UK's Office of China Initiatives, Confucius Institute Increasing Size of Jilin University Summer Teaching Program

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 17, 2017) — Beginning in 2015, University of Kentucky's Office of China Initiatives (OCI) and Confucius Institute (UKCI) have offered UK Education Week @ Jilin University, a summer teaching program at Jilin University (JLU), in order to strengthen collaborative teaching and research between the two universities. This year, due to the popularity of the program with students, the OCI and UKCI have increased the number of faculty they will send to China this summer from three to 10. Applications for this program are being taken now through Feb. 1.

The UK Office of China Initiatives and Confucius Institute work with Jilin University Academic Affairs Office and Office of International Affairs to present the 2017 UK Faculty China Short-Term Teaching Program at Jilin University, in Changchun, China, as part of the university's 2017 UK Education Week @ JLU.

Ten UK faculty from various disciplines will be selected for this opportunity to teach courses aimed at first- and second-year college students at JLU for a three-week period running May 14 through June 3. Faculty participating in the program will be expected to:

• teach four class hours twice each week for three weeks;
• give a presentation on research in the field;
• participate in activities provided by the department and university; and
• work with JLU faculty to develop a potential collaborative research plan if opportunity arises.

 All courses will be taught in English.

As part of this program, JLU will cover international travel and accommodations and provide a $1,200-$1,600 teaching stipend depending on experience and credentials.

Faculty interested in applying for the 2017 UK Faculty China Short-Term Teaching Program at Jilin University should submit an application packet to Jie Dai, special project coordinator at UK Confucius Institute, at jda242@g.uky.edu. Applications should include:

• an application form,
• a dean’s recommendation form,
• a résumé, and
• a course syllabus.

The application form and dean's recommendation form, as well as more details related to this program can be found online at: www.uky.edu/international/node/1792.

The UK Office of China Initiatives and Confucius Institute will notify candidates of their selections by March 1.

For more information on the summer teaching program at Jilin University, contact Huajing Maske, director of UK Confucius Institute and executive director of the Office of China Initiatives, at huajing.maske@uky.edu.

A unit of the UK International Center, the Office of China Initiatives (OCI) works with colleges and UK offices to service UK students, faculty and the Commonwealth in collaborations with China. OCI develops, facilitates and maintains UK partnerships and facilitates agreements with Chinese institutions; provides customized support to Chinese students and scholars throughout their time at UK and beyond to ensure their academic success and social/cultural integration; assists in advancing UK’s research and scholarship about China; expands and sustains UK’s China presence and collaborations; provides leadership in facilitating connections with China throughout the Commonwealth and across the nation; works with Chinese partner universities for the coordination of activities such as graduation, alumni events and orientations for new students coming to UK; and links UK Confucius Institute related opportunities to broader UK international strategies and initiatives.

A gateway for Chinese language, culture and art to the people of Kentucky, UK Confucius Institute provides leadership, support and coordination for Chinese language and programs in K-12 schools as well as on UK's campus; assists and facilitates establishing and maintaining faculty and student exchanges between UK colleges and Chinese universities; conducts Chinese language and cultural exchange; and promotes education about China on campus, across the Bluegrass region, and throughout the Commonwealth. To keep up with UK Confucius Institute and future events, join the institute's listerv and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat (UKConfucius).