Author: Wang Lu, Ma Yanyan, Duan Wenhui

Publisher: College of Foreign Studies  

Date: January 3, 2025

On the evening of December 25, 2024, the graduation ceremony for the inaugural high-level English literacy and ability improvement class for Hong Kong and Macao students was held in Conference Room 110 of the College of Foreign Studies at Jinan University. Key attendees included Liu Tao, Executive Dean and Director of Academic Affairs, as well as other prominent faculty members and project execution team teachers.

 Objective and Structure of the Class

The class was established to enhance the English skills and workplace competitiveness of Hong Kong students. With support from various school units, the College of Foreign Studies launched the program on October 16, 2024, effectively integrating advanced learning into the curriculum. The program consisted of 27 hours of interactive seminars and 3 hours of industry practice, spanning a total of 10 weeks on the Shipai and Panyu campuses.

 Remarks by University Leaders

Liu Tao congratulated the students on completing the course and expressed gratitude to the external recruitment teachers from the English department. He noted that the students had significantly improved their comprehensive English proficiency and enhanced their understanding of the social and cultural context of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through various learning methodologies. He encouraged students to apply their new skills in their future studies and career paths, contributing positively to the region.

Pu Ruoxian, Dean of the College of Foreign Studies, also acknowledged the support from other departments and congratulated the students. She urged them to cherish the resources available at Jinan University and actively engage in projects that contribute to the development of the Greater Bay Area. She emphasized the importance of representing Chinese youth in international organizations and effectively communicating China's story to the world.

 Course Themes and Teaching Methods

Peng Fan, who presided over the ceremony, elaborated on the course's three core themes: environmental protection, urban transportation planning, and healthcare. The program used small interactive classes, lectures, discussions, case analyses, and presentations to engage students. Cultural materials from English-speaking countries were integrated to promote understanding of cross-cultural differences, preparing students for future teamwork in the international workforce.

 Student Experiences

Huang Wantong, a 2023 undergraduate student from the College of Foreign Studies, delivered an inspiring speech as the outstanding student representative. She reflected on the significant improvement in her classmates' language skills, crediting the course for building their confidence and enhancing their cross-cultural communication abilities. She expressed heartfelt thanks to the school and the dedicated teachers from the English department.

 Graduation Certificates and Awards

At the conclusion of the ceremony, students were presented with graduation certificates and awards. Based on their performance throughout the project, the teaching team recognized:

- 12 Students for Academic Excellence

- 31 Students for Leapfrog Progress

- 28 Students for Full Attendance

(At the awarding ceremony)

This graduation marks an important milestone in Jinan University's commitment to improving English literacy and cross-cultural competencies for students from Hong Kong and Macao, equipping them for success in today's global environment.