Confucius Institute at Yeditepe University
In partnership with Nankai University of the People’s Republic of China, Confucius Institute at Yeditepe University was launched on September 27, 2017. The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Mr. YU Hongyang and the Consul General Mr. QIAN Bo attended the opening ceremony in the company of Mr. Bedrettin DALAN, the Founding and Honorary President, and Professor Canan Aykut BİNGÖL, the Rector of Yeditepe University. The Vice President of Nankai University Professor YANG Kexin and many other distinguished guests, including the Chinese Cultural Counsellor Mr. ZHU Zihao, the Deputy Consul General Mr. CHEN Su, and Vice Rectors Professor Ahmet İNCE and Professor Tülay BARAN also took part in the opening ceremony. Over 220 faculty and students witnessed the ceremony, as it was covered and reported on by the mainstream media both in China and Turkey.
A Turkish Director, a Chinese Director, a Deputy Director, a Chinese language instructor, and a volunteer Chinese instructor are actively engaged in the work of the Institute. Students from various departments make the utmost contribution to the activities of the Institute. The primary objectives of the Confucius Institute at Yeditepe University are promoting Chinese language teaching and cultural exchanges between Turkey and the People’s Republic of China. While the teaching of Chinese language courses by Yeditepe University predates the establishment of the Confucius Institute, the whole effort gained momentum with the launching of the Institute and the support provided by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban). Through summer camps in Tianjin and guidance provided to students on programs and scholarships available, the Institute strives to extend support to Turkish students intending to carry on with their studies in China. Constant contact with Chinese diplomatic missions and enterprises bolsters the development of students’ skills and the planning of their careers.
