Confucius Institute at Michigan State University

Statement on closure

After years of valuable contributions to research, teacher professional development and outreach that helped the community learn about Chinese language and culture, the Confucius Institute at Michigan State University will close by the end of 2021.

While the university is closing the institute, it is not closing its doors to continued engagement with China or the partnerships formed through the institute. Closing the institute was a difficult decision, but with the uncertainty of support at the federal level and our belief that more direct and intentional partnerships are a more sustainable and effective way to continue these important programs, we know this decision was best for the university and those we serve.

Going forward, many of the institute’s programs will be transferred to other areas within the university so we can continue to benefit K-12 students and teachers who would not otherwise have these learning options available in their schools.

We are proud of our long-standing connection with China and remain committed to continued meaningful engagement in the region through active partnerships with institutions and universities. International connections have been and will always be critical to achieving MSU’s mission of creating new knowledge and exploring solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

Experience Chinese

Established in May 2006, the Confucius Institute at MSU (CI-MSU) is a collaborative effort of Michigan State University, Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) and the Open University of China. CI-MSU offers innovative programs and services to meet the rising demand for high-quality Chinese language and culture education worldwide. We primarily work to support K-12 education. Our missions include:

• Meet the ever-increasing demand for Chinese education in the U.S.; promote Chinese culture and language worldwide.
• Provide quality Chinese learning materials and experience to both K-12 students and adults.
• Develop new teaching resources and for teachers and schools as well as provide consulting to existing teachers and school districts.
• Conduct research on issues specific to teaching Chinese as a foreign language.
• Reform and create an innovative & effective learning and teaching system for Chinese language and culture.

View the 2017 agreement on the Continuation of the Confucius Institute at Michigan State University.