With the advancement of artificial intelligence and other factors, foreign language programs are facing numerous challenges, prompting adjustments in many universities' foreign language departments. Recently, Jingdezhen Ceramic University reorganized its School of Foreign Languages by integrating faculty and resources from cultural studies, journalism, communication, and Chinese education to establish a new School of Cultural Communication. This move has reignited discussions about restructuring foreign language departments in higher education.
Last December, during an expert review meeting on renaming the School of Foreign Languages to the School of Cultural Communication, the panel suggested that the institution should further transform and upgrade outdated programs. They emphasized focusing on the international dissemination of Chinese ceramic culture, enhancing regional and country-specific research, and improving the effectiveness of cultural exchange to support national strategies and contribute to building a global community.
According to higher education media reports, several universities have recently restructured traditional foreign language departments into new interdisciplinary schools, often merging language programs with communication or other fields to create hybrid institutions. These changes aim to address challenges posed by the AI era.
Ding Changfa, an associate professor of economics at Xiamen University, noted that AI has significantly impacted various fields, particularly foreign language studies, necessitating adjustments and integration in these programs.
Data from the MyCOS Institute's *2023 Chinese Undergraduate Employment Report* reveals that the employment rate for foreign language graduates in 2023 was 84.5%, 1.9 percentage points below the national average. Their average monthly salary six months after graduation was 5,695 yuan, also lower than the national undergraduate average.
In recent years, many universities, including top-tier "Double First-Class" institutions, have suspended or discontinued foreign language undergraduate programs. For instance, the University of Science and Technology of China announced plans to discontinue its English undergraduate program in 2023. Other universities, such as Henan University, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Southwest Jiaotong University, and University of Jinan, have also suspended enrollment in certain foreign language programs.
Additionally, Beijing Language and Culture University halted enrollment in seven translation-related master's programs, including Russian translation, Japanese interpretation, and German translation, for the 2025 academic year. In the announced 2026 graduate admissions adjustments, Southeast University plans to suspend Russian and Spanish literature programs, while Hebei University will stop enrolling students in English and Japanese interpretation programs.
East China Normal University recently disclosed its *2025 Undergraduate Program Adjustments*, adding one new major in data science while suspending 24 programs, including translation and German.
To enhance graduates' competitiveness, many universities have introduced interdisciplinary programs combining foreign languages with computer science, business, finance, and international trade. This "foreign language +" approach allows students to gain cross-disciplinary skills within their departments.
The MyCOS Institute found that universities are actively reforming foreign language education in response to AI-driven changes. Key strategies include interdisciplinary integration, innovative talent cultivation, strengthening regional and country studies, and curriculum modernization.
For example, universities are adopting models like "foreign language + AI/technology" or "foreign language + specific industries" to break traditional barriers and enhance program value. Talent development now emphasizes interdisciplinary knowledge, cross-cultural communication, and international competence. Many institutions also prioritize regional and country studies as a strategic growth area.
Curriculum reforms involve introducing industry-aligned courses, micro-programs for emerging skill demands, and AI-powered interactive teaching to improve classroom quality.
Comments