Under the framework of the Teaching and Research Cooperation Agreement between CDUT and Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE), CDUT will send faculty members annually to UCE to provide in-person Chinese language instruction. The curriculum will include comprehensive language lessons and lectures on Chinese culture. On November 25, a delegation from CDUT, comprising Fu Yuwei, a Japanese language instructor from the of College of Foreign Languages & Cultures, and Liu Hao, a staff member in the Office of Project Management of the Department of International Exchanges & Cooperation, arrived in Ecuador for a month-long teaching program.
On the morning of November 25, Fu and Liu were welcomed at the Academic Institute of Languages (IAI) of UCE by its director, Wilson Patricio Chiluiza Vásquez, and Edison Santiago Sanguña Loachamin, the head of Chinese language instruction. During their meeting, Wilson expressed his warm welcome to the visiting delegation from CDUT. He emphasized that this Chinese language teaching initiative would pave the way for further cooperation between the two universities. He expressed his hope for expanded collaboration in the future, including the normalization of offline courses, the long-term assignment of Chinese language teachers, reciprocal faculty and student exchanges, and joint talent development programs.
Edison further emphasized that the in-person Chinese language courses provide students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with the language and culture of China. IAI is committed to providing all necessary facilities and comprehensive support to ensure the successful delivery of the program at UCE. In response, Fu Yuwei and Liu Hao expressed their sincere appreciation for IAI’s willingness to collaborate and for its unwavering support. They also highlighted that the cooperation between CDUT and UCE rests on a strong footing, and that future partnerships will be further strengthened through the signing of a series of specific agreements, expanding both the scope and depth of their collaboration. Following the meeting, Edison led Fu and Liu on a tour of IAI’s teaching facilities and faculty rest areas, where they had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the classroom equipment.
The delegation from CDUT meets with the leaders of UCE
At 2:00 p.m. on November 25, the first offline Chinese language class officially commenced. Nearly 30 students from UCE participated in the course.
Edison began by outlining the expectations for the class, urging students to make the most of the rare opportunity to study Chinese language and culture up close. Liu Hao then introduced the course schedule and provided a brief overview of CDUT and its study abroad offerings. As the formal teaching session began, Fu Yuwei engaged the students with vivid examples, detailed explanations, and interactive activities that ignited their enthusiasm for the subject. The course was designed with a progressive structure, increasing in difficulty while providing a comprehensive approach to developing students’ Chinese language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Following the completion of the comprehensive Chinese language course, Fu Yuwei presented the first lecture on Chinese culture, offering students an overview of China’s history. Starting with the Xia dynasty, she outlined the historical development of China, highlighting the political, economic, social, and cultural characteristics of each dynasty. Through lively and engaging explanations, she ignited students’ curiosity and desire to learn more about China, effectively opening a window for them to explore the nation. The lecture concluded with a round of enthusiastic applause from the students.
Fu Yuwei explaining Chinese vocabulary and engaging with students
Liu Hao outlining the course schedule and providing an overview of CDUT
In the next twenty days, Fu Yuwei will continue to deliver a series of comprehensive Chinese language and cultural courses, including activities such as calligraphy, paper-cutting, and Chinese knot-making. Over the course of the four-week program, she will not only help improve students’ proficiency in Chinese but also offer them a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
Moreover, as a key example of CDUT’s collaboration with industry, the Ecuador Branch of CNPC Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company (CCDC) provided logistical support for the offline Chinese language teaching program. The company offered accommodation, meals, and transportation at its local facilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of the teaching delegation throughout their stay in Ecuador.
Fu Yuwei leading a calligraphy practice session with students
The course has significantly advanced the development of CDUT’s overseas education initiatives. It represents a major milestone in the partnership between CDUT and UCE. This program has made a notable contribution to enabling students at UCE, as well as Ecuadorian youth in general, to master the Chinese language and gain insight into Chinese culture, marking a pioneering achievement. Looking ahead, the two universities will leverage the Chinese language courses as a foundation to deepen faculty and student exchanges, foster talent development, and expand research cooperation. Furthermore, the experience gained from the development of the Chinese language curriculum will support CDUT’s expansion into more countries and institutions, continuously enhancing our global reach and international profile.
