"NEU" CONNECTIONS: The Virginia-based ePals Corporation announced last week the launch of a new product line through NeuPals, ePals' joint venture with Neusoft, a Chinese global IT Solutions and Services provider. After piloting during the summer of 2013, the NeuPals product line will now provide schools (starting with six in Shenyang, China) with a platform of curriculum and media that fosters cross-cultural understanding, language learning practice, and the opportunity for collaboration between Chinese and foreign students.
The NeuPals launch in Shenyang was developed with the city's Hunnan District Bureau of Education. Approximately 50% of Hunnan classrooms are currently paired with classrooms from 20 U.S. states for the 2013-2014 school year; students have the opportunity to discuss differences in culture (such as traditions, holidays, and cuisine) by exchanging e-mail and engaging through live streaming video on the platform.