CHINESE STUDENTS EXPLORE GLENDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Byline: Jennifer Hamm Staff Writer

Hoping to get a taste of life in an American public school, Chinese exchange students spent the day at Toll Middle School on Friday.

Each of the 43 visitors was paired with a Toll student and accompanied him or her from class to class.

``It's so big,'' said Diana Dai, a 12-year-old from Beijing, as she walked through the busy halls. ``There are so many people.''

Dai spent the day with seventh-grader Viviana Hernandez. After learning about Buddhist beliefs in world history class, the pair stood in line to get a snack during the morning 15-minute break.

The Chinese visitor was impressed with the food selection. She could have a pastry, churros or a drink.

``I can get what I want,'' Dai said. ``In China, they just give me food, good or bad. I just have to eat it.''

The exchange students are a part of a 10-month program at the Oxford School in Rowland Heights. When they arrive in the fall, few speak English. By the time they return to China, the students are fluent, said Mark Uerkvitz, the private school's principal.

``China is more open to the world, so English is more important,'' said Michael Fang, a Chinese teacher who is spending the school year with the exchange students. ``Students know they must learn English.''

Their trip to Toll Middle School will be their only exposure to an American public school with students their own age during their 10-month stay.

``They have a chance to meet strangers. It opens their eyes,'' said Michelle Cheng, who coordinates the Chinese exchange program at the Oxford School. ``It's a great opportunity for them to feel comfortable about American culture and people.''

John Zhang, an 11-year-old from Beijing, sat across a table from his student partner, Marianna Sargsyan, in science class. As teacher Sarkis Poladian discussed the weekend homework assignment, the pair took notes on the digestive system.

Zhang said he liked the students he was meeting and thought school in America might be less demanding.

At his school in Beijing, he attends eight classes a day; Sargsyan only has six. He also noticed differences in the how classes were run.

``In American classes, you can talk to another person,'' Zhang said. ``In China, you can only think to yourself. It's difficult.''

The exchange program between a private school in Beijing and Oxford School is now in its fifth year. When students return home to China, they have gained a new sense of confidence and enthusiasm, Fang said.

``They are more active. I think it's good,'' he said. ``If they give a speech, they're not shy.''

Zhang has been in the United States since September and said he does miss China and his family. But likes learning about American culture.

``I like American history, especially about the Pilgrims,'' he said.