[EDLING:2035] Chinese language learning booms as world enters new era

[Francis M. Hult]

People's Daily Online

Chinese language learning booms as world enters new era 

In recent years, the popularity of the Chinese language has gained momentum in 
line with the international community's growing concerns about China. Many 
countries and regions have established Chinese language courses at higher 
education institutions and secondary schools. More and more students are 
choosing China as the destination for their overseas study. According to the 
China Scholarship Council, in 1991 there were only 11,000 foreign students 
studying in China. In 2000 the number increased to 20,000. In 2005, 140,000 
overseas students chose to study in China. This year there are more than 
160,000 students studying in China. 

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http://english.people.com.cn/200611/09/eng20061109_319959.html