The Confucius Institute at Cardiff University
1. General information
The Confucius Institute at Cardiff University was set up by Xiamen University in association with Cardiff University, with the support from the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban). The agreement between Hanban and Cardiff University was signed on 2 April 2007, and a supplementary agreement between the two universities was further signed on 5 April 2007.
The Institute was officially launched on 4 February 2008 by the Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon Paul Murphy MP. The Confucius Suite (three classrooms) was inaugurated on 15 July 2008 by President Zhu Chongshi of Xiamen University.
The Chinese Director Prof. Siyi Fu, seconded by Xiamen University, arrived in Cardiff in mid December 2007 and the first Chinese language tutor, also seconded by Xiamen University, arrived in Cardiff in late April 2008. Apart from the full-time Chinese language tutor, there are three part-time tutors teaching for the Confucius Institute.
2. Organization and management structure
The Confucius Institute at Cardiff University has a Board of Advisors, composed of members of both parties. Members of the British party include Prof. Ken Woodhouse, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Cardiff University; Dr.Richard Evans, Dean of the Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning and Director of the Cardiff Confucius Institute, and Prof Roger Mansfield of Cardiff Business School. Members of the Chinese party include Prof. Wu Daguang, Vice President of Xiamen University; Mr. Mao Tongwen, Director of International Office of Xiamen University, and Prof. Siyi Fu, Academic Director of the Cardiff Confucius Institute.
3. Teaching and other activities
Based at Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning, the Confucius Institute offers a wide range of language courses and programmes for adult learners. These include: Chinese Language Level I – IV, Business Chinese, Survey of Chinese Culture, and Essential Chinese as a Free Standing Module for undergraduates of Cardiff University. In order to meet the needs of local business people and professionals, the Confucius Institute also runs short courses and training sessions.
For primary and secondary school pupils in Wales, the Institute runs free taster sessions of Chinese language and culture, and assists in organizing after-school clubs. Taking advantage of the Wales – Chongqing link, the Institute is planning in collaboration with the Welsh Assembly Government, the British Council Wales, CILT Cymru and Lampeter Confucius Institute to develop Chinese language teaching programmes for schools across Wales.
The Institute has also undertaken to organize culture activities, including running Saturday Schools focusing on different aspects of Chinese culture, giving talks to local organizations and organizing culture events. One such event was the 2009 Chinese Art and Culture Festival, launched on 29 January 2009 at the National Museum of Wales and lasted three days. The Festival included a Contemporary Chinese Art Exhibition, a Chinese New Year Gala, a Chinese Film Night and four Chinese Culture Workshops.
4. Development objectives and plans
The Cardiff Confucius Institute aims to become an outstanding promoter and provider of Chinese language and culture in Wales.
To accomplish this mission, the Institute will make efforts to:
- provide high-quality teaching programmes at different levels
- be a resource for Chinese language and culture
- build strong relationships with key organizations at provincial /municipal levels and local community
- develop the expertise of the staff of the Confucius Institute
- manage the institute effectively.
Contact Details
Address: Confucius Institute
Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning
Senghennydd Road
Cardiff CF24 4AG
UK
Website: www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn/confuciusinstitute
Contact person:
Prof. Siyi Fu
Tel:+44 (0)29 20870000
Fax:+44 (0)29 20668935
E-mail:FuS@cardiff.ac.uk