Five Vermont high school students will be spending next semester studying in China.

Monday, the Vermont International Academy presented scholarships to the students to fund the trip abroad. The VIA is an independent, international high school approved by the Vermont Board of Education. They will study alongside students from China at the VIA campus housed within DaTong High School in Shanghai.

"Students will be able to the study the Chinese language, history, culture, tai chi, calligraphy and music. This unique concept brings American and Chinese students together and offers them the best of an American and Chinese education," said James Cross of the Vermont International Academy.

"I think it will be good for going into college with a bunch of international students that go to college. It will be important for making future relationships with different people from different cultures," said Andy Wise, a Champlain Valley Union High School student.

The scholarships cover tuition, room and board, as well as a $1,000 travel stipend to be used toward airfare. Each is worth over $20,000.