Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Confucius Institute will be presenting a series of Visiting China classes that will act as an orientation for those who plan to visit China or other Mandarin-speaking countries. The UWP Confucius Institute is part of an international network of over 300 institutes dedicated to enhancing the understanding of Chinese language and culture.

Currently the only institute of its kind in Wisconsin, the UWP Confucius Institute strives to serve citizens throughout the state by providing them with classes and cultural experiences for community members of all ages, seminars for educators and training for businesses across Wisconsin.

Survival Chinese is a four-week course that gives participants a jump-start into learning Mandarin Chinese quickly and effectively. Participants will study basic vocabulary, including introductions, greetings, polite expressions, numbers and shopping. Certain aspects of Chinese culture will also be introduced through communication exercises. Two sessions, one beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6 and another beginning Tuesday, Nov. 10, will be offered. The class will meet every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 103 of Ullrich Hall on the UWP campus. Cost for the class is $30, which includes the cost of the textbook.

Orientation for Visitors to China will be held in four separate sessions from Monday, Oct. 12 to Monday, Nov. 2. This program is designed to prepare participants for their first trip to China, and will answer questions about cultural issues, restaurants, customs and traveling. Participants will also learn basic communication needs, including greetings, how to ask for directions and how to order food. Each session will concentrate on a different topic and incorporate language lessons appropriate to the topic. The class will meet every Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 002 of Ullrich Hall on the UWP campus. Cost for the class is $30.

The Confucius Institute is also offering two sessions of Business Etiquette, a class specifically designed for those interested in international business that covers topics on Chinese business, culture, trade history and China's role in the world economy. The class will meet at two separate times. In the first class, participants will learn how to strengthen relationships with Chinese business partners; distinguish variations among China's ethnic regions and the importance of adjusting business manner to meet expectations in different cities; and the Chinese art of greeting and exchanging business cards and gifts. In the second class, participants will participate in a multi-course business banquet, learning proper seating arrangements, how to return toasts and proper dining etiquette.

The first session of the Business Etiquette class will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Platteville Business Incubator Conference Room located on 52 Means Drive in Platteville. The class will meet again on Oct. 29 at the Asian Café, which is located at 300 Mcgregor Plaza. The second session of the Business Etiquette class will be held in Dubuque, Iowa, and will meet on Thursday, Dec. 3 and again on Dec. 10. The location for the Dubuque session has yet to be announced. Both sessions will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost for the class is $45, which includes the meal.

To register, visit the UWP Confucius Institute online at www.uwplatt.edu/confucius, visit the Institute in Room 107 of Royce Hall on the UWP campus or call the Confucius Institute at (608) 342-1310. Registration is also available through the UWP Office of Continuing Education at (608) 342-1314 or www.uwplatt.edu/cont_ed. Payment is accepted in credit card, cash or check form.

The UWP Confucius Institute was created in partnership with UWP's sister school, the South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China, and the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) in the Ministry of Education in Beijing, China.

For more information on the Visiting China classes or other upcoming Institute events, contact Nancy Hammermeister, office manager for the UWP Confucius Institute, at (608) 342-1310 or hammermeistn@uwplatt.edu, or e-mail the Institute at confucius@uwplatt.edu.