The "Confucius" Institute at the University of Montenegro has been providing students and the general public with a deeper understanding of China and its cultural heritage for almost ten years through educational programs and cultural activities.
Director of the Institute Milena Lipovina Božović in an interview with "Vijesti" he says that the "Confucius" Institute at the University of Montenegro (UCG) was opened in 2015, and the idea came from the need to strengthen cultural, educational and economic ties between Montenegro and China.
She said that the main goal of the Institute is to promote the Chinese language and culture in Montenegro through educational programs and cultural activities, enabling students, as well as the general public, to develop a deeper understanding of China and its cultural heritage.
In this sense, he adds, the Institute provides a platform for intercultural understanding and educational exchange, which is especially important in a globalized world.
"Through educational activities, the Institute provides support to those who want to learn the Chinese language, as well as to all those interested in China, with the aim of bringing the two cultures together. The Confucius Institute is a bridge for connecting all individuals and institutions in Montenegro that deal with the Chinese language and culture in any way, as well as other activities of cultural and educational cooperation between our country and China", she stated.
According to her, the Institute organizes free language courses for all ages and levels. The lectures are interactive and are conducted mainly by Chinese language teachers from China who specialize in imparting knowledge to foreign speakers.
"The youngest population, which consists of younger primary school students, are also taught by our local teachers of the Chinese language," Lipovina Božović pointed out.
She said that with the approval of the Ministry of Education, courses are organized in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in Podgorica, Nikšić, Cetinje, Budva, Bar, Kotor and Herceg Novi.
"Also, students and staff of the University of Montenegro in Podgorica and Nikšić have the opportunity to attend these courses at the organizational units of the University", she stated.
With the HSK test, it's easier to get a scholarship for studies in China
Lipovina Božović says that as confirmation of the success of the acquired knowledge in the courses, the "Confucije" Institute twice a year provides testing of Chinese language knowledge in cooperation with the Chinese international testing center that evaluates the tests and issues certificates.
“The HSK test, or Hanzi Shuiping Kaoshi, is a standardized Chinese language test for non-Chinese speakers, and its purpose is to assess the level of language proficiency. "Passing the HSK test is of great importance because it can make it easier for students to get scholarships to study in China and provides an internationally recognized certificate of Chinese language proficiency," she said.
According to her, passing at least one level of knowledge of the Chinese language is a ticket for applying to summer camps in China lasting 15 days, which represent an extraordinary opportunity to deepen knowledge of the Chinese language and culture.
"For example, this year, 15 pupils and students from Montenegro took advantage of this opportunity and spent two weeks at a summer camp in the city of Čangša during July," said Lipovina Božović.
Workshops on Chinese calligraphy, martial arts and a "tea" corner
In addition to language courses, the Confucius Institute offers a rich program of cultural activities, including workshops on Chinese calligraphy, martial arts, Chinese cuisine, etc.
"We also organize film evenings and lectures on different segments of Chinese culture (Chinese art, philosophy, martial arts, traditional costumes, architecture, Chinese medicine) and many other topics for which we estimate there is interest," said Lipovina Božović.
He also points out that in the premises of the "Confucius" Institute, which is located in the building of the Historical Institute, they have a small corner with a Chinese library within which they also have two Chinese instruments for anyone interested in that segment of art, as well as a corner for making and enjoying Chinese tea.
"Additionally, on the occasion of significant holidays and anniversaries for the Chinese people (such as Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival), we organize celebrations and events to convey a part of the atmosphere and celebration practiced in China, thereby introducing interested in customs and curiosities from distant Chinese culture and tradition", said Lipovina Božović.
She said that the interest in these activities is growing, and the Institute currently has around 800 students at different levels of language courses.
"When it comes to interest in other activities, for example, in 2023, within the 28 cultural activities organized by the Institute, we had around 2.000 visitors. This year, we estimate that this number will be significantly higher," said Lipovina Božović.
For the next period, she announces a series of events such as the celebration of the Chinese New Year, an award-winning art competition about China, thematic workshops on traditional Chinese medicine, and a series of lectures on different segments of Chinese culture.
"During November, in cooperation with the student organization EKOMEN, a table tennis tournament is planned, which is already becoming a traditional and well-attended event. Additional support programs for students who want to take the HSK test and scholarship programs for students who are interested in studying in China are also planned," said Lipovina Božović.
Exclusively an educational institution, without political involvement
In recent years, China has often been criticized, especially from the West, for wanting to expand its political influence, especially through its Belt and Road economic initiative. As part of that initiative, China is borrowing money for large and expensive infrastructure projects, driving some poor countries into debt slavery. China also lent money to Montenegro for the construction of the first section of the Bar-Boljara highway, which was built by the Chinese company CRBC.
The Confucius Institute did not want to comment on criticism of China.
Lipovina Božović points out that the "Confucius" Institute at the University of Montenegro is exclusively an educational and cultural institution, focused on promoting language and culture, without political engagement or imposing any agendas.
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