US
Confucian way to spread Chinese culture
By Zhang Yuwei (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-11-12 11:07
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NEW YORK - Twenty-five-year-old Steven Coons, a sophomore in foreign language studies at the University of Memphis, became a double major by adding Asian studies and international trade.
His reason was simple: the program is closely affiliated with the Confucius Institute (CI) at the university.
"I get to learn stuff from teachers from China who know the culture and language really well," he said.
"And this program offers almost everything - the language experience, culture exposure, and the business education. I think it is phenomenal."
Coons, who loves Chinese language, kungfu movies and the food, seems to have a clear plan after graduation.
"The Chinese economy is growing at a phenomenal rate and there's a lot of room for expansion," he said.
"This major, which has both the language and business sides, will make me a lot more valuable for future job opportunities in China."
Asian studies and international trade was set up in 2007 when the CI at the University of Memphis was founded.
Yang Yiping, associate director at the Confucius Institute at the University of Memphis (CIUM), said the institute is responsible for designing the syllabus, curriculum of courses, required and electives, and the annual promotion and publicity on and off the campus.
"If there is no CI at the university, I can guarantee you that there will be no Asian studies and international trade program," Coons said.
An anonymous $1 million donation to the university was the key piece to make this program possible.
"Funding and fundraising is critical to the existence and sustainability for the CIs," said Hsiang-te Kung, director of CIUM who is a 75th generation descendant of Confucius.
"We received the funding from a very generous donor, therefore, the university can afford to create such a program parallel and compliment to the CI."
The institute is a nonprofit program set up by Hanban, China's Office of Chinese Language Promotion, to meet the increasing demand for Chinese language learning and to enhance cultural diversity abroad.
While CIUM offers students opportunities to get a real taste of the Chinese language and culture, not many CIs in the US are as successful. Many are still striving to expand and be more involved with Chinese programs in the universities with which they are affiliated.
Institutes are created and funded in partnerships with institutions in various countries. Initially, Hanban provides $100,000 for the first year and some teaching staff from China while the partner institution provides space and facilities.