NNU to open Center for Chinese Studies

Northwest Nazarene University, in conjunction with the Hanban Institute of Beijing, and Northwest University, Xi’an, China, will open the Center for Chinese Studies on NNU’s Nampa campus August 2012. The NNU Center for Chinese Studies is the only partnership the Hanban Institute will have in the state of Idaho.

The goal for the Center for Chinese Studies is to encourage an exchange of ideas in addition to developing commercial enterprises between the state of Idaho and the country of China.

Three instructors from the Hanban Institute will live in Idaho for two years to learn American culture in addition to introducing and teaching the Chinese way of life and language to students and businessmen and women. Classes will be offered for students at NNU’s Nampa campus as well as in selected area high schools. Professional development classes will be offered at NNU’s Boise Center.

NNU has been a University dedicated to sending students and professors around the world; adding the Center takes this commitment to a new level. The University will continue to send students to other countries to satisfy their cross-cultural requirement and to better prepare students for business, medicine, teaching and engineering alongside Chinese professionals.

NNU President Dr. David Alexander commented, “The establishment of the Center for Chinese Studies allows NNU students and faculty the opportunity to be better equipped for life in the global community. We are excited about the manner in which the Center will increase the international reach of NNU. The state of Idaho has a vibrant business community. Many companies are seeking to do business internationally, including in China. NNU wants to be a part of helping businesses succeed both locally and overseas. The Center for Chinese Studies is another way we’ll support our communities.”