October 15, 2013, a new language training center opened its doors at Wenzhou University. Officially called the Multi-Language Extension Center, the training center takes advantage of the native language skills of the university’s international students to provide language training to other members of the University community. The wide variety of international students at the school is reflected by the many course offerings available. The center currently offers classes in Italian, Spanish, French, Thai and English.

Although named a language center, the new service has higher goals than that. By bringing together domestic and international students and staff, organizers hope that the center will become a place where cultures meet, traditions are shared, and new friendships between different nationalities are created.

Interest in the program has been high. Within just half a day of the October 15th launch, all seven available classes had been fully booked by over 400 students and staff.

The Multi-Language Extension Center is a service of the College of International Cooperation provided through its International Communication Club. The language center and the existing International Cultural Exchange Center are two means by which the International Communication Club works towards its goal of integrating the university’s international and Chinese staff, students and resources. In the future, the club plans other initiatives including a language and culture salon, a multicultural festival and a Chinese-international student help center.