On April 21, a four-member delegation from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), led by Ding Xiangru, Director of the Teacher Management Department, visited the Confucius Institute at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, Managua (UNAN-Managua). The delegation conducted a specialized training workshop for Chinese language instructors and volunteers in Nicaragua, with full participation from all staff members of the Confucius Institute.

At the meeting, Ding Xiangru delivered an insightful presentation on the development of international Chinese language teacher standards, professional competency frameworks, and certification systems. She also elaborated on the essential skills and qualities required of Chinese language instructors in the new era. Additionally, she outlined specific requirements for establishing Chinese language programs at Nicaraguan universities and cultivating local teaching talent.

During the training session, Chinese language teachers and volunteers from the Confucius Institute actively engaged with the delegation, holding in-depth discussions and sharing experiences on the challenges encountered in teaching practices.

Clara Lechado Ríos, the Nicaraguan Director of the Confucius Institute, provided an overview of the institute's development in Nicaragua. Chen Zhan, the Chinese Director, highlighted key achievements, including the inauguration ceremony, the successful hosting of the first Central American International Chinese Education Forum, as well as progress in teacher recruitment, teaching resources, and cultural activities. He also detailed the institute's efforts in establishing standardized regulations and implementing systematic teaching management.

The delegation further reviewed a video showcasing the achievements of both teachers and students at the Confucius Institute, along with Chinese language learning outcomes from HSK Level 1 students.

After the training session, the delegation conducted an on-site inspection of the Confucius Institute's facilities, including office spaces, classrooms, the library resource room, and multi-functional cultural activity classrooms.

This visit has significantly enhanced CLEC's comprehensive understanding of the current state of international Chinese language education in Nicaragua, while also laying a solid foundation for the Confucius Institute's Chinese language curriculum development, teacher training programs, and Chinese cultural promotion activities.

Translated by: MA Bingyu, Division of International Cooperation

Source: School of International Education

Issued by: Division of International Cooperation