Brazilian and Chinese students pose with traditional Chinese fans in front of the Confucius Institute at the University of Brasilia. Photo: Wang Qi/GT

Nestled within a lush green landscape, the Confucius Institute at the University of Brasília is a hidden gem that embodies the spirit of cultural exchanges between China and Brazil. 

Amid the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, I came to visit the Confucius Institute at the University of Brasília. Upon my arrival, a simple sign with white letters on a blue background that read "Instituto Confucio" confirmed that the small, one-story building with a brown roof was indeed my destination. Just as I hesitated, Lu Xiaojuan, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Brasília, greeted me with a warm smile and an outstretched hand.

Exterior view of the Confucius Institute at the University of Brasilia Photo: Wang Qi/GT

Founded in 2008 and inaugurated in 2010, the Confucius Institute at the University of Brasília is the second of its kind in Brazil. It symbolizes the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The atmosphere was vibrant, with Chinese and Brazilian students practicing traditional fan dance on the lawn. They paused to welcome me into their cultural haven. Despite the language barrier, the next three hours of communication proved to be more enjoyable and seamless than I had anticipated.

Chinese chess sets, shuttlecocks, and a whiteboards inscribed with "Hello" in Chinese are seen at the Confucius Institute of the University of Brasilia Photo: Wang Qi/GT

Stepping into the Confucius Institute felt like entering a Chinese classroom 17,000 kilometers away. The walls were adorned with Chinese paintings, kites, Peking Opera masks, and Chinese knots, alongside a portrait of Confucius and a miniature model of a bronze carriage from the Terracotta Army. The shelves brimmed with Chinese dictionaries, language textbooks, poetry, and popular books on Chinese history. Tables were scattered with Chinese chess sets, shuttlecocks, whiteboards inscribed with "Hello" in Chinese, and, of course, charming panda figurines.

Traditional Chinese fans and panda doll diaplay at the Confucius Institute of the University of Brasilia Photo: Wang Qi/GT

For lunch, the Confucius Institute prepared dumplings and traditional Chinese pastries. Gabriel, a Brazilian student who expressed in Chinese his love for dumplings, shared his journey of learning the language for four years, fueled by his fascination with Chinese culture and history. He even carried a 5 yuan ($0.69) note in his phone case as a memento from a previous visit to Beijing.

Victor, a Brazilian student at the Confucius Institute of the University of Brasilia, perform Chinese acrobatics with his 3-year-old daughter. Photo: Wang Qi/GT

Giovani Neiva, known by his Chinese name Zhao Zidan, hails from Brasilia and has made remarkable progress in mastering the Chinese language. His Chinese name pays tribute to the famous Chinese martial arts star Donnie Yen (Zhen Zidan). After dedicating 10 years into learning Chinese, including two and a half years at the Confucius Institute, Neiva has become one of the most proficient Chinese speakers in his community, securing a respectable position at J&T Express in Brazil. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of cultural exchanges and the opportunities that arise from embracing diverse languages and traditions.

Students Arthur and Victor have shown impressive commitment to mastering Chinese martial arts. 

Arthur, a kung fu enthusiast, has taken the initiative to learn various martial arts forms, including the lion dance. Victor, dressed in a traditional martial arts robe, excels in kung fu performances and leads the Confucius Institute's fan dance. He brought his 3-year-old daughter, who wore a traditional Chinese-style top, to the institute on Sunday. Filled with curiosity, she playfully explored a Chinese chess set, embodying the spirit of cultural exploration.

Luis Roberto Martins, the oldest student at the Confucius Institute, has a remarkable story that intertwines language learning with a deep appreciation for Chinese culture. After retiring five years ago, Luis dedicated four years to studying Chinese, a journey sparked by a trip to China in May 2015. 

Captivated by the warmth and kindness of the Chinese people, he reflected, "It was a surprise to me; everyone is so gentle, so attentive. That was the best part of the trip." His experiences ignited a passion for the language and culture, leading him to delve deeper into his studies. Luis is now planning to publish a photo book documenting his travels in China, showcasing the rich diversity he encountered.

The Confucius Institute is making significant strides in promoting Chinese language education in Brazil. According to Lu, the institute currently employs three teachers from China and two local instructors, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced Chinese language courses for both university students and the broader Brazilian community. 

A miniature model of a bronze carriage from the Terracotta Army and a portrait of Confucius are seen at the Confucius Institute of the University of Brasilia Photo: Wang Qi/GT

Since its establishment, the Confucius Institute has successfully trained approximately 5,000 students, reflecting a growing interest in Chinese language and culture in Brazil. Lu emphasized that the institute serves as a vital resource for those looking to enhance their language skills and cultural understanding, fostering deeper ties between Brazil and China.

Beyond the Confucius Institute, Brazil boasts a robust network of Chinese language education initiatives. According to the Xinhua News Agency, the country is home to 12 Confucius Institutes and one Confucius Classroom, along with two online Chinese language classrooms. Additionally, some primary and secondary schools in Brazil have incorporated Chinese language programs into their curricula. Looking ahead, Rio de Janeiro is set to expand its bilingual education offerings with the establishment of two new Chinese-Portuguese bilingual schools in 2024, further enhancing the accessibility of Chinese language education and promoting cultural exchange.

As the demand for Chinese language skills continues to rise in Brazil, institutions like the Confucius Institute play a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps and fostering international cooperation. With a commitment to quality education and cultural exchange, the future of Chinese language learning in Brazil looks promising.