On October 31, 2008, Principal of the High School Affiliated to Xi’an Jiaotong University-Mrs. Wang Peigdong was invited to deliver a speech for the Principals of Nebraska middle and primary schools, with the theme of the Fundamental Education and Educational Reform in China, which had been received applauses from American friends present. Confucius Institute at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (herein after referred to as UNLCI) was jointly established by University of Nebraska – Lincoln (herein after referred to as UNL) and Xi’an Jiaotong University. On March 29, 2007, UNL signed a contract with the Chinese Language Office. Later on October 30, a grand opening ceremony was held in the UNL campus. During the ceremony, Mr. Wang Jianhua- Secretary of Xi’an Jiaotong University Communist Party Committee, along with Harvey S. Perlman, Principal of UNL unveiled the plaque of Confucius Institute to announce the establishment of the institute. Later, series of activities had been carried out between the two schools. On October 28 of this year, there was a program for the principals of Nebraska in Xi’an organized by UNLCI, with the theme of Experience for the Chinese Culture. Thirteen distinguished guests like Principal of Nebraska Public School, Director of the Ministry of Education and Director of UNL Educational School took part in this activity, who had also attended lectures of chinese language study, brief introduction for China, lecture on chinese culture, Chinese Fundamental Education etc. in Xi’an Jiaotong University. Meanwhile, these distinguished guests had also visited the Kindergarten of Xi’an Jiaotong University, the Primiary School Affiliated to Xi’an Jiaotong University, and the High School Affiliated to Xi’an Jiaotong University etc.

Our Principal, Mrs. Wang Peigdong, was invited to deliver a speech for the American guests, with the theme of Fundamental Education and Educational Reform in China. Mr. Wang viewed that China was the country with the longest educational history in the world. At the beginning of 20th century, the replacement of old-style private school by the classroom had basically formed the education system, that is, six-year primary education, three- year junior middle school, three-year senior high school and four-year undergraduate education. Against the background of global economy, and culture in the 21st century, China has conducted a new reform in the fundamental education, which upholds to cultivate students’ ability in the social practice and innovation, and promote the all-round and individual development so as to maximize students’ potential through the combination of intelligent and non- intelligent factors

. Mrs. Wang Peidong mentioned that China and America had their own advantages in the education, especially in the fundamental educations. It was certain that there were some differences in this part due to the differences in cultural, history and politics. For thousands of years, China had already created a special unique atmosphere for teachers to focus on the teaching and for students to study diligently. While on the basis of educational democracy, equality and pragmatism, America had formed a unique and open environment, many of which were still needed us to learn. Against the background of competition in the international talents, China and America can learn from each other through the exchanges so as to jointly improve the educational level and competition in education.

Mrs. Wang Peidong’s speech was warmly applauded by the American guests. Afterwards, Sino-US educational staff talked about some concerned issues. In the afternoon of that day, the delegates from Nebraska visited our Qujiang and Xingqing campus, and attended a junior English class of Grade Two, accompanied by Mr. Song Jin’an, Vice Pprincipal of our school and Mr. Li Yang, Director of the administrative affairs.