An American Tibetologist speaks highly of the bilingual education in Tibet, believing it will help maintain traditional Tibetan ethnic culture when merging into the modern world.

David Germano, associate professor in religious researches in University of Virginia, U.S, mainly focuses on studies of Tibetan language, Tibetan literature and Tibetan Buddhism. Meanwhile, David is joint director with the Tibet Center of the university, and has founded the Tibet and Himalayas Digital Library.

Since 1986, Mr. Germano has visited Tibet for 20 times so far, with his nearest visit in July, 2010.

During the past 20 years, Mr. Germano has found that Tibet has seen dramatic improvements in the local transportation and other infrastructure, as well as in ordinary people's livelihood.

As an educator, Mr. Germano especially pays attention to the education in Tibet. Apart from his academic research in Tibet, Mr. Germano also proactively promotes educational communication programs on Tibetological researches between China and U.S. 

One thing most impressive to him, Mr. Germano said, is the long-term bilingual (Tibetan and Mandarin) education in Tibet, which is very important to the development of Tibet.

The modern education system does not only enable Tibetans to learn scientific knowledge, but also ensures the inheritance of the Tibetan language and culture to keep their ethnic identity, Mr. Germano said.