Exchange programs, Mandarin language and internationalization projects for Marist Network schools were among the topics discussed
Photo: Bruno Todeschini
PUCRS opened its doors to the Chinese director of Confucius Institute PUC-Rio, Qiao Jianzhen (Ana), on Jul 6-7. She had meetings with several representatives from different units, seeking to spot potential partnerships with several areas, especially the Science and Technology Museum (MCT) and Lexis: Language Center. “We are beginning to work on the implementation of a Confucius Day at PUCRS, and on projects of internationalization of the Marist Network in order to promote the Chinese language and culture”, says the Dean of International Affairs, Heloísa Orsi Koch Delgado.
In addition to that, the Chinese representative committed herself to promoting the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture, especially the Porto Alegre culture, to Chinese students who wish to study at PUCRS, whereas PUCRS representatives committed themselves to promoting the Chinese language and culture for PUCRS students. “We want to offer the first edition of the Mandarin program in the second semester of 2017 at Lexis”, says Heloísa. Classes will be taught by Luoyuan Liu, a student in the Graduate Program in Education (PPGEdu), whose Western name is Aida. A native of Chongqing, China, she was awarded with a CNPq grant.
During her visit to the University, Ana had the chance to go to the Main Library, the MCT, the Science and Technology Park (Tecnopuc), Huawei (China’s largest technology company), the Brain Institute of RS (InsCer), the Center for European and German Studies (CDEA – UFRGS/PUCRS), Lexis and the Solar Energy Technology Nucleus (NT Solar). As for solar technology, Ana promised to bring Chinese companies closer together since China is the world leader in this type of technology. Ana was invited to come to PUCRS by President Br. Evilázio Teixeira during a mission to China early in May.
