Confucius Institute of Tomsk State University, which has been one of the core institutions for Chinese language study in Russia for more than 15 years, launched a new study program. The program is conducted online for a variety of students from all over the country.

– The online format of study is caused by high demand from the Russian audience. Chinese is extremely popular these days, but in many cities and villages there are no opportunities to learn it. That is why many people are interested in any distance learning programs, says Irina Shvedova, Director of the Confucius Institute. – Students from Siberian cities such as Tyumen, Irkutsk, Aldan, and others, as well as from the Moscow Region, Lugansk, Bryansk, and Blagoveshchensk have already applied for online courses.

Since Chinese is a very difficult language to learn, the program has two levels: beginner and advanced. The duration of the program is one year with the possibility of further study. The courses are taught by native speakers – employees of the Confucius Institute of TSU.

– For us it is very important to understand how our students plan to use their knowledge, why they need Chinese, says Irina Shvedova. – People have different goals. Someone plans to do business in China, to bring goods and services from there, or to sell Russian goods in China. Products from Russia are quite popular there now. Some people want to study in China. There are those who are interested in the language itself, as well as in Chinese culture, which is one of the oldest on the planet.

Upon completion, students will take an internal exam. At the same time, those who wish will be able to pass HSK and HSKK exams at TSU. HSK and HSKK certificates are mandatory to be admitted to Chinese universities or get a job in some companies.

Two new programs will be launched at the Confucius Institute of TSU in 2025. One of them is designed for businessmen (in Russian), and the second – for students who already know Chinese but want to improve their level in order to become “guides” to the Celestial Empire. In particular, they will master the art of negotiation, taking into account the specifics of China. Students will learn how to write letters, official requests and so on.