In opening the Confucius Institute, N.C. State officials said they hope to build bridges between the University and Chinese universities and businesses.
The ceremony for the grand opening of the Institute took place Monday at the E. Carroll Joyner Visitor Center as Chinese delegates and ambassadors joined the chancellor, the provost and other NCSU administrators to speak about the relationship between the two countries.
“I remember a similar announcement at this building about signing agreements with Chinese universities — this is a direct result,” Provost Larry Nielsen said.
According to Nielsen, there are seven Confucius Institutes nationally, but NCSU’s is the first in the Southeast.
“It begins to make us the center of focus for China,” Nielsen said. “[When] they look for a partner in something, they’ll look here first.”
The Institute will have several functions. It will provide logistical support for study abroad programs, both from NCSU and Chinese universities, and will help partnerships between local business and China, according to Nielsen.
Chancellor James Oblinger will travel to China next month in part of an attempt to provide consulting services to both American and Chinese companies and organizations.
“[The Institute] helps build bridges to enhance the exchange of ideas and provides educational outreach opportunities through programs teaching Chinese history and culture,” Oblinger said in his speech as part of the ceremony. “It will help students compete in a knowledge-based economy.”
Nielsen, who visited China earlier in the semester, said a stronger relationship with China is crucial.
“China is growing into an economic and intellectual power,” he said. “The more students know and understand China, the more our researchers will.”
According to Bailian Li, the vice provost of the office of international affairs, the relationships between local businesses and Chinese businesses is a major function of the Institute.
“There is a lack of understanding in culture and language — so they were a little hesitant before,” Li said. “To fight this, we will have cross cultural training and will help prepare the CEOs to work overseas. ”
One of the major goals unique to NCSU’s Institution is the outreach to K-12 students, according to Nielsen.
“It will help youth understand and appreciate a global perspective,” he said.
Howard Lee, the chair of the North Carolina State Board of Education, was also in attendance. He spoke on the efforts of N.C. public schools to further Chinese education.
“Those of us who have visited China have seen Chinese students taking English classes,” Lee said. “It is my hope that through the Institute we could do the same and prepare students to function in a Chinese environment.”
