From 27 to 31 May 2026, Xi’an Jiaotong University (China) hosted the 24th Asia TEFL International Conference, which was attended by MCU faculty members – Dr. Sci. (Philology), Deputy Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL) Irina Tivyaeva, and PhD (Pedagogy), Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese Language Maria Smolova.
The Asia TEFL 2026 Conference, held under the motto “Teaching English in a Changing World: Global Challenges and New Opportunities”, brought together over 1,100 participants from Asian countries and other regions of the world. The event served as a platform for discussing the digital transformation of foreign language education. The IFL’s participation in the conference is a natural step in the Institute’s development as one of the leaders in the field of digitalisation of foreign language education.
During their visit to Xi’an Jiaotong University, the IFL delegation held a meeting with colleagues from the School of International Education – Tian Mei, Professor and Deputy Director of the School of International Education; Feng Xiao, Deputy Head of the Academic Affairs Office; and Feng Xiaojing, Head of the Administrative Office of the School. The parties discussed possible areas of cooperation between the IFL of MCU and the Institute of International Education in the fields of academic mobility and research. At the end of the meeting, Prof. Irina Tivyaeva delivered a lecture for the faculty and master’s students of the School of International Education on the topic “Teaching Foreign Languages in Russia: Past, Present, and Future”, with interpretation into Chinese provided by Associate Prof. Maria Smolova.
The IFL delegation’s visit programme to Xi’an also included a visit to Xi’an International University. During the meeting with the leadership of the Institute of International Cooperation – Director Guo Xinhua, Deputy Director Hu Jinhua, Professor Xu Shejiao, Head of the Educational Programme “Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language” Liang Qian, and Russian language teacher He Xinxin – the parties discussed prospects for implementing joint projects in educational and research activities.
The Chinese representatives expressed interest in the educational programmes and research projects of the IFL of MCU and voiced their hope for fruitful cooperation.
Photo: Irina Tivyaeva, Maria Smolova, MCU