Korean Economics Students’ Perceptions Concerning EMI

Abstract

This study investigates students’ perceptions concerning English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) course. Quite a few studies have been conducted regarding EMI, but few in the field of economics. This study explores students’ motivation, satisfaction, problems with English language skills, and coping strategies regarding EMI by conducting research in an EMI course offered by a department of economics. Based on the results, this study suggests the most appropriate language prerequisite course for EMI. Fifty students participated in the survey questionnaires, and the results from the survey analysis were complemented by the findings from interview analysis. The results reveal that 1) students feel motivated to take an EMI course, 2) students are satisfied with content knowledge acquisition and English language learning through EMI, 3) instructors and students use code-switching to increase lecture comprehensibility, and 4) among three types of CBI courses, the adjunct course might be best suitable for an English language prerequisite course.