Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT) in China announced plans to gradually phase out traditional university English classes starting in 2026. The university will replace these courses with classes focused on intercultural communication and cross-cultural skills.

In a video posted on July 2, 2026, Zhao Wei, the provost of SUAT, explained that advances in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly real-time translation tools, have reduced the necessity for students to learn English to communicate internationally. Zhao stated, “Today, I don’t need to understand English at all. You can speak in English, and the translation comes through my earphones in Chinese. I can speak Chinese, and your earphones may receive it in Spanish.”

The new curriculum aims to help students better understand both Chinese and Western cultures, enabling them to engage confidently with people overseas. Zhao added, “If you apply to SUAT in 2026, we will be running the experimental [curriculum], which will gradually phase out university English and replace it with intercultural communication courses.”

He emphasized that technological progress allows effective communication even when people do not share a common language.

Sources