As China’s influence in the Latin American region grows, so does interest in cultural exchanges. This is evidenced by the spread of the Confucius Institute, an organization that promotes Chinese culture and language.
Dai Xiumin first came to Colombia in 2010 to study Spanish, but after her year was over she looked for the way to stay as a Mandarin teacher.
“There are many opportunities, not just to teach Mandarin, but also business opportunities, this is a huge market. That is why I wanted to stay longer, to get to know the country and see what else I can do,” Dai said.
Each year, China is sending 20 to 40 Mandarin teachers like Dai Xiumin and her colleague Gu Xingchen so that Colombians can learn from native speakers.
“There are many young students who are curious about China’s culture. And then there are older business people who want to have relations with China,” Gu said.
It seems as economic relations grow between these two countries so does the interest in culture and language. Colombia has received more than 140 Chinese teachers in the last few years to help with the growing interest in learning Mandarin.
The Confucius Institute, who’s aim is to promote Chinese language and culture, opened its first Latin American branch in 2006 in Mexico. In less than a decade it has expanded to 11 countries in the region with 34 headquarters and 10 affiliates.
“30 to 40 years when I began teaching courses on Chinese Economy. The interest paled in comparison to Today. Today people feel China is closer,” said Enrique Posada, director of Confucius Insititute.
Enrique Posada, Director of the Confucius Institute at one of Bogotá’s Universities, says while Colombia and China are celebrating 35 years of relations, Colombians are just now beginning to grasp the opportunities that come from learning Mandarin.