BEIJING -- A multimedia Chinese teaching program, jointly produced by the China International Publishing Group and Yale University, was officially launched on Friday.

The program, Encounters, targets foreign high school and university students and others interested in learning Chinese.

It contains an array of multimedia learning materials. Centered around a 20-episode TV series of theatrical quality, the program also includes books, DVDs, a website, podcasts and rap songs.

In a congratulatory letter written for the launch ceremony, Richard C. Levin, president of Yale University, said Encounters will prove to be a powerful Chinese language- and culture-learning tool for thousands of learners.

He also expressed his hope that the product will become another bridge connecting the East and the West.

"Its presentation of teaching materials in innovative and interactive ways marks a milestone in the advancement of learning foreign languages and cultures," wrote Levin.

According to Zhou Mingwei, president of CIPG, Encounters has received positive feedback since being tested in high schools and universities in the United States.

Currently, 40 million people overseas are studying Chinese, Zhou said.