Questions and answers about CIWA
What is the future of CIWA in Washington State?
The economy of Washington State is deeply connected to business on the Pacific Rim, and in particular China. Promoting those connections through mutual learning by way of cultural and educational exchanges has been and will continue to be a major focus for CIWA. The knowledge, real-life experiences, and close personal relationships gained by people in Washington through CIWA-supported activities make it an increasingly valued resource. As long as there are economic and cultural activities between the United States and China, there will be a need for the kinds of learning programs which CIWA supports.
How is CIWA different from all other Confucius Institutes in the United States?
CIWA is unique as the only institute in North America founded by a sitting Governor of the state–Governor Gregoire–with the explicit purpose to support the economic development and cultural ties between China and the United States. CIWA from the time of its establishment enjoyed state-wide prominence and thus immediate cooperation with a number of educational partners across Washington. Our shared purpose has been from the outset a desire to learn how to successfully work and communicate with people in China.
Is PLU as host committed to supporting CIWA and its mission in Washington State?
Yes, PLU’s mission is clear: PLU seeks to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership and care—for other people, for their communities and for the Earth. This mission resonates very well with the goals of CIWA, where the long-standing commitment to making the world we live in better through formal study and informal exchange of all kinds amounts to a form of service to our larger world community.
How does the knowledge gained through CIWA benefit global competitiveness in Washington State?
Some anecdotal stories or other successful outcomes would be the best examples
CIWA a mission of a foreign government?
No, CIWA is not a mission of a foreign government or political party. CIWA does work with Chinese educators and people across Washington State to promote learning about Chinese language and culture. This includes some financial and staff support from China. However, all CIWA funding, activities, programs and personnel are managed by US-based scholars for the benefit of people here in the United States. CIWA governance, much like this website, is fully open and transparent.