Language education has undergone notable expansion in recent years, with Chinese institutions increasingly embracing foreign language programs beyond English. Among these, Spanish has gained significant traction in many universities across the country, where more than a hundred institutions now offer Spanish study tracks in a variety of disciplines. This trend has also spread to a wide network of schools, including those in Chengdu, a growing metropolis in southwestern China, where a school distinguishes itself by prioritizing Spanish instruction.
China’s educational system is guided by national goals that emphasize high-quality development and the diversification of curricula. Schools are encouraged to create vibrant learning environments that support learners in acquiring second languages while broadening their academic options.
In 2017, the Ministry of Education revised the secondary curriculum to enrich foreign language offerings. English, Japanese, and Russian were refined, and opportunities were created to introduce German, French, and Spanish across the schooling spectrum. This reform was aimed at providing students with broader linguistic tools that would serve them in a global economy and interconnected world.
Since that time, the ministry has consistently promoted environments where students can actively engage with a second language. The objective is not merely linguistic competence but the ability to communicate across cultures and participate in international exchange with confidence.
As researchers and educators look to the rise of artificial intelligence, language study is framed as a gateway to future technology leadership. Students who study languages can become agents who contribute to AI development and implementation, and schools are urged to foster open-minded thinking. Across the globe, diverse civilizations reflect the richness of human society, and this perspective should be cultivated within classrooms.
Beyond skilled teachers, many schools organise cultural events that immerse students in Spanish-speaking world cultures. These activities help learners connect language with lived experiences, from music and food to traditions and daily life in Latin America and Spain, deepening understanding alongside formal instruction.
In Chengdu, Spanish education stands out for its emphasis on practical language use, cultural literacy, and the role of language as a bridge to international opportunity. The rationale for prioritizing Spanish stems from an alignment with national development needs and the growing demand for professionals who can operate in a Spanish-speaking context, both within China and abroad.
Educators like Qin Zhichao, rector of Xinchuan Foreign Language School, explain that Spanish serves multiple strategic aims. It supports the country’s development trajectory by producing graduates with international vision and the ability to share Chinese culture abroad. Learning a second language also enables students to explore and appreciate other cultures, enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration in a global economy.
There is hope that Spanish courses will open doors for Chinese students to engage more fully with the world. Spanish is widely spoken, and mastery of the language is viewed as a key to professional doors in tourism, commerce, and related sectors. In addition, the long-standing collaboration between China and Spanish-speaking regions across various industries reinforces the practical value of learning Spanish. This year marks the seventieth anniversary of Spanish language instruction in China, underscoring a durable educational commitment and ongoing opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. A teacher from the program reflects that the goal extends beyond classroom grammar and culture; it aims to empower students to share Chinese culture with Spanish-speaking communities in the future.
Yu Qiuyuan, the principal of Xinchuan Foreign Language School, emphasizes an inviting outlook for collaboration. The school welcomes educational institutions from Spain and Latin American countries to visit and explore project-based partnerships that promote friendly exchanges between all involved parties. These dialogues are intended to enrich both sides academically and culturally, expanding the reach of language education and its real-world impact.