Recently, British Council published a white paper on academic performance and English learning behavior of IELTS examinees in mainland China. According to the white paper, STU students’ average score of IELTS ranks second among all the colleges and universities in Guangdong province and ranks twenty-first in the country. The average oral English scores ranked first in Guangdong province.

Established in 2003, the English Language Center at Shantou University is dedicated to teaching excellence and providing a supportive language learning environment, in which students can develop their communicative competence and critical thinking strategies through both curricular and co-curricular activities in a vibrant, creative, and intellectual community. Also, it aims to help students improve their autonomous learning abilities to develop the habit of sustainable English learning. In 2015, English Language Center was recognized as IELTS Recognizing Organization, and it introduced Aptis Speaking Exam in 2016. Since the spring semester of 2016, English Language Center has offered a course“Get Ready for IELTS!” for students. Up to now, hundreds of students have selected this course.