Confucius Institute

Taking on the role of general manager of the Confucius Institute, based in the University of Auckland, is a new career step for Gillian Eadie, past principal of Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, in Wellington.

Gillian was a member of the 2007 Principals’ Delegation to China and found the experience enlightening, particularly in seeing first-hand the amazing opportunities available for young NZers with Chinese as their second language.

Since that time, NZ has signed the Free Trade Agreement with China which is all the more reason for schools to explore the possibility of including Chinese language classes in the curriculum.

“There is an incredible window of about 20 years during which NZ can forge positive cultural, academic and economic relationships with our Pacific Rim neighbour and our young people will play a pivotal role in making this a reality.

“NZ has a long-standing and warm friendship with the Chinese people and it was a moving experience for me to see how reverentially the work of Rewi Alley is commemorated in Beijing.”

The Confucius Institute, in association with HanBan (Office of Chinese Language Council International), makes it easy for principals to explore these opportunities by offering a substantially subsidised annual Principals’ Delegation to China.

Travelling from 19th-30th September, participants will experience Chinese culture and contemporary Chinese society; school visits, seminars, meeting Chinese government officials are included in the tour as well as sight-seeing in Shanghai, Beijing and surrounding rural areas.

A high standard of accommodation, with individual facilities, is provided, as are all meals and transport.

Director of the Confucius Institute, Nora Yao and Gillian Eadie will lead the tour.

Based at the University of Auckland, but serving the whole of NZ, the Confucius Institute offers many scholarships and other services to schools and tertiary institutions.

In association with the Chinese Language Foundation, 10-week ‘taster’ Chinese language teaching programmes are made available in schools, as is an eclectic variety of resources, costumes and teaching materials.

Applications for the 2009 Delegation of Principals close on 29th June. Successful applicants will be notified during the second week of July.

New Zealand Principals' Delegation to China 2009


Objectives:

Sponsored by the Office of Chinese Language Council International, Hanban China, this tailored trip provides an opportunity for NZ Principals to have first hand experience of Chinese culture and contemporary Chinese society; gain a wider perspective, and professional understanding by visiting local schools and meeting Chinese officials.

Dates:  19th-30th September, 2009.

Programme: School visits, seminars on Chinese culture, meeting with Chinese government officials, sight seeing in Shanghai, Beijing and surrounding rural areas.

Eligibility to apply: Principals or Deputy Principals from New Zealand schools that are currently offering, or considering offering, Chinese language as part of their school’s curriculum.

Costs and expenses: All expenses in China including domestic travel, accommodation, group meals etc. will be covered by Hanban.

International airfares and any NZ internal travel expenses to and from your hometown to Auckland, and any personal expenses, will be the responsibility of the applicant and/or his/her school.

Closing Date: 29th June, 2009.

For further information and application forms, please contact:  Ms Lisa Shi at  HYPERLINK "mailto:l.shi@auckland.ac.nz" l.shi@auckland.ac.nz