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VALPO Magazine : University News : VU’s Confucius Institute Promotes Relations With China

VU’s Confucius Institute Promotes Relations With China

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The government of China has chosen Valparaiso University to host an institute that will promote greater cultural under­standing and business ties in northern Indiana.

The Confucius Institute at VU is the 16th institute in the United States and the first at a faith-based university.

The non-profit institute will serve as an essential resource for northern Indiana businesses, K-12 schools and the com­mu­nity at large in building relationships with China. It will receive funding from the Chinese government for a variety of pro­grams and to bring visiting language instruct­ors from China to northern Indiana.

On Valpo’s campus, efforts will focus on increasing participation in Chinese-related programs, including:

  • Opportunities for students with majors in a variety of disciplines to undertake academic work in China;
  • Preparation of Valpo students for Chinese language proficiency exams;
  • Further development of courses related to Chinese language, culture, business and politics; and 
  • Additional study and research trips to China by students and faculty. 

A Valpo professor and China native, Jianyun Meng, has been named first director of the institute.

Valpo alumni and friends can purchase memberships to attend events spon­sored by the Confucius Insti­tute. Contact Jianyun Meng at 219.464.6771 or jianyun.meng@valpo.edu, or visit valpo.edu/confuciusinstitute.

Valparaiso University, Institutional Advancement, Office of Communications