Saint Vincent College was recently named a satellite branch of the newest Confucius Institute that was established at the University of Pittsburgh. China’s National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (Hanban) funds the international organization with the goal of encouraging knowledge and study of Chinese language and culture worldwide.

In the fall semester, Saint Vincent College welcomed Dr. Yuan Zhang, a visiting Chinese professor, to teach Chinese language courses at Saint Vincent for one year. In addition, she teaches Chinese language and culture in the Greater Latrobe School District to elementary, junior and high school students. During the spring semester, a second Chinese professor will arrive in Latrobe to teach in the Derry Area and Greater Latrobe school districts.

“As a satellite of the Confucius Institute, this allows Saint Vincent to have a better Chinese language program and also gives us a lot of potential to expand the program,” explained Dr. Tina Phillips Johnson, assistant professor of history and director of China studies at Saint Vincent.

Hanban gives program support for its visiting professors including books and other teaching resources. By having visiting Chinese professors, Saint Vincent hopes to expand programming in its curriculum, as well as to help surrounding school districts in Westmoreland County establish Chinese language programs. In fall 2008, Saint Vincent anticipates welcoming up to four Chinese professors dedicating one to courses at Saint Vincent, one to Greater Latrobe School District, one to Derry Area School District and a fourth to help Greensburg area schools expand their language programs.

Dr. Johnson also pointed out that the Institute benefits Saint Vincent students by broadening their horizons about the Chinese world. She said that many local businesses have ties in China and are looking for professionals who are experienced in Chinese language and culture. By having contact with native Chinese language professors, Saint Vincent students will have an advantage in the workplace. “There are also opportunities for study abroad and distance learning in China through the Confucius Institute,” Dr. Johnson said.

In the future, Dr. Johnson foresees opportunities to invite the community to participate in China studies programs and other events, as well as offering summer workshops for students including Chinese in the Challenge Program this summer. The Institute will increase Saint Vincent College’s presence in western Pennsylvania as an important American center for China studies.

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