About ICUC
The Confucius Institute of the University of Coimbra (ICUC) was founded on July 4, 2016 and is a special project of the Rectorate of the University of Coimbra in partnership with the Beijing University of International Studies and the Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine.
The Institute has two directors, Professor Cristina Zhou, director representing the University of Coimbra, and Professor Ye Xiao, director representing the Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine. Professors Guo Liangyan and Peilin Yu are also members of this Institute.
ICUC stands out for its action in different aspects, such as:
- The diffusion of Chinese language and culture;
- Training for people interested in expanding their knowledge of relations between Portugal and China;
- Dissemination of knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Portugal, as well as the qualification of Portuguese professionals who practice it.
Therefor, the Institute is an excellent place for those interested in learning Mandarin, offering high-quality teaching. In addition, it develops initiatives to promote Chinese culture.
ICUC offers free table tennis lessons to the Faculty of Sports of Coimbra and an optional class of Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine to students of the Faculty of Medicine in Coimbra. ICUC collaborates with the Faculty of Law in the optional subject of Luso-Chinese Law, with the Sino-Lusophone Academy (another special project of the Rectorate of the University of Coimbra) and with the academy for the Meetings of Religions and Cultures, a project of the director of the General Library. Services are also provided to public and private entities, such as with St. Paul's School.
The ICUC is located at Largo da Feira dos Estudantes
3000-213 Coimbra, Portugal
(Text written by Beatriz Santos)
Application Deadline 2024/2025
2nd Semester
Chinese Language and Culture Training Course I
Extraordinary Phase
Application Deadline: 24.02.2025 to 05.03.2025
Provisional ranking: 11.03.2025
Preliminary Hearing: 12.03.2025 to 24.03.2025
Final ranking: 25.03.2025
Marticulation/Registration: 26.03.2025 to 04.04.2025
Courses
News
People
Cristina Miao Zhou
Director representing UC
Cristina Zhou holds a PhD and a Master's degree in Portuguese Literature from the Faculty of Arts of the University of Coimbra, as well as a degree in Portuguese Language and Culture from the Shanghai University of International Studies. She was a scholarship holder from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the DAAD. She has participated in several conferences in Europe, China, South Korea and the United States of America with works on various themes related to Fernando Pessoa and Portuguese Modernism. She is currently the executive director of the Confucius Institute of the University of Coimbra, the CASS-UC Center for Chinese Studies and the BFSU-UC Center for Sino-Lusophone Studies.
Ye Xiao
Ye Xiao is a full professor at the Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China, and currently the director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. His research interests include translation, culture, and international exchanges in Chinese medicine. He is a practitioner and instructor of tai chi/chi kung for health preservation. Ye Xiao is a pioneering author of dozens of high-quality academic articles and has compiled/translated more than 10 books on Chinese medicine.
Guo Liangyan
Guo Liangyan administers the Chinese courses offered by the Confucius Institute at the University of Coimbra. With a professional background at Universiti Malaya, based in Malaysia, she has a master’s degree in teaching Chinese to non-native speakers and is currently a team member of the Confucius Institute at the University of Coimbra.
Peilin Yu
Peilin Yu is currently a lecturer at the Confucius Institute of the University of Coimbra and a PhD candidate in Portuguese Language Literature at FLUC. Graduated in Portuguese Language and Culture from Guangzhou University of Foreign Studies and Master in Portuguese Language Literature from FLUC. She works with literature, arts and translation. She writes critical reviews for Chinese literary magazines and does literary translations. She also has experience in teaching Chinese language.
Working Hours and Contacts
Appointment at the Confucius Institute: prior appointment by email
In-person service:
International Relations – Student Hub (Rua Larga)
Weekdays from Monday to Friday: 9:30 am - 1 pm | 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:
Largo da Feira dos Estudantes
3000-213 Coimbra, Portugal
Telephone: +351 239 855 230
Email: instituto-confucio@uc.pt