds a Ph.D. in childhood education, is a director of the East-West Child Research and Development Center. It's a really meaningful way for students to deepen their understanding of two countries and exchange information on culture and education,"

Elise Bergerson, an 18-year-old student, said: "Our classmates and friends are all interested in our trip. They think it is a golden opportunity to learn more about China. I hope I will help the Chinese get a good impression about the United States."

"My mother supports my going to China since she got a very good impression of China when she came here at my age," said 18-year-old Carly Johnson. Crystal Lee's mother even joined her on the trip.

During their seven-day visit, the students will visit Yucai No.2 Middle School, where they will perform a ballet they choreographed with their dance director Elvia Marta. They will have traditional Chinese dim sum and make their own dumplings with Chinese family members and learn some Chinese.

"Five families with good English were chosen from the 26 families that applied to host the students," said Chen, a teacher at Yucai No.2 Middle School.

Editor: Wing