Overseas Educational And Cultural Activities

As one of the few essential institutes responsible for the overseas cultural and educational propaganda of the Great Britain, the British Council has made remarkable achievements in various aspects related to its profession during the past77years which has not been uneventful since its establishment in1934. Against an increasingly globalized backdrop, the international communities have only been attaching even more attention to the importance of cultural diplomacy in comparison with almost80years ago, and China is no exception in the great campaign as a thriving oriental power. By adopting a closer focus onto the British Council, a pioneer in the field of overseas cultural and educational propaganda in terms of both historical experience and modern energy, it should be believed that we can get a clearer glimpse into the essential concept of cultural diplomacy itself and learn some valuable lessons for our own current use.On the bases of historical facts and material of other kinds, this article would attempt to make a thorough explanation and analysis at the following levels:(a) the developmental history of the British Council;(b)the working content and impact of the institute;(c) the most extraordinary features of this institute;(d) lessons that could be drawn from the Council’s practice.