By Erin Maxson
 
March 8, 2010
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - A Southern Oregon high school is getting international attention for a language program.
 
A Japanese TV crew stopped at St. Mary's School in Medford to interview students and faculty. The correspondent is working on a story about the increase of Chinese language and culture studies in the U.S.
 
The Catholic school is home to the first Confucius classroom in the country, which opens the doors to Chinese culture and language classes.
 
"I think it's fascinating that by learning a language it kind of connects them directly to the culture and the country itself," Japanese Correspondent Nao Tase said.
 
The school says it is honored to host the TV crew, which comes from Japan's number one network. The piece should air in the coming months and will include previous stops in Chicago and Washington D.C.