The IBI Edge...

- "China's transformation into a dynamic private-sector-led economy and its integration into the global economy have been among the most dramatic economic developments of recent decades. Indeed, China's growth performance over the last two decades has made it a major economic power."
- International Monetary Fund

Today, China and India are powerful players in the global economy, and as their influence in world trade increases, our students will need to compete with them, for access to the best schools and the best jobs.

One way to get an edge over the competition is to learn a second language. Students in other countries must learn English and many times a third language, in addition to their own. Students in HEB ISD can get the competitive advantage by enrolling in Hindi or Mandarin Chinese classes.

HEB ISD is also excited to announce that as of fall 2011, students now have the extremely unique opportunity to learn Arabic. Relatively few Westerners ever venture to learn Arabic but with the growing importance of the Middle East in international affairs, those who study and learn Arabic are now highly sought after in a variety of career fields: journalism, business and industry, education, finance and banking, translation and interpretation, consulting, foreign service and intelligence, and many others.

Seventh, eighth and ninth graders are able to take these classes at Central Junior High School. HEB ISD is one of only a handful of districts in the nation to offer Hindi, Chinese, and Arabic which will help students prepare to enter a workforce where these languages are essential to success in a global marketplace.

These courses are part of the district’s International Business Initiative, which will set students on a course to success in college and in the workforce.