BFSU wants to lead in language, nurture talent

Beijing Foreign Studies University, one of the most prestigious institutions in China for the teaching of foreign languages and culture, will focus in the coming years on nurturing high-level talent to meet demands from both home and abroad, said Han Zhen, the university's top official.

According to Han, BFSU offers courses in 72 foreign languages - the largest number among its counterparts in China.

"In the following 10 years, we plan to increase the number to more than 100 to meet the need for talent in our country's opening-up and One Belt, One Road Initiative, which means we will offer classes in all the official languages of countries that have established diplomatic ties with China," he said.

To help in that goal, the university will set up a talent-nurturing system for students.

Under the system, students will be trained to become excellent translators, interpreters or researchers for different regions of the world, Han said.

The university will also adjust its recruiting system, so it can attract the brightest students.

"We are launching a test that examines students' foreign language and culture skills. In the meantime, we will also appraise students in a comprehensive way to make sure that those we choose are outstanding in all aspects," he said.

The university has "mini semesters" during summer vacations that allow students to take courses imported from other countries so they can gain experience of international education without going overseas, Han said. There is also a scholarship program to support undergraduates studying abroad.

But Han said the university will continue to keep the number of students recruited each year at fewer than 1,300 - a relatively small number compared to peer universities in China - to maintain high standards.

And the university will also work on becoming better known internationally, Han said.

"We have set up collaboration with 281 education and research institutes from 88 countries and regions and have signed cooperative agreements with some of the world's best universities, which enables exchanges and many joint efforts between the university and other universities and institutes," he said.