The Chinese Ministry of Education is opening the first Confucius Institute in the state of Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh this month, marking China’s commitment to furthering cultural and diplomatic ties with the region and businesses.
The center (CI-PITT) will be located and administered through the University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center.
Confucius Institutes are a network of international initiatives developed by the office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban), dedicated to enhancing the understanding of the Chinese language and culture throughout the world. The Pitt center was chosen over several other locations considered in the U.S. says Michele Ferrier Heryford, managing director of CI-PITT.
“The Chinese Minister of Education chooses to place Institutes into economic regions they want to develop further,” says Ferrier Heryford. “It’s a great opportunity for us.”
Beginning this fall, CI-PITT will offer programs to promote the language by providing Chinese teachers to high schools in the region. CI-PITT also plans to develop a corporate language and cultural training program for local companies that are developing business partnerships in China.
The program is often touted as the Peace Corps of the Chinese culture, says Ferrier Heryford. “Teachers come here as a mission of the Chinese government. We have a high caliber group of teachers coming in, all will be doctorate professors of Chinese Literature. “
An official ceremony welcoming Chinese dignities as well as political leaders in the region is planned for Sept. 26th. There are 144 Confucius Institutes worldwide, with 22 institutes located in the United States.
Writer: Deb Smit
Source: Michele Ferrier Heryford, CI-PITT