Georgia Regents University has partnered with a Chinese university to create an institute focused on advancing Chinese language studies and enhancing multicultural awareness.

Georgia Regents University officials said Wednesday the Confucius Institute is a partnership between GRU and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine that aims to provide language and culture instruction to health professionals.

GRU Vice Provost Roman Cibirka says the institute is aligned with the Board of Regents' plan to globalize education, and will help the school gain international recognition in education and research fields.

University officials say the institute is slated to open in six months, and the partnership will also feature a museum showcasing exhibits focused on traditional Chinese medicine.

Tags: chinese classes, Georgia Regents University, Confucius Institute