Chinese STEM College Students’ Perceptions on Public English Courses and Professional English Courses: An In-Depth Interview Study

Abstract

China is facing an alternative international environment with fierce competition specifically in the STEM fields. Chinese citizens' ability to effectively use English is vital for China to succeed in participation in all international STEM-related activities. College English education in China is thus being put forward higher and more urgent requirements to meet the new challenges. However, the current setup of college English courses in China that often consists of Public English courses and Professional English courses is not preparing Chinese students, specifically STEM-majored students, for their career development and academic success at a satisfactory level. Therefore, this study conducted in-depth interview on Chinese STEM college students' perceptions on Public English courses and Professional English Courses. This study aimed at investigating the problems of the setup of college English courses, by studying STEM college students' perceptions on those courses, to provide practical recommendations for policymakers and university administrations to design appropriate English courses that could prepare college students with English proficiency to meet the new international challenges.