Chinese Language and Culture Classes

The Confucius Institute at the University of Minnesota offers several short classes on Chinese language and culture. There are ongoing offerings as well as special summer opportunities. If you have questions about any of the offerings, please contact the Confucius Institute.

Ongoing Offerings

Family Chinese

Are you looking for fun family learning opportunities? Explore Chinese language and culture together with your children, ages 6–10. Together you will learn Chinese language through lessons, songs, rhymes, and games that are enjoyed by children in China. Learn more about Family Chinese.

Kung Fu

Kung Fu is a popular term used to describe various forms of Chinese martial arts. The instructor will lead students in traditional martial arts exercises to build skill and endurance. Learn more about Kung Fu.

Beginning Chinese for Adults

Interested in learning Chinese, but don’t know where to start? This course offers a basic introduction to speaking, reading and writing in Chinese. Students will learn greetings and introductions as well as basic conversational vocabulary. This course will also introduce students to the history of the Chinese writing system. Learn more about Beginning Chinese for Adults.

Continuing Chinese for Adults

After pinyin and ni hao, there is a long way to go. This course aims to build upon your preliminary knowledge of Chinese and strengthen your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. This course will also include cultural lessons and conversational topics to help you sound less like a laowai (foreigner). Learn more about Continuing Chinese for Adults.

Chinese Rehab

Does your Chinese need to go to rehab? This is an informal conversation group for adults who want to restore their Chinese language skills. If you have lived in China or studied Chinese in the past, this group can help you bring zhongwen back into your life. Learn more about Chinese Rehab.

Put Away the Picture Menu! – Understanding China’s Food Culture

Are you a foodie? When you sit down at a Chinese restaurant, do you know what to do? This class will help you read a Chinese menu, follow Chinese culinary customs and introduce China’s regional cuisines. Students will put their skills to the test during the final session, when we meet for a banquet at a Chinese restaurant. Learn more about Put Away the Picture Menu!

HSK Test Prep

The Confucius Institute is the only institution in Minnesota to offer the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Chinese Proficency Exam. This course will help you prepare to succeed on the next test, offered at the Confucius Institute on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Learn more about HSK Test Prep.

General registration form for all classes [PDF]

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Summer 2009 Programs

Chinese Language and Culture (Summer Camp)

The Confucius Institute is participating in the University of Minnesota's "Kid's University" with a Chinese Language and Culture Camp. Be a part of the movement to learn Chinese! Campers will start each day with a traditional exercise such as Taiji Quan or basic Kung Fu. Chinese lessons, games and projects such as puppet making, knot tying and paper cutting make this an exciting camp for all. For more information about this program, see the Kid's University web site.

"Chinese Bridge" Summer Camp for High School Students

The Chinese Bridge Summer Camp is an elite 17-day intensive language and culture training program for 500 American high school students studying Mandarin Chinese, and their teachers. The application deadline for this program has passed, but if you are interested in learning more, see the Chinese Bridge page.