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BCI Enhances Teachers’ English Communication Skills to Support Excellence in Chinese Language Teaching

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BCI Completes First Advanced English Communication Skills Workshop

The Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds (BCI) has successfully completed the first edition of its Advanced English Communication Skills Workshop, designed to support the professional development of Chinese teaching staff working in English-speaking environments.

Led by Professor Hu Rong, Chinese Director of BCI and an EU-accredited conference interpreter, the six-session programme desgined for Chinese Language teachers, focused on strengthening participants’ confidence and effectiveness in English communication. Through practical exercises and targeted training, teachers developed skills in workplace communication, classroom interaction and cross-cultural engagement.

Delivered through a combination of online and in-person sessions, the workshop brought together current and former Chinese language teachers and volunteer teachers associated with BCI, alongside colleagues from the University of International Business and Economics. Participants explored not only language skills, but also aspects of British culture, communication styles and professional working practices.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the workshop’s practical value and its contribution to improving confidence in spoken English and intercultural communication. Many noted that the training will also support future work involving English-language promotion, academic writing and public engagement.

The workshop forms part of BCI’s ongoing commitment to teacher development and enhancing international communication skills. Following the success of the first programme, a second workshop will take place later this month, providing further opportunities for teachers to continue their professional development over the summer.

This investment in teacher development will help the Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds further enhance the quality of its Chinese language teaching, cultural programmes and public engagement activities. By strengthening teachers' confidence and effectiveness in English-speaking environments, the Institute is better positioned to support its key stakeholders—including University of Leeds students and staff, local schools, businesses and professional organisations, as well as the wider public—ensuring that high-quality learning and cultural exchange opportunities continue to reach BCI audiences across the region and beyond.