In September 2008, the University of Brasilia and Confucius Institute Headquarters (International Chinese Language Council) signed an agreement for the establishment of a Confucius Institute at the University of Brasilia. The Institute, the second of its kind in Brazil, started its operation in March 2010. Dalian University of Foreign Languages (DUFL) was officially entrusted with the administration of the Confucius Institute at University of Brasilia in July 2014.
Under the guidance of International Chinese Language Council and with the support of the Chinese embassy in Brazil, the Confucius Institute at the University of Brasilia organizes cultural events and offers language courses, including elective courses for undergraduates of the University of Brasilia, as well as classes for local communities and secondary schools under the auspices of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Affairs College and the Rio Education Bureau. In 2012, Confucius Institute hosted the first HSK test. In 2014, participants were selected for the “Chinese Bridge” contest. It also successfully organized cultural events such as Chinese Culture Week, International Culture Week, a Chinese-Latin American Relations Symposium, and poetry and story recitals at traditional Chinese festivals, all of which were warmly received. A university delegation was invited by International Chinese Language Council and DUFL to visit China for intensive cultural studies in Beijing and Dalian. This visit laid a solid foundation for future cooperation between the two universities and enhanced the influence of the Confucius Institute in Brazil.
The institute staff consists of a Chinese director and instructors who work alongside five Brazilian Chinese teachers. DUFL is currently coordinating the development of the Confucius Institute with the University of Brasilia in order to further enhance its capacity.
Headed by President Sun Yuhua, a DUFL delegation visited Brazil in May, 2014. Their visit to the Chinese Embassy in Brazil and University of Brasilia further strengthened ties. The delegation also promoted DUFL and enjoyed the support of the Chinese Embassy in Brazil, as well as local Chinese teachers, students, and members of the community.
