Overview
The Business English program is one of the earliest associate degree programs offered by our university. Rooted in the unique geographical advantages of Qingdao as a new international cooperation platform under the Belt and Road Initiative, and seizing the strategic opportunities brought by the RCEP and the SCO Demonstration Zone, the program is committed to cultivating high-quality, skilled business talents proficient in “English Language + Modern Business + Digital Technology.”
Why choose Business English (Higher National Diploma)?
Leveraging the in-depth, co-constructed industry-education integrated practice bases on and off campus, the program builds authentic, immersive international business scenarios and establishes a distinctive curriculum system characterized by “theory as the foundation, practice as the enabler, and English throughout”. It deeply integrates “English communication competence” with “digital business application skills”. Students not only acquire skills in business English listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation and master international business theories and the entire foreign trade process, but also develop business competencies in cross-border marketing, data analysis, and cross-cultural negotiation using digital tools. Graduates will possess strong abilities in English communication, business operations, digital applications, and teamwork, making them well-suited to meet the core industry demands of foreign-related economy and trade, cross-border e-commerce, and international financial services in Qingdao and the Shandong Peninsula. They are thus prepared to become application-oriented international business talents ready for direct employment.
Basic Information
- School School of Foreign Languages
- Study Mode Full-time
- Program Length 3 years
Knowledge and Skills
I. Knowledge Requirements
1. English Language Knowledge and Skills: Systematically master the basic skills of English listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation; be familiar with the patterns of language use in daily life, academic communication, and business scenarios; understand the social and cultural knowledge of major English-speaking countries.
2. Business and Trade Knowledge: Master the basic theories and practical operational knowledge of modern business activities such as international trade, business communication, cross-border e-commerce, and international marketing; be familiar with relevant industry backgrounds and business cultures.
3. Business Operations Knowledge: Master practical knowledge in foreign trade correspondence writing, document preparation, business negotiation, cross-border e-commerce operations, and foreign-related secretarial services; be able to skillfully use relevant tools to carry out business operations.
4. Cross-Cultural Knowledge: Be familiar with the social cultures, political systems, values, and business etiquette of major English-speaking countries and target market countries; possess cross-cultural understanding and adaptability.
5. Digital and Intelligent Knowledge: Understand the application knowledge of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, smart services, and digital media in language services and business practices; master foundational knowledge in emerging fields such as AI tools for cross-border e-commerce and digital cultural tourism language services.
II. Skill Requirements
1. Comprehensive Language Application Ability: Be able to flexibly use English for effective communication, expression, and writing in various contexts, adapting to the practical needs of foreign-related workplaces, business negotiations, and international conferences.
2. Business Communication and Collaboration Ability: Be able to use appropriate communication strategies and etiquette in cross-cultural business environments to conduct written and oral communication, facilitating business cooperation and project collaboration.
3. Problem Identification and Solving Ability: Be able to comprehensively apply professional knowledge to identify problems in complex business or language service scenarios, conduct logical analysis, and propose feasible solutions.
4. Critical Thinking Ability: Be able to think independently, judge, and analyze social phenomena, business issues, and cultural topics; possess innovation awareness and critical thinking skills.
5. Digital Tool Application Ability: Be able to skillfully use AI-assisted language tools, cross-border e-commerce platforms, digital content creation software, etc., to improve work efficiency and service quality, adapting to the trend of digital transformation.
III. Attribute Requirements
1. Humanistic Literacy and Global Vision: Possess good humanistic spirit and moral cultivation; understand multiculturalism, respect differences; have a global vision and international awareness; actively participate in international volunteer services and foreign-related activities.
2. Professionalism and Work Ethics: Demonstrate strong professional ethics, sense of responsibility, and service awareness; abide by industry norms; possess team spirit and a continuous learning mindset.
3. Innovation and Practical Qualities: Actively participate in academic competitions, interest groups, practice workshops, and other practical activities; possess innovation awareness and practical ability; be able to adapt to industry changes and proactively explore new fields.
Message from the Programme Director
"Rooted in Qingdao’s strategic position along the Belt and Road and the RCEP framework, our program deeply integrates English language, modern business, and digital technology. Through authentic, real-world business scenarios, we help you build the core competence of ‘mastering language, excelling in business, and leveraging technology’. Choose us — and seize the initiative in the wave of foreign-related trade and cross-border e-commerce on the Shandong Peninsula, growing into a ready-for-work, results-driven new star of international business!"
Lan Feifei
Curriculum Structure
- First Year
-
Compulsory Courses:
- English Reading I–II
- Basic English Writing I–II
- English Listening and Speaking I–II
- Introduction to Business (Bilingual)
- English Pronunciation Training
- Professional Cognition Practice
- Second Year
-
Compulsory Courses:
- Business English Reading I–II
- Business English Listening and Speaking I–II
- Society and Culture of English-Speaking Countries
- Cross-Cultural Business Communication
- International Trade Theory and Practice
- Business Correspondence
- Foreign Trade Documentation Preparation
- Business Etiquette Training
- Business Reports
- Comprehensive Business English Training
- Overview of Chinese Culture (in English)
- Cross-Border E-Commerce
- English for Foreign-oriented Secretary
- College English Grammar
- International Marketing
- Introduction to Finance
- English Public Speaking and Debate
- Logistics Management
- Introduction to Management
- AI-Assisted Language Application
- AI Operation Tools for Cross-Border E-Commerce
- Digital Cultural Tourism Language Services
- Smart Foreign-Related Service Practice
- Cross-Cultural Digital Media Production
- Cross-Border Digital Trade Practice
- Workplace English Skills Training
- TEM-4 Specialized Training
- Cambridge Business English
- Third Year
-
Compulsory Courses:
- Business English Translation
- Spoken English for Foreign Trade
- Business Negotiation
- Foreign Trade English Correspondence
- Business Meetings
- Comprehensive Training in Foreign Trade English
- Professional Practice Workshop
- Graduation Thesis
- Graduation Internship
Employment
Graduates of this program have broad employment opportunities in the fields of English, international business, and trade. Their solid English fundamentals, business English application skills, and industry practice abilities have been widely recognized and well received by employers.
The main career directions include sectors such as economy and trade, e-commerce, schools, education and training institutions, and other related fields.
In recent years, the rate of graduates progressing from associate to bachelor’s degree has reached approximately 90%, with many advancing to undergraduate studies at well-known domestic universities and subsequently pursuing master’s degrees.