Nine students and three teachers from Kunming, China, arrive in Denver this coming weekend for a three-week return exchange visit with West High School students. Nine West students visited the Kunming Foreign Language High School (KFLS) in December.

Not only are the West and KFLS students learning about each other’s culture and language, they also are working on tourism projects, part of the requirements of the U.S. State Department sanctioned exchange. The students will create a presentation that promotes tourism in the site visited. These projects will be geared toward business and pleasure travelers as both Kunming and Denver are major tourist destinations and each is a major player in its regional economy. Both cities have strong ties because of the Sister Cities program. The students also will be examining the economic impact of tourism and how business interests and tourism go hand in hand.

The West students have planned an active schedule for their Chinese counterparts, including ski trips, visits to the Denver and Colorado tourist sites, area museums and special meetings with Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, the Denver City Council and state legislature.

The welcoming ceremony will begin at about 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8 at Four Mile House (715 S. Forest St.) with tours and stagecoach rides, followed by a mariachi band (presenting a special song for the Chinese visitors) between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.

For information about arranging a meeting or discussion group with the Chinese and West high school students, contact Peggy McKay at pegmaura1@aol.com, or Dan Lutz, director of Center for International Studies, 303-620-5364 or Dan_Lutz@dpsk12.org.

The Center for International Studies (CIS) at West High School offers a multicultural learning experience. Students choose from seven languages and must also work on community service and self-directed projects in addition to standard core curriculum.

This exchange is made possible by funds raised at the annual CIS Foundation breakfast, which will be from 7:30-9 a.m. Thursday, April 15 at the Seawell Ballroom in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Former Sen. Hank Brown is the guest speaker. Brown, who also served as president of the University of Northern Colorado, is now president and CEO of the Daniels Fund.

For more information on the April 15 fundraiser, contact Melanie Grant, 303-778-6250 or mgrant7216@aol.com, or Dianna Vigil, 303-394-9720 or dianna9720@msn.com.