CIS an incubator for training high-end Chinese language talents

The Confucius Headquarters Open Day was held on Nov.8, 2019 in Beijing. About 200 people attended the event, including diplomatic envoys, representatives of cultural institutions and alumni from Confucius institutes around the world.

Ma Jianfei, Deputy Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, said that the theme of this year's Open Day Event is "promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchanges", which was also the original aspiration and the mission of Confucius institutes. Over the past 15 years, thanks to sincere cooperation between China and foreign countries, Confucius institutes have played an important role in meeting the needs of people around the world to learn Chinese language, understand China, and for promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing friendship between Chinese and foreign people.

Ma Jianfei, Deputy Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, delivers a speech during the Confucius Headquarters Open Day in Beijing on Nov.8, 2019. (Photo/Sun Ying)

Since the establishment of the Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS) in 2009, nearly 50,000 students from 166 countries were awarded, and a large number of Chinese language teachers and talents have been cultivated. Some of them returned to their home countries to become Chinese language teachers, some are engaged in cultural exchanges, while others have settled down in China.

During the event, 11 students that had already been granted the scholarship from Egypt, Kenya, Thailand, United States, Russia and other countries and shared their stories about learning Chinese and Chinese culture.

“I didn't know that China had this kind of beautiful scenery before, so I decided to know more about these places and make it my duty to let more people like me in western countries know about the incredible scenry of China,” said Kyle David Obermann, a nature protection photographer from America, shared his story on “CI Scholarship and Me” during the outstanding Alumni’s story show section of the event.

Kyle David Obermann shares his story during the Confucius Headquarters Open Day on Nov.8, 2019 in Beijing. (People’s Daily Online/Zhao Tong)

Obermann’s photos about China’s scenery have been published in BBC as well as National Geographic content. He said that he realized his dream to become a photographer under the encouragement of his Chinese teacher. “I will continue to do my part to protect and promote the green waters and lush mountains in China” he said.

The Confucius Institute has become an important platform for the world to learn about China since its establishment in 2004.