The Wuhan University (WHU)-Durham University (DU) Joint Institute recently held an online opening ceremony for its "Academic English and Global Competence" summer English preparatory course.

Yuan Yufeng, vice-president of WHU, welcomed the 2026 class of freshmen, emphasizing that the institute is a strategic initiative by the university to foster high-level international collaboration and develop globally competitive talent.

He stressed that the preparatory course is a crucial starting point for students to adapt to an international academic environment, encouraging them to work hard to prepare for future academic and personal growth.

A DU representative delivered a speech, while a WHU representative outlined the institute's educational goals and training objectives. Course instructors also provided an overview of the curriculum.

The institute has integrated English language development throughout the undergraduate program, offering a progressive training path that includes the summer preparatory course, an international competence course, and the "Academic English: Science Communication" course.

The four-week course combines online live streams with self study, covering topics such as English expressions, listening approaches, academic thinking, and learning in an all-English classroom setting.