Soft skills and foreign language training

The workshop "Soft Skills and Foreign Language Training," organized by the Center for Foreign Languages ​​and International Exchange Promotion, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, was held on April 25, 2009. A large number of students from various universities attended the workshop and exchanged ideas with experts on issues related to learning foreign languages ​​and the skills needed in the workplace.

The workshop had two main parts:

Part One: Understanding Soft Skills

Experts introduce students to the concepts of soft skills, their benefits, and their crucial role in life and work. Many employers believe that a lack of practical problem-solving skills is one of the main reasons why recent graduates struggle to find employment. In today's modern and dynamic work environment, besides professional knowledge, the ability to integrate with colleagues, negotiate effectively with partners, handle sensitive situations tactfully, plan, and work independently are strengths that help you impress superiors, earn the respect of colleagues, and advance your career. However, the training of these skills in universities is currently neglected. To equip themselves with this knowledge, students should, on the one hand, seek opportunities to participate as much as possible in practical work to gain experience, and on the other hand, they can register for short-term training courses on soft skills at reputable training institutions.

The Center for Foreign Languages ​​and International Educational Exchange Promotion also introduced several soft skills courses currently offered at the Center, attracting the interest of many students, such as: communication skills, teamwork skills, crisis management skills, emotional control skills, etc.

Part two: How to learn a foreign language effectively

Analyzing the main reasons why young people are not learning foreign languages ​​well, experts suggest that students haven't determined their purpose for learning – whether it's for general translation, communication, or professional work. Furthermore, learning needs to be planned specifically within a certain timeframe to achieve the set goals. In particular, experts believe that to become proficient in a foreign language, there's no better way than daily practice in any situation in life, and especially avoiding the "quick fix" approach of intensive learning for a short period followed by abandonment. Many students also raised questions focusing on: how to practice for foreign language exams, the foreign language skills needed for studying abroad, and distance learning courses.