Introduction
Abstracted from Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban)
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. Benefiting 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.
Over recent years, the Confucius Institutes' development has been sharp and they have provided scope for people all over the world to learn about Chinese language and culture. In addition they 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. Through the joint efforts of China and the Confucius Institute host countries in addition to the enthusiasm and active support of people all over the world, by the end of 2009, there have been 282 Confucius Institutes and 272 Confucius Classrooms established in 88 countries. In addition, some 250 institutions from over 50 countries have expressed requirements for establishing Confucius Institutes/Classrooms, amongst them some of the world’s top universities.
Confucius Institutes/Classrooms adopt flexible teaching patterns and adapt to suit local conditions when teaching Chinese language and promoting culture in foreign primary schools, secondary schools, communities and enterprises. In 2009, Confucius Institutes/Classrooms around the world offered 9,000 Chinese courses of a multitude of styles, with a total enrollment of 260,000, a 130,000 strong enrollment increase from the previous year. More than 7,500 cultural exchange activities took place, involving the participation of over 3 million reaching double the participation figures of the corresponding period of the previous year.
Confucius Institute established by TJU
Tianjin University has cooperated with three international universities to establish and administer three Confucius Institutes around the world, as described in the following outline:
1. Confucius Institute in Bratislava
Agreement Signed Date: May 17, 2007
Through the Confucius Institute, Tianjin University cooperated with the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra to launch a student summer training camp, and also organize activities such as “Slovakia Day”.
2. Confucius Institute at University of Queensland
http://www.uq.edu.au/confucius/
Agreement Signed Date: August 9, 2007
Tianjin University cooperated with the University of Queensland to develop collaboration and organize events and activities, including “Tianjin University Day” and “University of Queensland Day”. These events and activities enhance communication among professors and students from both universities, improve mutual cultural understanding, and promote scientific cooperation as well as student exchanges.