The Confucius Institute: Building Bridges between Chinese and Americans
The University of Massachusetts Confucius Institute at UMass Boston was established in collaboration with Renmin University of China and The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, with the sponsorship and authorization of Hanban, the Office of Chinese Language Council International, under the Ministry of Education, China.
The mission of the University of Massachusetts Confucius Institute is to promote understanding of Chinese language and culture in the communities served by the University. Through courses, conferences, travel, and cultural events, the Institute will provide opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration between the US and China.
New England Chinese Language Teacher Network Conference
On Saturday, November 7, 2009, the University of Massachusetts Confucius Institute at UMass Boston and the China Program Center will host the New England Chinese Language Teachers Network Conference in collaboration with Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS), Primary Source, and STARTALK.STARTALK Chinese Language Teachers Summer Institute
STARTALK and the China Program Center offers two, grant-funded, week long summer institutes for teachers of Chinese titled Integrating Culture into the Mandarin Language Curriculum and Methods and Materials for Teaching Mandarin. The China Program Center and the University of Massachusetts Confucius Institute also offer Practicum/Field Experience in China, a 16-day study abroad program to Beijing, Luoyang, Xi’an and Shanghai with language instruction classes at Shaanxi Normal University.STARTALK Mandarin Language Summer Camp
Students in grades 6-12 from around New England are offered a 3-week, intensive Mandarin Language Summer Camp led by experienced Chinese language instructors and held at Bentley University, Waltham, MA.Travel and Study in China
Students from New England area schools interested in Chinese language, culture and/or history are welcome to join the UMass Boston travel/study program for two weeks in Beijing, Luoyang, Xi’an and Shanghai: July 19 - August 3.Chinese Language Instruction
The characters of Chinese writing have long appeared strange and mysterious to non-Chinese readers. But today, Americans in growing numbers are embracing the study of Chinese with enthusiasm. To address this increasing interest, the Confucius Institute will present credit courses intertwining language instruction with cultural awareness. These Mandarin courses will serve students at all skill levels, from basic Chinese for business and travel to more advanced study.Seminars in Chinese Culture
Contemporary Chinese culture reflects a rich and remarkable history that spans 5,000 years. The influence of China’s political and social systems, economy, and philosophy can be observed in societies across the world. The Confucius Institute will present cultural seminars that illuminate topics such as the Chinese political system, economic development, values and etiquette, philosophy, and Confucianism in management.Conferences and Forums
The Confucius Institute will also create opportunities for cultural exchanges and collaborations between the United States and China, especially in the New England region. Conferences and forums organized by the Institute will offer platforms for communication between educators and business people from both countries.Programs for Teachers of Chinese
With many schools adding Chinese instruction to their curriculum, there is a growing demand for licensed teachers of Chinese. To meet this demand, the Confucius Institute will help to build the ranks of qualified Mandarin language teachers by offering teacher training programs, American cultural awareness training, and professional development workshops for teachers of Chinese.