The Confucius Institute at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP – 坎皮纳斯大学孔子学院) is the result of an agreement between Unicamp and the Headquarters of the Confucius Institute in China (Hanban), in partnership with Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU). It currently operates as a direct partnership between Unicamp and Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU), with its general work supervised by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC, China) and the Executive Directorate of International Relations (DERI/Unicamp, Brazil).
Our story begins in 2009 with the visit of the BJTU rector to UNICAMP, in November. During this visit, the directors of both universities signed the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation and exchange of teachers and students, in addition to talking about the founding of the Confucius Institute. On July 17, 2014, the agreement establishing the institute was signed, with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Chinese President Xi Jinping as witnesses. On that occasion, the two universities also signed an academic cooperation agreement. On April 22, 2015, the Confucius Institute at Unicamp was officially opened.
Objectives
Our objective is to offer Chinese language and culture courses, as well as general information about China, to the State University of Campinas community and to the external public, with the aim of expanding communication and cooperation between the two countries in areas such as economy, commerce, culture and technology. In addition, we also seek partnerships with local Chinese companies to serve as a communication bridge between China and Brazil, providing employment, research and scholarship opportunities.
Main activities
- Mandarin classes
- Administration of Chinese language proficiency exams (HSK, HSKK, BCT and YCT)
- Local Mandarin teacher training
- Promotion and dissemination of exchange programs in China
- Carrying out cultural activities related to the Chinese festivities calendar
- Support and assistance for cultural partnerships between Brazilian and Chinese entities
Mandarin classes
Our Mandarin classes are offered as an extension course, by the Unicamp Extension School, in partnership with the Institute of Language Studies (IEL/UNICAMP). The entire teaching staff at our institute is made up of professionals accredited by the BJTU, highly qualified to teach Mandarin as a foreign language. Furthermore, we periodically promote cultural events such as the Dragon Boat Festival, the Moon Festival, the International Confucius Institute Day Celebration, among others, with the aim of bringing the customs and habits of the Chinese people to the local community.
Events and Opportunities
The Confucius Institute at Unicamp seeks to serve the local community as a bridge for exchange and communication between the Brazilian and Chinese people. Its mission is not only to bring China into the Brazilian reality, but also to bring Brazil to the Chinese. In this sense, the Confucius Institute at Unicamp periodically promotes programs such as Summer Course in China, student exchange between Unicamp and BJTU, intensive training in Chinese language and culture in China, among others. With this, the aim is to create new studies and academic research on China. Outside the university context, the institute also organizes competitions and events of various kinds to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries.
Furthermore, with the growth of Chinese companies in the metropolitan region of Campinas, the Confúcio Institute becomes a consultation platform for these companies to recruit employees and interns who speak Chinese. The institute itself recruits assistants for its teaching staff, due to the growth in partnerships signed with companies.
In this session, you will be able to find different opportunities to enter the Chinese world. Check out!
See also our job opportunities section and our events section.
Also check out our section on exchange programs and the BJTU Summer Camp .