Chinese link strengthens

Ms Xing Pei Ling (Linda), assistant dean in foreign languages at Zhejiang Wanli University, is spending the autumn term in Dundee at the University's Centre for Applied Language Studies. A partnership between the two universities is currently developing which will enable diploma students at Wanli to complete their work for a degree at Dundee.

Linda told Contact: "I am here to familiarise myself with the IELTS examination which tests English Language proficiency. Foreign students must score well in this exam before they are accepted to study at Dundee so I am finding out how best to prepare our students. In February Dr Arthur McNeill from CALS is coming to China to provide further guidance to our teachers in the foreign languages department."

"Most Chinese children begin learning English at a very young age," Linda explained. "Knowledge of English is regarded as crucial to getting a good job and it is considered to be one of the four most important subjects in the curriculum - the other three are Chinese, computing and mathematics."

Linda is also hoping to set up Chinese language classes in Dundee. "I would like to see Chinese language teachers coming to Dundee and vice versa on an exchange basis. I think that would be a very good thing for both our universities. I know I have polished up my English languages skills very quickly since coming here."

"During this term I am continuing my studies for a Masters in Teaching Modern Languages to Adults under the guidance of Marion Sporing in the Centre for Applied Language Studies. Now I am familiar with campus life I can explain to students in Wanli what to expect when they come to Dundee."

"Scotland has made a deep impression on me. The scenery is beautiful and the people are very kind and friendly. Dundee must be one of the best places to study. It is so peaceful and class numbers are very small compared to China."

Next Page
Return to December/January 2000/1 Contact