Carrying on the founding spirit of "unity, diligence, rigorous attitude and realistic approach" and abiding by the motto of "global vision, academic excellence", the university distinguishes itself with an international perspective, a focus on foreign language education, and a commitment to diversifying disciplines. The university has strategized pursuing qualitative development that prioritizes academic excellence, stresses international exchange and balanced development of all disciplines.

The university has now evolved into a multi-disciplinary higher institution. In addition to the core discipline of foreign languages and literature, the university also offers doctoral, master, bachelor degrees and diploma programs in Chinese language and literature, journalism and communication, education, economics, management, law and other disciplines. The university also offers a post-doctoral research program in foreign languages and literature. The university academic journals Foreign Languages and Literature and English Studies are well recognized among the academia. The university is a key provider of foreign language and international communication professionals and a leader in international studies, economic and foreign trade research in the southwest region of China.