What is Confucius Institute? |20 June 2014
Unveiling of the University of Seychelles - Confucius Institute plaque by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Seychelles Professor Dennis Hardy and President of Dalian University, Professor Pan Chengsheng
The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Seychelles Rolph Payet described the institute as a means of not only learning the Chinese language but also the Chinese culture and history
A Confucius classroom has been launched at the University of Seychelles (UniSey) with the aim of promoting Chinese language learning in Seychelles.
The Confucius classroom, which was officially opened on Friday evening, has been described as another example of cultural and educational cooperation between Seychelles and China.
As China’s economy and exchanges with the world have seen rapid growth, there has also been a sharp increase in the world’s demands for Chinese learning. Benefitting from the UK, France, Germany and Spain’s experience in promoting their national languages, China began its own exploration through establishing non-profit public institutions which aim to promote Chinese language and culture in foreign countries in 2004: these were given the name the Confucius Institute.
By the end of September 2003, there are in total 435 Confucius Institutes and 644 Confucius classrooms distributed in 117 countries. Among them there are 35 in Africa.
For the last 10 years, Confucius institutes have become a platform for cultural exchanges between China and the world as well as a bridge reinforcing friendship and cooperation between China and the rest of the world and are much welcomed across the globe.
What will the Confucius Institute do?
To teach Chinese language to:
- university students
- Government officials
- tourist employees
- children of overseas Chinese
- businessmen
- school children
- anybody
To train local Chinese teachers
To provide resources for teaching Chinese language
To organize HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Chinese Grade Test) and authenticate the local Chinese teachers
To offer information about education, culture and tourism of China
To launch activities related to Chinese language and culture
- cultural lectures related to China
- Chinese festival celebrations
- Performance show
To provide Confucius Institute Scholarship
- Scholarship for One-Academic year students
The scholarship is provided to outstanding students of Confucius Institutes (Classrooms) winners of the ‘Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competitions for Foreign College Students and for Foreign High School Students, overseas local Chinese language teachers, outstanding graduates of Chinese language across the world, and outstanding performers on the HSK, or those who intend to become Chinese teachers. The scholarship winner may choose to study majors including Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History and Chinese Philosophy. The grant term is one academic year. Applicants should receive a score of at least 180 on the HSK (level 3) and at least 60 on the HSK (primary level), or complete their study at a Confucius Institute for over 120 hours.
Scholarship for one semester students
The scholarship is provided to outstanding students of Confucius Institutes (classrooms), winners of the ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competitions for Foreign College Students and for Foreign High School students, overseas local Chinese language teachers, outstanding graduates of Chinese language across the world, and outstanding performers on the HSK. The scholarship winner may choose to study majors including Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History and Chinese Philosophy. The time of entrance is spring 2014 and the grant term is one semester. Applicants should receive a score of at least 120 on the HSK (level 2) and at least 40 on the HSK (elementary level), or complete their study at a Confucius Institute for over 60 hours.
Note: Applicants shall be non-Chinese citizens in good health, aged between16 and 35 (Chinese language teachers in post shall be aged below 45).
To organize Summer (Winter) camps to China
For registered Confucius Institutes students aged 15-30, who hae studied Chinese for no less than three months or 40 hours. Campus are made of 15-20. The camp lasts for 2 or 3 weeks. The campers will visit 1 or 2 cities and participate in language training and cultural tours. Except for the international transport expenses, all the other expenses are covered by the headquarters and Dalian University.
To organize Delegation of Education visit to China
The presidents and headmasters of universities, primary and middle schools, as well as education officials, especially individuals responsible for schools intending to teach Chinese, can be invited to visit China to gain knowledge about its language, culture and educational and social conditions. The delegation will be made up of no more than 10 members. They will visit one or two cities within two weeks. They will engage in informal discussions with Chinese educators and take part in cultural investigations. Except for the international transport expenses, all the other expenses are covered by the headquarters of Confucius Institutes and Dalian University.
Chinese Bridge
Initiating from 2002, it is a Chinese language competition held once a year by the headquarters of the Confucius Institute. The competition includes the competence of Chinese, the knowledge about the conditions of China and the Chinese cultural skills.
The competition is designed for different levels; for international college students; for international middle school students; for overseas students in China; for students of business Chinese. The preliminary game is held in the local country and the semi-final and the final are held in China.
Winners will be rewarded with the scholarship to study in China and the opportunity to participate in some cultural activities during the stay in China.
How is our Confucius Institute constituted?
It’s constituted of three Chinese lecturers from Dalian University of China and two lecturers form the University of Seychelles. The teachers from China are responsible for the language teaching and the teachers from UniSey are for the management.
What kind of course do we offer?
Different classes designed for various learners. 48 hours within three months are taught as a session.
The category of classes are:
After-work class; for adults; after-school class; for college students and school children; tourism employee class.
How to contact University of Seychelles-Confucius Institute
Registration office – Jenny Rachel on Tel: +248 2726400 or +248 4381245
Email: Jenny.Rachel@unisey.ac.sc
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Sun Ying (Sonia Sun) on Tel: +248 2813298
Email: Sonia.Ying@unisey.ac.sc
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University of Seychelles (UniSey)
Anse Royale, P. O Box 1348, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles
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Registration Office: +248 4381204
Website: http://www.unisey.ac.sc