Expo volunteers receive English training

Communities in Shanghai are hosting English language training sessions for residents so they can better welcome the foreign guests during the World Expo. Let's stop in at a training class going on in Hongkou district.

Here is a foreign teacher practicing a dialogue with students. The class is held in a community training school in Shanghai's Hongkou district.

The students are volunteers who will provide service to visitors during the event.

The content of the class is mainly on giving directions, or introducing scenic spots. The teachers simulate real circumstances so the volunteers can learn the information quickly.

A volunteer said, "Hongkou district is of cultural significance, so during the expo many foreigners will come here. With the language we've acquired, we can communicate with them and introduce the history and culture of Hongkou."

"My English has improved. I will go on to take the class, and give my contribution to the Expo," said a volunteer.

The foreign teachers have designed specific lesson plans and teaching materials for their students, including useful dialogues focusing on the World Expo.

Hongkou district has held two rounds of such training, with this round running right up to the end of the month.