On 22 December 2021, USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (CI) hosted a welcome party for the new team of Mandarin teachers at De Montfort University (DMU). Dr. Kate Gerrard, Director of Faculty Operations (Arts, Design and Humanities), DMU Director of Global Campus Operations, and the CI Local Executive Director, greeted the new teachers with a warm welcome and praised their efforts to travel to the UK despite the pandemic.

After a brief introduction of DMU, she commended the rewarding collaborative programs between DMU and USTB and the role the CI has been playing in them. She also confirmed that DMU will remain supportive of the CI as always.

Pic 1-USTB-DMU CI held a welcome ceremony for new teachers

The party was followed by an informative "first lesson" by Dr Yingjun Yang, the Chinese Director. Starting with an intercultural approach, he stressed the importance of team-work spirit, professional aspirations, the mission and image-building of the CI, self-discipline, cultural sensitivity, and safety in spite of the pandemic. The “lesson” is a timely induction to the new teachers as well as an encouraging spur to make a good beginning.

Pic 2-Dr Yingjun Yang gives training to new teachers

Then came the pre-service training. All the new teachers presented their well-prepared mock lessons followed by suggestions and comments from all. The session was instructive and inspiring, laying a solid foundation for a new profession in the new year.

Pic 3-New teachers conduct teaching seminars

Draft: YANG Yingjun

Revision: YANG Yingjun