Sino-French International Chinese Class Symposium Proves a Great Success

Chengdu, October 26th, 2010—to support the multicultural education of the International Chinese class in France and promote Sino-French exchanges in education, Hanban launched the Sino-France International Chinese Class Symposium in Chengdu according to the spirit of the 3rd Session of Sino-France Joint Committee of Education. Focusing on pushing forward multicultural education, the conference presented a summary of collaboration outcomes in the international Chinese class program between China and France, and discussions on educational philosophies, models and teaching staff for the class. Attendees also exchanged views on cultivation of multicultural talent in the formal education system, and explored the prospects for further cooperation in pushing forward the international class.

The program was launched in 2008. Currently, there are 15 primary and secondary schools in 8 school districts in France opening international Chinese class with a total of 630 students. The French Ministry of Education plans to increase the number of schools to 25 in 2015. According to agreement between the two countries, Hanban is responsible for selecting, training Chinese and math teachers for the program. Since its launch, Hanban has sent 43 Chinese and math teachers. In 2009, Hanban selected 24 excellent Chinese and math teachers nationwide as reserve teachers and engaged them in learning French, among whom 11 teachers have gone to teach in France this year.

Hosting the conference

Group discussion

Prof. Joel Bellassen delivering a speech at the symposium

The program is highly regarded by and has received great support from the two countries. The two sides agreed that the program offered a new model for cultivation of multicultural talent; is a good example of collaboration in education between the two countries and also marks an important milestone in the development of Chinese education in France. It helped improve Chinese language’s status in the French national education system and has exerted a positive influence on France.

At the symposium, Marc Rolland, Deputy Director of European and International Affairs at the French Ministry of Education stated in his speech that the international Chinese class is a new initiative which opened a new way of education and helped prepare the French young people for a brighter future. Chinese Learning Inspector Prof. Joel Bellassen observed in his speech that Chinese education in the French formal education system has been of much benefit, helping French students learn about the differences between Chinese and French cultures, values and thinking models, and cultivate diverse talent with international awareness. During a recent visit to Lycée Janson de Sailly, Chinese Deputy Minister of Education Hao Ping said to teachers and students of the school’s international Chinese class, “The French School has had great success in offering the international Chinese course, this in turn will help promote cultural and language exchanges between the two countries. The world’s future is in the hands of young people, from the midst of whom will emerge great scientists, writers and statesmen. You students of the international class have the mission of promoting exchanges and friendship between China and France. I am sure that you will make contributions to this effort.” Ambassador Kong Quan also attended the visit and expressed that with joint efforts of the two sides, the program could be launched at more French secondary schools.

Related officials from the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges and the Department of Basic Education I of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hanban, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education, the French Ministry of Education, the French Embassy in China, the French Consulate General in Chengdu, as well as 60 principals and teachers from 25 secondary schools and 5 universities of China attended the event, during which Hanban and the French Ministry of Education signed the Technical Annex to Sending Chinese Teachers for International Chinese Class in France during 2010-2011 Academic Year.