With the rapid development of teaching and research at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), the Center for Language Education (CLE) has been working to develop a range of new language courses to support the further internationalization of SUSTech students as they travel around the world on academic research exchanges.

CLE is now providing French, German, Spanish and Japanese courses on top of its wide range of English courses. These four languages are among the most studied in the world, and this was reflected in the enthusiastic response from students. Once registration was opened, more than 650 applications were received, far exceeding the anticipated 25 students per class. With class capacity currently limited, CLE will open more small classes in future semesters, to give students the opportunity to select an additional language of their choice.

Students have already started learning their new language under the experienced tutelage of CLE lecturers. They are active participants in the new language and are replacing their nervousness with confidence.

Noted psycholinguist Frank Smith once said that “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages ​​open every door along the way.” It has long been known that the mastery of multiple languages can improve people’s thinking and help them in everyday life.

CLE hopes that the adoption of a small course in an additional language will encourage students to enhance their personal interests, increase their employment opportunities and develop them into innovative, multi-faceted talents with a global outlook for the new era.