Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) is one of the most prestigious universities of international studies in China and one of the key institutions of higher learning in Guangdong Province. The university, which has a total area of 2172 mu (1.44 km2), is situated in the city of Guangzhou, a city with a long history and a rich cultural legacy, as well as an economic hub in south China. At present, it has three campuses. The North Campus lies to the north of the Baiyun Hills, and Dalang Campus is not far away. The South Campus lies in Guangzhou University Town (Mega Centre). With an elegant environment featuring green hills, fresh air, and a limpid creek with small bridges across it, the University is an ideal place for study.

The University came into being in June 1995 by merging the then existing Guangzhou Institute of Foreign Languages and Guangzhou Institute of Foreign Trade. The former was established in 1965, then one of the three institutes of foreign languages under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education. The latter was founded in 1980, at the time one of the four institutions of its kind under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation.

As the name suggests, GDUFS attaches great importance to, and actively conducts, academic and cultural exchanges with overseas institutions. Such exchanges and collaborations are on the increase and cover more and more fields. We have so far established links with over 90 universities, academic institutions and cultural organizations in other countries and regions. They include the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Canada, Australia, Japan, Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, Chile, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Province.

Faculty of English Language and Culture (FELC):

1. English Pronunciation & Intonation Contest: The English Pronunciation & Intonation Contest is held for the freshmen of the Faculty of English Language and Culture. The contest has been organized with success eight times since 1997. Its aim is to evaluate and enhance the level of pronunciation and intonation of the freshmen. A good pronunciation and intonation will upgrade the students' oral English and promote a favorable English-learning atmosphere.

2. English Speaking Contest: The English Speaking Contest also dates back to 1997 and has gone through eight sessions since. Participants in this contest are mainly sophomores who already master English well. The contest provides them with a chance to test their English knowledge and thinking and, especially, to show their oral English skills on stage.

3. English Drama Night: The English Drama Night is a contest of professional level and is very popular among teachers and students and famous also outside the university. Since 1997, this contest has been held eight times. Experts in the field of English and American drama are invited to the contest as judges. The plays in the contest are all masterpieces of English and American or other western literature. The students adapt the masterpieces and produce their own versions.

4. Interpretation Contest: The Interpretation Contest is tailored to the students who are going to graduate. This contest requires knowledge of Chinese and English as well as sound awareness of eastern and western cultures and instant reaction. The form of the contest is quite unique: ten teachers, including Chinese and English teachers, forming two teams, engage in a debate using Chinese and English. The contestants' task is to interpret the teachers' statements into English or Chinese respectively.

5. Translation Contest: Compared to the other four contests, this contest is younger and has more vitality, for it targets a wide range of students from the first to the fourth grade of FELC. The contest intends to cultivate interest in written translation and evaluate the level of written translation of the senior grade students. The Translation Contest requires rich language skills and ingenuity.