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>> My congratulations to everyone
who has helped make this day possible.
>> Purdue University has partnered with China's Ministry
of Education to create a Confucius Institute at Purdue.
The 140 Confucius Institutes around the world are designed
to foster increased understanding and relationships
between host nations and China.
The institute's kickoff included high tech 3D tours
of Chinese gardens and the opportunity
to practice Chinese calligraphy.
Way Hong, Institute Director
at Purdue says Chinese language
and cultural programs will be offered to students and members
of the general public.
>> Way: Indiana business can benefit from this institute
to have more knowledge about China in general
and to prepare them for business investments in China and just
to gain about a business etiquette and culture
about doing business in China.
>> About 280 students are currently enrolled
in Chinese language and cultural classes at Purdue.
The institute is also designed
to increase educational exchanges
between the 2 countries.
China has been sending students to Purdue for nearly a century.
Today about 800 students from China study at Purdue.
140 Purdue students studied in China this past year
up from 0 a decade ago.
The number is expected to be higher next year.
>> A student's whole complete study of our programs in China
or who have taken Chinese language classes here
at Purdue have always told us that they gained
so much knowledge and they become more mature as a person.
And I think they're studying Chinese or doing a study
of our programs for very practical reasons to be more
in the job market or to have more options to businesses.
>> The institute begins offering Chinese conversation classes
in fall, 2007 to Purdue faculty and staff
and to Indiana business people.
Basic business conversation
and calligraphy will be part of the classes.
>> It's just a great asset that we have here
at Purdue University to add more value to our existing programs.
>> The institute has placed Chinese teachers
in local public schools and will lead Chinese language K
through 12 teacher training workshops
in organized art shows, lectures and exhibitions.