EMI DYNAMICS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES AT TERTIARY LEVEL IN TÜRKİYE

Authors

  • Dr. Arzu Ekoç Özçelik Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye
  • Dr. Suzan Kavanoz Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye
  • Dr. Selahattin Yılmaz Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/sm-2024-0020

Keywords:

higher education, internationalization, attitudes towards EMI, educational language policy, English as a medium of instruction (EMI)

Abstract

The unprecedented adoption of English-Medium Instruction (EMI) in higher education on a global scale has brought about challenges as well as opportunities for students, which necessitates a careful consideration of factors impacting their perceptions and experiences. Recognizing this critical need, our study attaches significant importance to delve into the attitudes of tertiary-level students towards EMI and aims to evaluate the attitudes and language-related challenges encountered by students in full EMI undergraduate programs. Data were collected from 278 undergraduate students in various full EMI programs at a Turkish public university. Utilizing the culturally and linguistically adapted form of Yeh's (2014) EMI questionnaire, the study focused on students' backgrounds, motivations, and attitudes towards EMI courses, challenges, learning strategies, and beliefs about EMI policies. The findings indicate generally positive attitudes towards EMI. Students perceive EMI as beneficial to their academic and professional development, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance their English proficiency. Nevertheless, challenges arise from coping with specialized terms, heavy learning load, and lecturers’ accents. These results offer valuable insights into the experiences of undergraduate students in full EMI programs at a state university, highlighting both the positive facets and challenges they encounter in settings where English is used as a vehicle for academic growth.

Author Biographies

Dr. Arzu Ekoç Özçelik, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye

Dr. Arzu Ekoç Özçelik has been working as an associate professor at the School of Foreign Languages, Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul, Türkiye. She received her BA from Translation and Interpreting Studies from Bogazici University and completed her Master’s and PhD in ELT at Istanbul University. Her research interests are learner identity, higher education and continuing education, continuing professional development for teachers, EAP, second-language writing.

Dr. Suzan Kavanoz, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye

Dr. Suzan Kavanoz is a faculty member in the Department of Foreign Languages at the Faculty of Education, Yildiz Technical University. Within the field of foreign language education, Dr. Kavanoz’s research interests lie in exploring effective teaching methodologies, foreign language curriculum development, foreign language teacher education, and the integration of technology in language education.

Dr. Selahattin Yılmaz, Yildiz Technical University, Türkiye

Dr. Selahattin Yilmaz is an English Language instructor at the School of Foreign Languages, Yildiz Technical University. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Georgia State University, Atlanta. In his research, he focuses on Second Language Writing, English for Academic Purposes, English as a Lingua Franca, and Language Teacher Education.

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Published

2024-11-30

How to Cite

Ekoç Özçelik, A. ., Kavanoz, S., & Yılmaz, S. (2024). EMI DYNAMICS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES AT TERTIARY LEVEL IN TÜRKİYE. Sustainable Multilingualism / Darnioji Daugiakalbystė, 25, 278–303. https://doi.org/10.2478/sm-2024-0020

Issue

Section

Language Use and Education in Multilingual and Multicultural Settings