The Advantages of using English as the Medium of Instruction for Globally Oriented Professional Training. A Theoretical Review

Abstract

English has become a dominant lingua franca on a global scale, facilitating communication between individuals who do not share a common mother tongue. Consequently, novel methodologies have been introduced with the objective of promoting the strengthening of the English language, including the English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) approach. The present article offers a literature review that aims to examine recent research on the implementation of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in different international educational contexts, to identify its benefits, challenges and conditions for success, and analyze its potential applicability in Colombia. Employing a mixed-method design to analyze 25 peer-reviewed articles on EMI in higher education, this review uses a systematic literature review approach based on George (2008) and Braun & Clarke (2006) for structured source selection, organization, and analysis. The available data demonstrate that EMI improves students' communicative competencies in English, particularly in the domains of writing, speaking and listening. The objective of this program is to equip students with the necessary skills to compete in the global job market. However, research indicates that students encounter difficulties in comprehending specific English terminology or accents, a phenomenon attributable to the influence of students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds on EMI outcomes. The findings indicate that even in Asian and European countries, teachers encounter challenges and lack the necessary preparation to implement these methodologies, as well as a lack of institutional commitment and deficiencies in educational policies.