Early next year, the JU Confucius Institute will move to its new headquarters, which is currently undergoing intensive renovation. The project is possible thanks to a considerable grant it received for becoming a Model Confucius Institute and for its exceptional effectiveness in teaching. Thanks to this investment, both students and staff of the Institute will experience a substantial increase in the quality of teaching conditions.
A major, 17 million złoty overhaul of the 1960s building located on ul. Oleandry 2a, the future home of the JU Confucius Institute, has started several months ago. For many years, it had housed the JU Institute of Geological Sciences, which recently moved to the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the Jagiellonian University Revival. The planned improvements include reinforcing the ceilings, building a new staircase and elevator shaft, replacing window and door woodwork, and demolishing interior brick walls in order to replace them with drywalls.
The building will be modernised according to the principles of sustainable development, with particular emphasis on environment-friendliness and efficient resource management. An integrated Building Management System will provide full remote control of every device installed both inside and outside.
Aside from the JU Confucius Institute, the four storey building with a floor space of 2,000 square metres will also house the JU Institute of the Middle and Far East. It will feature classrooms, staff offices, language laboratory, and an assembly hall with a capacity of 126 people, divisible into two equal-sized parts via a sliding wall.
The Jagiellonian University also made sure to take good care of the surrounding green area. A garden inspired by traditional Chinese architecture will allow both students and passers-by to take a moment and rest in a calming environment. Aside from providing a relaxing spot near the town centre, it may also encourage people to learn more about China.
The JU Confucius Institute in Kraków was established in 2006 and is one of over 500 distributed around the world. Its main aim is to promote Chinese language and culture. For many years, the Institute has been conducting language courses for JU students and other people interested in learning Mandarin, offering internationally recognised certificates. It also offer specialist business Chinese courses. Every year, the Institute organises about 80 cultural events, such as lectures, workshops, presentations, trainings, movie screenings, and exhibitions.
The Institute’s strategy for the next two years, developed by Dr Małgorzata Osińska, Director of the JU Confucius Institute in Kraków, is focused on two main aspects. The first one is constantly increasing the quality of education offered by the Institute. The second is supporting and promoting the work of researchers interested in China. The Institute will also establish an English-language scientific journal and assist other University units in collaboration with Chinese institutions.
