Confucius Institute

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What is the Confucius Institute ?

Confucius Institutes are not-for-profit educational establishments set up jointly by Chinese and foreign partner institutions.

These are based on the following principles: mutual respect, friendly consultation, equality and mutual benefit.

Establishment of these Institutes should firstly be applied for voluntarily by the overseas institutions.

Scope of Service

  • Conducting Chinese language teaching and relevant research
  • Carrying out teaching and research in other related disciplines or fields where the Chinese language is used as the teaching language
  • Providing education and training for Chinese language teachers
  • Developing Chinese language teaching and learning resources
  • Running language and cultural exchange programs between China and other countries
  • Administering examinations and offering certification in regards to Chinese language and culture
  • Conducting research and providing consulting services regarding Chinese education, culture, economy, etc
  • Other activities consistent with the mission of the Confucius Institutes.

Building a Global Network : The Collaborative Ecosystem of Confucius Institutes

The Confucius Institute’s ecology for cooperation is jointly forged by the Chinese International Education foundation (CIEF), Chinese and foreign partner institutions and a wide range of external partners with the Confucius Institute as the central point and aims to serve Confucius Institute students as well as Chinese learners across the world. All parties involved are committed to establishing an extensive, closely connected and benefit-sharing global network of partners and a community with a shared future.

As major participants in the development of the Confucius Institute, Chinese and foreign partner institutions are responsible for the daily operation and management of the Confucius Institutes. In addition, it is also their responsibility to formulate specific plans for the development of Confucius Institutes and establish operational mechanisms and a series of rules and regulations that guarantee the institutes’ sustainable and high-quality development in line with the Regulations of the Confucius Institute and the overall plan of the Confucius Institute in combination with local conditions. Meanwhile, these Chinese and foreign partner institutions provide Confucius Institutes with necessary teaching resources and faculty, and jointly raise funds for their daily operation and future development.

3 main objectives of the confucius institute

Missions and objectives of the Confucius Institute

By joining the ESCE, the Confucius Institute aims to promote the Chinese language and culture among our students.

The Confucius Institute helps to spread the culture of the “Middle Kingdom” through a wide range of cultural events. These events include shows, exhibitions, conferences and cinema. There are also regular activities designed to further enhance Chinese language and culture, such as calligraphy classes, painting, taijiquan, workshops, ceramics, etc.

The Confucius Institute runs various exchange programmes. This fosters links with China in the educational, institutional, cultural, economic and other fields.

It should also be noted that by joining our partner the Confucius Institute, our students will be given assessment tests for Chinese HSK (written) and HSKK (oral) levels. These tests are now international benchmarks. Each year there are 1 to 3 sessions organised by the Confucius Institute.

hsk and BCT exams

The HSK is a Chinese language test produced by the Chinese Ministry of Education. The aim of this test is to become a world reference for Chinese language assessment. It is the only objective measure that is recognised worldwide.

HSK

The HSK test is a written test. It includes listening, reading and writing tests. There are 6 levels of ability in the HSK test.

BCT

The BCT test is an oral test. It includes listening and speaking tests. There are 3 levels to this test.

Why should I take the hsk test?

  • If you wish to study in China, students must have at least HSK level 4 with a minimum score of 180 in order to enrol for a degree at a Chinese university.
  • Passing the HSK is a prerequisite for taking part in a summer internship or receiving a HANBAN scholarship.
  • This test enhances the profile of a candidate for a job offer in international exchanges. It represents a highly competitive advantage on the job market.
  • Finally, it is a reference exam. It will enable students to assess their Chinese language skills throughout their learning period.

Find out more about admissions to ESCE

Updated 2 October 2024