In the spring semester of 2023, Beijing International Studies University (BISU) made significant strides in expanding and optimizing its faculty by initiating a series of programs centered on promoting a culture of care and addressing issues through open dialogue. The university organized nine discussion sessions between school leaders and foreign teachers.

The CPC BISU Committee attached great importance to the programs, with all members of the standing committee in attendance. Chang Yu, secretary of the CPC BISU Committee, emphasized the importance of promoting the programs with a direct and responsive approach, as well as a commitment to confronting challenges head-on.

Chang Yu discusses with BISU foreign teacher John Christopher Bracher.

Efforts to strengthen ties with foreign teachers were spearheaded by Ji Jinbiao, deputy secretary of the CPC BISU Committee and vice-president of the university. This endeavor seeks to leverage the unique strengths of the university's foreign faculty, establish clear channels of communication, enhance interpersonal relations, and collectively advance BISU's development.

Ji Jinbiao has a conversation with BISU foreign teacher Paul Leonard Gillis.

During these dialogues, school leaders and foreign teachers focused on exchanging insight and advice for the international development of the institution. They also discussed ways in which to address challenges faced by foreign teachers in their work and daily lives in Beijing.

Wang Xiuyan, deputy secretary of the CPC BISU Committee, talks with BISU foreign teacher Lee Yu Seung.

Zhang Yan, BISU vice-president, talks with BISU foreign teacher Dongsung Shin.

Key topics of discussion included the establishment of motivating systems for international faculty, the enhancement of teaching and administrative digitization, and improvements to the welfare and benefits of foreign teachers. These discussions provided invaluable input to BISU's ongoing efforts in internationalization.

Foreign teachers expressed their genuine appreciation for the school's recognition and care, emphasizing a strong sense of belonging and identity with BISU. They expressed willingness to recommend high-quality foreign educators and expressed the desire to contribute more to teaching, research, and nurturing cross-cultural exchange between China and the world.

Moving forward, BISU is committed to continuing these programs, ensuring the thorough consideration, implementation, and feedback of foreign teachers' suggestions and concerns. The university plans to expand participation, increase the frequency of one-on-one discussions, and further enrich the collaborative efforts of its international faculty, thus heralding a new chapter in the university's development.