Confucius Institute named among top 25 worldwide

Troy University’s Confucius Institute has been honored with a Global Confucius Institute of the Year Award, one of only 25 institutes worldwide.

“In the whole world there are altogether 500 Confucius Institutes,” said Lin Cao, an instructor and coordinator in the Confucius Institute. “Among them, more than 100 were in North America.”

According to Troy’s Confucius Institute website, the institute is a “public institution affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education and is charged with bringing to the people of Alabama knowledge of China.”

Troy’s institute competed with more than 525 Confucius Institutes from 146 different countries.

“This is the second time within five years that we (Confucius Institute) get the award,” said Cao.

The award received by Troy’s institute recognizes the commitment to furthering the teaching of Chinese language and culture, according to a Troy University press release.

“I think among these more 100 Confucius Institutes, we are one of the best,” Cao said.

Cao said the Confucius Institute has been working with schools in Alabama to promote learning Chinese.

“Up to now, there are more than 7,000 students that are learning Chinese,” Cao said.

According to Cao, the award recognizes the efforts Troy has made to teach others about Chinese culture.

“We really did a lot to just promote the Chinese culture exchanges,” Cao said.

Cao said that winning this award is a great honor for Troy’s Confucius Institute.