Confucius Institute at University of Latvia and Confucius Institute at University of Helsinki Held Experience Exchange Seminar
On 8th May of 2016, representatives from Confucius Institute at University of Helsinki visited Riga for experience exchange seminar with Confucius Institute of University of Latvia. Six representatives from Helsinki consists of Chinese Director Prof. Wang Hong, Foreign Director Prof. Chen Yuwen, coordinator Mariliina and three Chinese teachers; Chinese Director Professor Shang Quanyu, Foreign Director Prof. Pildegovics, secretary Laura and two Chinese teachers also attened this seminar.
At first, representatives from Helsinki visited office of Confucius Institute and exchange presents. And then the seminar started from brief introduction of Confucius Institute at University of Helsinki including history and Chinese teaching situation which made by Prof. Chen. And then Prof. Shang also introduced the basic situation of Confucius Institute of University of Latvia. After that, both sides discussed and communicated about issues of common concern: Confucius Institute of LU hoped to borrow experience at the emphasis on education of professions from University of Helsinki; Confucius Institute of UH spoke highly of the results of expanding influence of Chinese teaching and increasing number of students in Latvia. During the seminar, both sides also reached consensus about many opinions: it needs further explorement in Chinese teaching for children and teenagers; it’s very important to improve professional education in Chinese language and culture; moreover, there is huge need that bringing modern China study into Chinese teaching; meanwhile, it’s very urgent to upgrade from single form Chinese teaching to combination of teaching and research.
After the seminar, Confucius Institute of University of Latvia hosted a banquet for guests from afar; Confucius Institute at University of Helsinki also expressed gratefulness to the host. Both sides expressed obtainment precious experience from this seminar and will continue exchange visits in the future.
