The PLA University of Foreign Languages is the only military school that specializes in foreign languages. Many people consider the school mysterious because it is run like a military camp.
However, few people know that the school in Luoyang, Central China's Henan Province, has a high academic reputation.
In a national university ranking in October 2004, the PLA Foreign Languages University was listed number 3 in terms of foreign languages studies. In a subordinate category of foreign languages research, the school was second only after Peking University. Every year, a large number of students from the school also win prizes in foreign language contests across the country.
Yang Jinyan, a sophomore from the English department, says the school is becoming digital. She says the school has many multi-functional language laboratories and they can watch more than 10 foreign language channels in classrooms. Students can also pick up foreign language radio programs such as Voice of America at every campus corner, the girl says.
Chen Yuefeng, a junior student majoring in international politics, says the school teaches not only languages but also military subjects. "Politics, strategy, shooting, military geography you can learn all the knowledge and skills required for a solider," he says.
The students also enjoy colorful campus life, according to Li Zeming, a sophomore majoring in Russian. "I like the annual National Day parade, sports meetings, cultural week, campus concerts and many other activities," he says.
Li adds that there are many student associations on campus, such as the drama troupes, the chorus and music bands. "We also have a military fans association," he says. "It organizes military model exhibitions, military knowledge contests and tours to other PLA camps."
The school president Li Shaoshan offers a much broader picture. He says the school always emphasizes "quality education" and the development of "interdisciplinary talent". Li says his students should be proficient in not only languages but also relevant skills. Li says he is proud of the teaching team. The school has about 200 professors and more than 30 foreign teachers and guest professors. "Our team is one of the strongest in all foreign language universities in the country," Li says.
He says the school enrolls senior middle school graduates from across the country. Students first must pass the college entrance exam and a rigorous physical check. "Once the students become a member of our school, they become a solider," he explains. "They're exempted from tuitions, and they have monthly subsidies, health insurance as well as an annual free trip back home."
After graduation, the students are assigned to different places. They mainly work as translators and military information researchers, according to Li.
He says in the past few years, the school's graduates have played an important role in the peacekeeping tasks of the United Nations, such as joint military drills and international communication and exchanges.
Yuan Xiaochi, a senior English student, says he rarely thinks about where he'll go after graduation. "We're soldiers, and obedience is our first duty. We'll do whatever the country needs us to do," he says.
Source: China Daily
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