The seventh installment of the “UPC Foreign Language Corner” for 2023 was a resounding success, attracting over 400 students and educators from a diverse range of academic disciplines at UPC. Held on the evening of May 12th at the U-shaped outdoor square and Room 346 of the Arts & Science Building, the event was themed around “How to improve our academic writing skills” and “Joining Voices in K-Pop Delight.” Bian Jingchao, a graduate student specializing in English Interpreting, and Guo Cuichun, an English major student from the Class of 2003, presided over the English Corner, while Lyu Congying, a faculty member of the Department of Russian Language and Literature, led the Korean segment. The event also featured the participation of seasoned instructors from the Department of English for Academic Purposes and the Department of Russian Language and Literature, as well as English foreign teachers Neville and Steven. The Department of English for Academic Purposes, the Department of Russian Language and Literature, and the SFS General Office and Youth League Committee of SFS orchestrated the event, with Class 2003 of the English major spearheading the organization.

Full View of English Corner

Hosts of English Corner

The English Corner maintained its established model of group discussion, which prioritized student-teacher cooperation. In these sessions, students took the initiative to self-organize into distinct groups, under the expert guidance of assigned teachers, and engaged in insightful conversations centered around the theme of “How to improve our academic writing skills”.

Teacher-Student Group Discussion at English Corner

Small groups animatedly discussed and shared their perspectives on academic writing, drawing from their own experiences. During these lively discussions, students were acutely aware of the significance of honing their academic writing skills, which encompassed reading, writing, and persistent training. The English Corner culminated in a riveting contest, where five contestants battled it out in the ring. Ultimately, Guo Yongchang, a student from Class 2202 of the Geographic Information Science major from the College of Oceanography and Space Informatics, emerged as the triumphant winner of the English Corner.

Awarding Prize to the Champion of English Corner

The Students and Teachers of English Corner

The attendees of the “UPC Foreign Language Corner” expressed their immense satisfaction with the event, lauding the profound knowledge and invaluable skills they had acquired. One participant opined, “I feel as though I’ve made tangible strides in my language proficiency after taking part in the activity. Initially, I was too apprehensive to speak English and could only blend Chinese with English to express myself. Now, I can articulate my thoughts in English with ease and even compete on stage.” Guo Yongchang, the victor of the English Corner, had attended several such events in succession. He reflected on his personal experiences, stating, “Courage is paramount when it comes to language acquisition. One must be bold enough to speak up first, regardless of their proficiency level.”

The Korean Corner was dedicated to the popular music genre, K-pop. To pique students’ interest, Lyu Congying, a teacher from the School of Foreign Studies, provided a comprehensive overview of the history of K-pop. The climax of the Korean Corner was the K-pop song contest, which created a dynamic and energetic atmosphere. Li Changmei, a student from Class 2102 of the Mathematics major from the College of Science, emerged as the unanimous victor, impressing all teachers and students with her flawless pronunciation and melodious voice.

Awarding Prize to the Champion of Korean Corner

The Students and Teachers of Korean Corner

At the “UPC Foreign Language Corner,” the inspiring motto of “Practice Together, Progress Together” is at the heart of the initiative, providing an invigorating platform for both teachers and students to engage in a dynamic exchange of ideas. This innovative approach promotes self-expression and encourages participants to showcase their talents, contributing to the development of a dynamic foreign language culture. The Corner represents a crucial step towards cultivating a sense of national pride and nurturing a global outlook among students, making it a significant milestone in the university’s educational miss