Confucius Classroom at Bialystok University of Technology – over five years of promoting Chinese language and culture

30-10-2025

A person holds a red decoration with the Chinese inscription “Lucky”; classroom with students and ornaments in the background

The Confucius Classroom at Bialystok University of Technology marked its fifth anniversary together with enthusiasts of Chinese culture. For more than five years, it has been successfully teaching Chinese to both young people and adults, while introducing them to the rich culture and traditions of the Middle Kingdom.

The meeting on 29 October 2025 was enriched with workshops in fan painting and decorating ornaments inspired by the famous blue-and-white porcelain of the Ming dynasty.

Confucius Classroom – an initiative that builds bridges

The Confucius Classroom at Bialystok University of Technology was established in 2019. It currently operates within the structure of the Polish-Chinese Cooperation Centre of Bialystok University of Technology. The main task of the Classroom is to conduct Chinese language courses at all proficiency levels. As emphasised by Ewa Śleszyńska, MA, from the Polish-Chinese Cooperation Centre, the scope of the unit’s activities is much broader.

– The Confucius Classroom has become our window to Chinese culture. We bring it closer to the academic community of Bialystok University of Technology and to all interested people from outside the university – says Ewa Śleszyńska. – We organise classes in calligraphy and Tai Chi, as well as numerous workshops that introduce the art and culture of traditional China. The interest is considerable, because Chinese culture is incredibly rich and fascinating – from history and mythology to customs and monuments.

HSK and HSKK exams

An important element enhancing the prestige of the Confucius Classroom at Bialystok University of Technology is the organisation of preparatory courses and official examination sessions for the Chinese Proficiency Tests – HSK* and HSKK** – in Białystok. These certificates often serve as a passport to international opportunities.

– We are among the few institutions in north-eastern Poland authorised to conduct HSK exams – emphasises Ewa Śleszyńska, MA. – The exams are taken by our course participants as well as by people from other parts of Poland who come to Białystok especially for this purpose. The HSK certificate opens doors to various scholarships and study opportunities in China. In 2024, as many as eight of our students took part in a summer school organised by the Confucius Institute in Opole and Beijing University of Technology.

This is the best proof that the knowledge acquired at Bialystok University of Technology opens doors to international experiences and unique opportunities.

The Confucius Classroom at Bialystok University of Technology maintains a stable number of participants (around 100 people) and, thanks to the introduction of online courses, reaches learners from all over Poland – from Gdańsk to Łódź and Kraków.

*HSK – short for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (The Chinese Proficiency Test) – is a written international test of Chinese language proficiency.

**HSKK – short for Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi – is an oral exam testing speaking skills in Chinese.

Teachers from China

The attractiveness of the courses and workshops offered by the Confucius Classroom is ensured by a team of native-speaking teachers delegated directly by Beijing University of Technology as part of official cooperation. The classes are usually taught by three teachers: two young volunteers and one experienced lecturer. Their presence at Bialystok University of Technology is also appreciated by students of the International School of Engineering (ISE) – a joint project run by Bialystok University of Technology in partnership with Tianjin Chengjian University (TCU) and Cracow University of Technology. Each year, a group of students from China comes to study at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences in the fields of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering.

– Chinese students are often surprised to see their compatriots here, teaching Chinese language classes at the Confucius Classroom – says Ewa Śleszyńska. – Our teachers help them adapt to life in Białystok.

The teachers of the Confucius Classroom communicate with their students in English.

– I have been in Białystok for two years now. I have learned a bit of Polish, but not enough to teach in it – says Ning Yu, a teacher from China. – I conduct classes for 4–5 groups a week, at different levels of proficiency. I am convinced that each of my students, once in China, will be able to communicate with locals. The most important thing is to open yourself to another culture. My brother, for example, admires Robert Lewandowski and follows the achievements of the Polish men’s volleyball team. I think this is how we build bridges between our countries. Knowing the language and culture makes it much easier.