For the purpose of supporting the development of Confucius Institutes, facilitating international promotion of Chinese language and dissemination of Chinese culture, as well as cultivating qualified Chinese-language teachers and excellent Chinese-language learners, Confucius Institute Headquarters/Hanban (hereinafter referred to as Hanban) launches a “Confucius Institute Scholarship” program to sponsor foreign students, scholars and Chinese language teachers to study Chinese in relevant universities of China (hereinafter referred to as “Host Institutes” ).

Category of Scholarship and Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship of 2015 is divided into 5 categories:

• Scholarship for Students of Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages（MTCSOL)
• Scholarship for Students of One-Academic-Year + MTCSOL
• Scholarship for Students of Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages（BTCSOL)
• Scholarship for One-Academic-Year Students
• Scholarship for One-Semester Students
• Scholarship for Four-Weeks Students

Applicants shall be non-Chinese citizens in good health, aged between 16 and 35 (Chinese language teachers in post shall be aged below 45, and applicants for BTCSOL scholarship should be aged below 20).

Scholarship for Students of MTCSOL: The scholarship is oriented at excellent students from Confucius Institutes (Classrooms), overseas local Chinese language teachers, winners of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competitions for Foreign College Students and for Foreign High School Students, excellent foreign college graduates majored in Chinese and outstanding performers on HSK exams, to undertake a Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages. The scholarship winner shall begin the study in autumn 2015 and the duration of scholarship is two academic years. The applicant should have a bachelor degree or its equivalent, get a score of at least 180 on the HSK (level 5) and a score of at least 50 on the HSKK (intermediate level), or a score of at least 180 on the BCT (B) and at least 260 on the BCT (spoken Chinese) . The applicant make a written commitment stating that he/she will be engaged in Chinese language teaching for at least 5 years after graduation. The applicant with a specific teaching post arranged will be given prior admission (certification by the institution he/she will teach for is required). Scholar winner who passes the annual assessment with the score of at least 180 on the HSK (level 6) and the score of at least 70 on the HSKK (intermediate level) by the first-academic-year after admission, is qualified for continuing the scholarship. Hanban will provide support for outstanding graduates to teach in their home countries.

Scholarship for Students of One-Academic-Year + MTCSOL: The scholarship is oriented at students from Confucius Institutes in Africa and Latin America regions, who are interested in Chinese Language teaching. Time of enrollment for scholarship winners is autumn, 2015, and the duration is three academic years. The applicant shall sign an agreement with the Confucius Institute or an institute he/she will teach for. The Applicant is required to have a bachelor degree or its equivalent and achieve a score of at least 180 on the HSK (level 3) and a score of at least 60 on the HSKK (primary level), or a score of at least 180 on the BCT(A) and at least 180 on the BCT (spoken Chinese). Those who pass the first-academic-year assessment, score at least 180 on HSK (level 5) and at least 50 on HSKK (medium level) can proceed with their study in China for the Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages. Hanban will support graduates to teach Chinese in their home countries by recruiting them as local teachers, providing wage subsidies, etc.

Scholarship for Students of BTCSOL: The scholarship is oriented at students from Confucius Institutes in Asia (except Japan, Korea, Singapore, Israel) Latin America and Africa, who are interested in Chinese Language teaching. Scholarship winners will major in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (or Chinese in the direction of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages). Time of enrollment for scholarship winners is autumn, 2015, and the duration is four academic years. Applicants should have a high school degree or above, and meanwhile get no less than 180 scores in HSK (level 3) and at least 40 scores in HSKK (intermediate level), or at least 180 on the BCT (A) and at least 220 on the BCT (spoken Chinese). Students who pass the first-academic-year assessment with the score of at least 180 on the HSK (level 5) and at least 50 on the HSKK (intermediate level) are entitled to continue to receive the scholarships in the following year.

Scholarship for One-Academic Year Students : The scholarship is oriented at outstanding students of Confucius Institutes (Classrooms), overseas local Chinese language teachers, winners of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competitions for Foreign College Students and for Foreign High School Students, excellent foreign college students majored in Chinese, outstanding performers on the HSK, and those who intend to become Chinese teachers. The scholarship winner may choose to study in majors including Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History and Chinese Philosophy. The time of entrance is autumn 2015 and the grant term is one academic year with the training target for HSK level 5 and HSKK intermediate level. Applicants should achieve a score of at least 180 on the HSK (level 3) and at least 60 on the HSKK (primary level), or at least 180 on the BCT (A) and at least 180 on the BCT (spoken Chinese).

Scholarship for One-Semester Students : The scholarship is oriented at excellent students of Confucius Institutes (Classrooms), winners of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competitions for Foreign College Students and for Foreign High School Students, overseas local Chinese language teachers, excellent foreign college students majored in Chinese, and outstanding performers on the HSK. The scholarship winner may choose to study in majors including Chinese Language and Literature, Chinese History and Chinese Philosophy. The time of entrance is autumn 2015 or spring 2016, and the grant term is one semester with the training target for HSK level 4 and HSKK intermediate level. Applicants should achieve a score of at least 120 on the HSK (level 2) and at least 40 on the HSKK (primary level), or at least 100 on the BCT (A) and at least 120 on the BCT (spoken Chinese).

Scholarship for Four-Weeks Students:The scholarship is oriented at excellent students of Confucius Institutes (Classrooms) with a priority of language study and supplemented with cultural study. The time of enrollment is July to August, 2015 for four weeks. Applicants need to take HSK or BCT exam and submit a score report, with no prior experience of studying in China. Hanban will adjust the arrangement according to applicants’ language level to assign host institutes for their study.

Scholarship Coverage and Criteria

Scholarship winners are exempt from tuition, accommodation fees on campus, and are provided with monthly living allowance, and comprehensive insurance for foreign students studying in China. Monthly living allowances are provided at the following rates (CNY Yuan per month):

• CNY 2,500 for Bachelor’s Degree Students ,One-Academic-Year Students and One-Semester Students.
• CNY 3,000 for Master’s Degree Students.

Recruitment Procedures

• From the issue date of the Procedures, applicants can log on to the Confucius Institute Scholarship website at http://cis.chinese.cn, set up an individual account, read information and introduction of host institutes and majors, complete and submit the Confucius Institute Scholarship Application Form online. The deadline is May 10.
• Confucius Institutes (independently set-up Confucius Classrooms), overseas Chinese test centers, educational and cultural offices (sections) of Chinese Embassies (Consulates), host institutes and institutions of higher education in those countries with no Confucius Institutes are entrusted by Hanban as the recommending institutions. The recommending institutions shall examine the qualification and application materials of applicants, and submit the list of recommended applicants to Hanban by May 20th, 2015.
• Host institutes are responsible for reviewing the qualification of applicants and submitting the proposed enrollment name list of qualified candidates to Hanban by May 31st, 2015.
• Hanban will organize an expert panel to make the final selection, and publish the name list of successful applicants on the Scholarship website by June 15th, 2015. Hanban will also inform the host institutes and the recommending institutions, and the recommending institutions will inform the applicants.
• The host institutes will post “Admission Letter”, “Enrollment Instructions”, “Visa Application Form for Foreigners to Study in China” (JW202 Form) and other related materials to successful applicants through their recommending institutions.

Application Documents

Applicants should log onto the Scholarship website, fill out the “Confucius Institute Scholarship Application Form”, and attach the electronic files of the following materials:

• Photocopy of passport photo page.
• Photocopies of HSK、HSKK score reports.
• Notarized highest education diploma attained(scheduled graduation proof or official proof of student status).
• Reference letter and letter of commitment. The BTCSOL Scholarship applicants should submit pre-admission notice issued by the host institutes designated by Hanban. The MTCSOL Scholarship applicants are required to submit two reference letters from professors or associate professors (in Chinese or English) and a written commitment stating that the applicant will be engaged in Chinese language teaching for at least 5 years after graduation (written in Chinese and signed). College students majored in Chinese in countries with no Confucius Institutes established shall submit a reference letter signed and issued by the university President.
• Applicants under the age of 18 shall submit relevant legal documents of entrusted legal guardians in China.
• Winners of the finals of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competitions for Foreign College Students and for Foreign High School Students in China shall submit the certificate of scholarship. Winners of preliminary rounds of the “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competitions in their countries shall submit award proof and a reference letter from the Chinese Embassy (or Consulate) in the competition area.
• Chinese language teachers shall submit the proof of the length of time in teaching and weekly teaching hours provided by institutes they work for.
• Those applying for scholarship of One-Academic-Year + MTCSOL are required to provide the agreement signed with the Confucius Institute or the institute which they will be working for.
• Other materials required by host institutes
  • If the name on application is inconsistent with the name on the attached passport scanning file, or relevant certification material is incomplete, the application will be invalid.
  • If the scholarship winner cannot register for certain reason, he/she shall inform the host institute 15 days prior the registration day with a written explanation. Those who cannot complete registration without any reason, the scholarship qualification will not be remained and no longer have the qualification of applying the scholarship.
  • Scholarships will be canceled for those who cannot pass the health examination.

Contact Information

Division of Scholarships, Confucius Institute Headquarters / Hanban Address: 129, Deshengmenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100088. Phone: +86-10-58595727 Email: scholarships@hanban.org Confucius Institute Scholarship Website:http://cis.chinese.cn HSK and HSKK Website：http://www.chinesetest.cn

This year is the 10th Anniversary of Confucius Institute founding. In order to promote Chinese language teaching and Chinese cultural communication, Hanban(CI Headquarters) calls on all the Confucius Institutes to celebrate the “Confucius Institute Day” on the day of September 27th, 2014, which will be surely a big cultural event hosted here. It is very significant that this Program coincides with the 30th Anniversary of China-UAE Establishment of diplomatic relationship. Topic of the program: “Confucius Institute Day” Activity Plan

• VIP Guests speech and addressing
• Chinese traditional cultural performance and interaction(lion dance, Chinese Martial Art performance, songs, Chinese ethnic group dance, etc.)
• Coffee break and buffet (with souvenirs)

Sponsored by : Hanban and Consulate General Of P.R.C in Dubai Hosted by: University of Dubai and Ningxia University Feel free to contact CIUD at UD and we welcome everyone who is interested!

The registration of HSK test Level 1-6 on 14th June 2014 is open now. Deadline for registration until 10th May 2014, Test taker may follow these steps:

• Please login on http://www.chinesetest.cn/index.do get registered online.
• Come to Confucius Institute at University of Dubai, confirm the registration and pay the test fee. Test fees are as follows: Level one: 110 AED Level two: 165 AED Level three: 220 AED Level four: 275 AED Level five: 295 AED Level six: 365 AED
• You will receive the test admission ticket 10 days before the Test.
• Attend HSK test on June 14th Sat, 2014.
• Result will reach the test taker 30 days after the Test.

Chinese Traditional New Year – also known as Chun Jie (the Spring Festival) – is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals to celebrate the first day of the year of the Chinese lunar calendar.

The Chinese spring festival represents family reunion for Chinese people all over the world, and is similar to the Christmas season for Christians. During this time, most Chinese return home to celebrate the joyful season with their beloved families. Although members of the Chinese community in Dubai may not go back to China, they will still have celebrations with their families and friends. They gather together and have dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve – this celebration usually lasts several days since people visit both family and friends.

2014 is the year of the horse. Each symbol of the Chinese zodiac – an animal representing a lunar year – has its particular, always positive, meaning. All 12 of these animals symbolize the virtues of the Chinese people. The Chinese zodiac is actually a complex yet wise philosophical system and has been passed down from ancient times. For example, in Chinese tradition, people born during the year of the horse are possessed of high moral and ethical standards. Like the horse, they are unconquerable, honourable, and elegant all at the same time.

Chinese New Year celebrations are often family-based occasions, however foreigners can always feel the New Year’s warm atmosphere in Chinese communities in Dubai, such as those near Dragon Mart and International City One. Chinese restaurants in Dubai will have Spring Festival specials, attractive promotions for both Chinese and foreigners.

For Chinese people, the most important thing about the Spring Festival celebration is family get-togethers. They will keep celebrating all New Year’s Eve until midnight, and will take part in the most important meal, “Nianye Fan”, together. This literally means “New Year’s Eve Meal”. Chinese dumplings, “Jiaozi”, are indispensable for this feast. Setting off firecrackers and other fireworks at midnight is also very important. This custom helps bid farewell to the preceding year and welcome in the New Year. In addition, parents and elders will give their children some money inside a red envelope to extend their best wishes for good fortune and prosperity during the upcoming New Year.

With the support of the University of Dubai, the Confucius Institute plays a very important role between the UAE and China in the area of educational and cultural exchange. During the past Chinese New Year, the Confucius Institute had its annual board meeting and important VIPs visited CUID and UD.

In 2014, Confucius Institute Online (CIO) plans to implement a series of activities to strengthen communication and cooperation with all Confucius Institutes.

To help celebrate the inauguration of the website, the “Sign up and Get Gifts” activity will be rolled out during the Chinese Spring Festival. The Confucius Institutes encourage students to sign up for the website established by CIO (Confucius Institute Online) and the first 25 registered users on each CI website will be given a Chinese-style gift in return. Such gifts include mugs, business card cases and key chains, bookmarks, Confucius stamps, painted copies of a Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, white Chinese chess pieces, and USB drives. All these gifts will be delivered to the Confucius Institute for distribution to you. Those signing up will also get 1000 points which can be redeemed for wonderful Chinese products at CIO’s Online Store.

This activity lasts from January 31 to February 14, 2014.

Best wishes and Happy New Year!

How to Take Part in the “Get Gifts” Activity

Step 1: Open the website at: http://www.chinesecio.com/join.php?groupid=2082&from_url=http://ciud.ae.chinesecio.com/zh-hans&lang=en

Step 2: Fill out the registration information, and get a verification link via your email account. Then click the link to activate your registration.

Step 3: Use your registered username and password to log in and enjoy the facilities and online Chinese learning resources.

Three students from the Confucius Institute at University of Dubai (CIUD) recently won scholarships to study Chinese for one semester at Ningxia University in China. In April, CIUD recommended Abdelhak Benkerroum, Maryam Al Kaabi and Mohammed Hassan Juma to apply for the scholarship program offered by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters. CIUD later learned that all three students had been accepted for the scholarship program and would be sponsored by the Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters to further their Chinese language studies for one semester (September 2013 – January 2014) at Ningxia University in China. This is the first time that CIUD students have won such scholarships.

Abdelhak Benkerroum	Maryam Al Kaabi	Mohammed Hassan Juma

The Confucius Institute Headquarters in China offers a scholarship program for eligible students who have learned Chinese at CIUD and meet pre-determined requirements. All CIUD students have the opportunity to be sponsored and learn Chinese in a Chinese university for either one semester or one year as they wish. If you want to learn more about the scholarship program, please visit http://cis.chinese.cn

Registration for Chinese language courses

CIUD will offer Chinese language courses (level one to level six) in August, 2013. Classes will be given by professional Chinese teachers who can teach in Arabic or English. Registration for the class starts now, we warmly welcome you to learn Chinese and experience Chinese culture at CIUD.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need information or assistance for the registration by calling at 04-5566 990, 04-5566 991, 04-5566 992, or send an email to lyanhui@ud.ac.ae ; wli@ud.ac.ae ;