Director General of Hanban Madam Xu Lin visits Confucius Institute at Geneva University, Switzerland

Talking with Jean-Dominique Vassalli, Rector of Geneva University

Signing the Agreement of “Confucius China Studies Program” Ph.D. Fellowship with the Rector of Geneva University

On June 19, 2014, the delegation led by Madam Xu Lin, Chief Executive of Confucius Institute Headquarters and Director General of Hanban, visited the Confucius Institute at Geneva University.

Jean-Dominique Vassalli, Rector of Geneva University, extended warm welcome to Madam Xu Lin and her delegation. He said, “Geneva University strongly supports the positioning of the Confucius Institute at Geneva University as an academic Confucius Institute.” Madam Xu expressed that the Confucius Institute at Geneva University has unparalleled advantages and hopes that it will adhere to the academic path. She added that Hanban would continue to support the development of the Confucius Institute at Geneva University. After the talk, the two sides signed the Agreement of “Confucius China Studies Program” Ph.D. Fellowship. Madam Xu Lin stressed that this was the first time that Hanban would fund doctoral students of foreign countries on a large scale. She hoped that the Confucius Institute would make full use of available resources and achieve greater success.

Visiting the Confucius Institute at Geneva University

Listening to the work reports given by the Directors of the Confucius Institute

Then, the delegation led by Director General Xu Lin visited the Confucius Institute at Geneva University located on the shores of Geneva Lake and listened to the work reports given by Chinese Director Zhao Xiurong and Swiss Director Prof. Basile Zimmermann. Director General Xu expressed her satisfaction with the work carried out by the Confucius Institute at Geneva University and hoped that the Institute would keep moving on to realize its aims.

Holding cordial talks with students from the Confucius Institute at Geneva University

On the same day, Director General Xu Lin held cordial talks with students from the Confucius Institute as well. She kindly asked the students about their Chinese language studies as well as their plans and expectations for the future. Madam Xu Lin became very excited when she was told by some students, “We will go to China even if we have to attend classes during the day and work at night.” She said, “I am very pleased to know that you love Chinese language and culture. I hope you will learn Chinese well and the Confucius Institute Headquarters is willing to provide fellowships for you to study in China.” Madam Xu’s humorous remarks and her encouragement to teachers and students gave the conversations a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.