China's opening up to the outside world and particularly its entry into the World Trade Organization has led English to become the most popular foreign language in Tibet.

Experts said that English is becoming more popular in Tibet's colleges and universities, as an increasing number of foreign travelers are rushing to the land-locked region, and welcome the assistance of translators.

Nowadays, many parents have sent their children to extracurricular English classes to polish their language ability.

Cering, a father, said proudly that in 2008 he will send his daughter, who studies English now, to a university in Beijing. "I hope that she will be a qualified interpreter for Beijing Olympic Games at that time," he said.

Different levels of English classes have opened in Lhasa targeted specifically at children, adults and professional personnel.

A Tibetan university student said that Tibetans have many opportunities to learn English, because the foreign tourists who come to Tibet love to chat with local people, which helps improve their language skills.

(Xinhua News Agency November 22, 2001)