Students from Franklin-Simpson High School are getting immersed in Chinese Culture. They visited the Confucius Institute at WKU, where they learned all about the Chinese language, the tradition and the country''s way of life.

A group of Franklin-Simpson High School students are the first in the school''s history to take a Chinese class. As part of their experience, they''re learning about the ins and outs of Chinese'' way of life.

"It''s important to learn it because language opens a lot of doors for all of us," said Junior Brooke Kennedy.

Kennedy wants to be an English as a Second Language Teacher.

"Learning chinese language and it''s culture shows me what I could be teaching to someone someday," she said.

The Confucius Institute opened it''s doors to these students, where they learned about the culture, the food, and the tradition.

"Some students tell me they want to go to China in the future and have their job in China and I think that''s the meaningful part of the mutual cultural communication," said educator Yeying Ghang.

Educators say there''s a need for students to learn chinese language not only to become more diverse, but also for business.

"Just the background knowledge that we''re placing on these young students at that young age provides them with a wealth of knowledge that they can pull later," said Denise Reetzke.

Students also had the chance to learn meditational Tai Chi.

For students like Tracy Pedigo, it allows her to become a more well-rounded person.

"You''re able to understand a culture completely different from your own," she said.

Students also learned to write in Chinese calligraphy.

The trip is funded by a grant from the Educational Excellence Foundation, Franklin Bank & Trust and the Franklin Rotary Club.