On May 22, 2015, the first term of foreign language classes at CUPL came to a successful conclusion. The classes were jointly run by the CUPL Dean’s Office and its College of International Students, and were offered to all teachers and students on our campus.
In the first term, eight classes covering seven minority languages (namely Thai, Spanish, Mongolian, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese and Cantonese)were available and free of charge to interested students. All the lecturers of the language courses were foreign students enrolled in CUPL College of International Students. At the outset, 800 teachers and students filed their applications for the classes. However, in order to guarantee an effective learning environment, only 150 applicants (including two full-time faculty members and one student from China University of Petroleum, Beijing) were ultimately admitted to the classes.
By attending these classes, not only did students master the preliminary daily usage of various foreign languages, but they also enjoyed the opportunity to learn the related exotic customs and cultures. The unique interactive platform produced many positive influences and lasting good effects, such as promoting cross-cultural exchanges, improving our teachers’ and students’ capacity to conduct intercultural communication, and effectively broadening their international vision. Moreover, those trainees who finished the required class hours will receive the “CUPL Class Attendance Certificate for 1st term of Foreign Language & Culture Studies” jointly issued by its two hosts.
Since the minority language classes were widely welcomed among our teaching staff and students, it has been reported that a second term will be launched by the CUPL Dean’s Office and its College of International Students in the next term starting this September.
