HSK test held in Afghanistan for 1st time

 Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, known as HSK or a proficiency test on Chinese language for non-native speakers, held its maiden test in Afghanistan, attracting 40 participants across the war-hit country.

Starting from Saturday, the test was separated into two days, respectively 5th level and 3rd level on each day, attracting 11 and 29 participants on each test.

The majority of the test participants are from the Confucius Institute of Kabul University, six of them are females.

The examinees were tested listening comprehension, reading comprehension and composition within 85 minutes.

A 3rd level candidate told Xinhua on the condition of anonymity that he is willing to enhance his Chinese proficiency through HSK test and would love to pursue further study in China after that.

According to Zhao Jingwu, the Chinese chief of Confucius Institute, the candidates of HSK 3rd level with a satisfactory score may earn the chance to study in China for one year, while the 5th level candidates may win scholarship to study their master degrees on Chinese language teaching in Chinese universities.

Re-opened in April 2013, Confucius Institute is cooperating with Chinese Department of Kabul University on instructing Chinese language. Around 100 students across Afghanistan are working on their bachelor degrees under the assistance from one Chinese teacher and two local instructors.