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.
Chinese Language Teachers Summer Institute
The University of Massachusetts Confucius Institute, the China Program Center, and CLASS (Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools), with sponsorship from the STARTALK project, are offering a grant-funded two-week intensive summer institute entitled Chinese Culture, Chinese Language and Communication of Educational Practice for teachers of Chinese.Mandarin Language Summer Camp
Students in grades 6-12 from around New England will now be offered a Mandarin Language Summer Camp led by experienced Chinese language instructors and held on the beautiful Boston Harbor Campus of the University of Massachusetts Boston.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.
Travel
The Confucius Institute will organize tours that will bring students, educators and business people from the US to China and from China to the US, providing opportunities to strengthen language skills through immersion and deepen cultural awareness through direct experience.