Though the policy is still ambiguous, foreign teachers are now becoming more common in China's elementary schools.

Currently, more than 200 foreign teachers teach languages, usually English, in some 40 public elementary schools across the country, and more and more schools plan to follow suit.

In China, elementary and secondary education are compulsory. According to China's current law, foreign teachers are not allowed, in principle, to teach courses during the compulsory education period.

"If there is a real need for a school to invite foreign teachers, the strict check and approval procedures should be followed," according to a regulation by the Ministry of Education.

But though the approval procedure is still rigid, related state departments, including education, security and foreign affairs, are considering amending current regulations and laws to promote the introduction of foreign teachers in elementary schools.

Beside checking the quality of the applicants and the textbooks, the educational department makes clear that foreign teachers are not allowed to teach courses with military or political content. Nor are they permitted to teach religious content in class or do religious activities in school.

In fact, however, foreign teachers have been employed silently for a long period of time. In 1994, the Zhongshanlu Primary School in the capital city of Harbin in the northernmost Heilongjiang Province introduced China's first foreign teacher on a trial basis.

"Hiring foreign teachers is in line with the current needs of economic and social development," said Yu Wei, a professor with the Northeastern Teachers University. "With the increase of exchanges between China and foreign countries, especially after China's entry into the WTO, there will be a huge demand for foreign language professionals."

Nowadays, speaking foreign languages is deemed by Chinese people as a key to achieving success in the increasingly competitive society. From elementary students to adults, many are exerting their utmost to realize their dream of speaking foreign languages well.

"Elementary students are at the best age for language study and a good language environment is the crucial to success," said Professor Yu.

Chen Shuwei, president of the Zhongshanlu Elementary School, shares Professor Yu's opinion.

"The mingling of Chinese and Western cultures will help bring up a new generation of youngsters who will have a better edge in international competition, "said Chen.

Chen's school now has up to 14 foreign teachers. All of them are teaching English courses for some 1,000 pupils. The textbooks they use are compiled by Oxford University.

"Our English teacher not only teaches us to speak English, but also tells us about the life of elementary students in England, "said Ning Yin, a fifth grade pupil at the school.

In the English class, Ning's teacher, 29-year-old Banny Crane, was acting in a play directed by himself with other students. The traditional Chinese style of teaching with the teacher speaking at the platform and students listening without questioning is never seen here.

Crane has been teaching in the school for three years. Calling his students diligent and modest, Crane noted that they have a little lack of creativity.

"But I do like my job," said Crane. "Chinese students are enthusiastic about learning English and eager to know the outside world."

(Xinhua News Agency September 18, 2003)