The School of Foreign Studies (SFS) at Fuzhou University equips students with the skills and knowledge to navigate a globalized world. For undergraduate education, the SFS offers three Bachelor of Arts degree programs, namely BA in English, Japanese, and German, fostering a deep understanding of these languages and their cultures. For those seeking advanced study, the SFS holds a first-level Master’s degree program in Foreign Language and Literature, which includes four second-level disciplines: English Language and Literature, Foreign Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Japanese Language and Literature, and Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies. Additionally, the SFS offers a Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) program with specializations in both written translation and interpreting, preparing graduates for successful careers in a growing field.
The SFS boasts a national-level first-class undergraduate program in English. Currently, the School consists of four teaching units: the Department of English, the Department of Japanese, the Department of German, and the Department of Public Foreign Language Teaching. Beyond language acquisition, the School fosters intercultural understanding through its six teaching and research platforms, including the Fuzhou University Center for Intercultural Discourse Studies (a Provincial Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences), the Fujian International Communication Center (a provincial-level base facilitating global connections), the Institute of Translation Studies, the Center for Ideological and Political Education Research and Practice in Foreign Language Courses, the Foreign Language Education and Teaching Research Center, and the Translation Practice Center. Furthermore, the School offers valuable social service platforms, such as the Cambridge Business English Examination Center, the Fujian Province Examination Center for CATTI (China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters), and the Base for Intercultural Teaching and Assessment Research.
Established in 2003, the SFS builds upon a rich legacy dating back to the founding of the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Office in 1958. This pioneering spirit continued with the establishment of the Department of Foreign Languages in 1981. The English major’s commitment to excellence is evident in its history, enrolling students of the Diploma program in English in 1978, followed by a formal BA program in 1982.
Building on this foundation, the School expanded its course offering to include Japanese undergraduate studies in 2002 and German undergraduate studies in 2005. The School’s academic reputation was further strengthened after obtaining the qualification for the establishment of a master’s program in English Language and Literature in 2001. The pursuit of academic excellence continued throughout the first decade of the 21st century. In 2010, the School received authorization to offer the Master’s degree in Foreign Language and Literature as a first-level discipline, along with authorized master’s degree programs in Foreign Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, and MTI. This expansion reflects the School’s commitment to staying at the forefront of foreign language education.
More recently, the School has continued to diversify its graduate programs. In 2013, a master’s program in Japanese Language and Literature was established, followed by the 2019 introduction of the Master’s program in Comparative Literature and Intercultural Studies. This ongoing program development ensures students to be well prepared for the job market and a successful academic career path.
The School prioritizes a stimulating learning environment. Students benefit from advanced teaching and research facilities, including eight language laboratories. Among these, five are equipped as digital language laboratories, two serve as simultaneous interpretation laboratories, and one functions as a written translation laboratory.
Upholding the principles of highlighting distinctive advantages, optimizing disciplinary structures, and promoting interdisciplinary integration, the School continuously makes new progress in academic development. Faculty have established strong research specialties in intercultural discourse studies, stylistics, Anglo-American literature, translation theory and practice, linguistics, and foreign language teaching. This expertise is integrated into teaching, ensuring students benefit from the latest research and scholarship.
The school takes advantage of internal and external resources to form research and teaching teams. Beyond language proficiency, students develop strong intercultural communication skills, a solid foundation in the humanities, a strong sense of patriotism, and a global perspective. Drawing upon the resources of the Fuzhou University Center for Intercultural Discourse Studies, the School actively engages in research and social service. An exemplary demonstration of the School’s dedication is the compilation of the bilingual book “Hello, Fujian!” as a cultural offering for the Xiamen BRICS Leaders’ Meeting in 2017.
The School champions open education, developing international perspectives in its graduates. Faculty and students are encouraged to participate in international cooperation and exchanges, preparing them to navigate global affairs and competition. This commitment is evident in the School’s network of partnerships with esteemed universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Germany. These collaborations take many forms, enriching the academic experience for all. In terms of faculty development, the School has dispatched a large number of key teachers for further studies or degree programs abroad. For scholarly exchange, each year, the School invites prominent scholars from abroad to share their expertise through lectures and discussions. As for student programs, various joint training initiatives provide excellent conditions for nurturing students’ international perspectives and transcultural communication skills.
The School has always been committed to serving the development of students. It has outstanding achievements in patriotic education, promoting culture and arts, and voluntary services, gradually establishing a distinctive ideological and political education approach with characteristics of foreign language disciplines. Utilizing their solid foundation in foreign language proficiency, student volunteers have provided invaluable translation services such as simultaneous and consecutive interpretation at the Fujian Provincial Museum, international conferences, and diplomatic events. Their dedication has earned them widespread acclaim from various sectors of society.
Adhering to the motto of “pursuing illustrious virtue with utmost sincerity and wisdom with far-reaching aspiration,” the School upholds the vision of Fuzhou University to become an internationally renowned high-level university with several world-class disciplines and to accelerate the establishment of a world-class university with distinctive strengths in the Southeast region. The School is dedicated to moral education, balancing teaching and research, and striving to cultivate extraordinary foreign language talents. By doing so, the School aspires to contribute not only toward the advancement of Fuzhou University as a “Double First-Class” institution but also to the social and economic progress of the southeastern region.
