BEHIND THE IMPROVEMENT OF STUDENTS’ ENGLISH PROFICIENCY IN AN EMI UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study aims to examine the improvement rate of students after their one-year study at an EMI university as well as to further explore the challenges and the opportunities they encounter throughout the period. To answer those questions, 100 first-year students from one EMI university were recruited as research participantsthrough a purposive sampling method: 20 participants from A1 - C1 level. The participants were assigned to do a standardized test prior to the start of their study (pre-test) and after their one-year study (post-test). The improvement rate was analyzed quantitatively using T-tests. Data about the challenges and opportunities they encounter to improve their English proficiency was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed qualitatively. The result shows that the improvement of English proficiency is experienced by all groups (A1-C1), with B2 group who get the highest improvement. From the questionnaire, it is found out that writing skill gets the least improvement.Thefactors that promote and impede their progress are also discussed. This gives valuable information which can affect English teaching and learning materials and methodology in order to maximize the opportunities of studying in an EMI university.