Language program launched in Guangdong University of Foreign Studies

Guangdong University of Foreign Studies announced Tuesday the launch of Myanmar, Lao and Cambodian programs to meet the rising demand.

As China implements the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road strategy, such demand is set to increase with closer cooperation between Guangdong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said Zhong Weihe, president of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.

The university has recruited 56 students for the three programs, which include up to one year trip in the respective countries in the four years' study.

U Myint Htun, consul general at Consulate General of Myanmar in Nanning, expressed the hope the two countries will deepen cooperation and exchanges through learning the languages.

The Lao program will help promote cooperation in education between Guangdong and Laos and enhance the understanding and exchanges between Laos and China, said Bounpan Kongnhinsayaseng, consul general at Consulate General of the Lao PDR in Guangzhou.

The new Cambodian program shows that people and the next generation of the two countries are coming closer through languages, said Taing Sokngorn, consul at Royal Consulate General of Cambodia in Guangzhou.

Already offering Vietnamese, Thai and Indonesian programs, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies plans to launch its Malaysian program next year, Zhong said.