International Students' Engagement in Learning Languages Other Than English (LOTE) at an EMI University in Kazakhstan

Abstract

In the context of the increasing internationalization of higher education, understanding how to effectively engage international students is crucial. Previous research mainly examined students' motivation from various theoretical perspectives but none of the published studies specifically focused on international students' engagement in learning Kazakh as a language other than English (LOTE). Thus, the aim of the article is to identify and analyze the factors that facilitate the engagement of international students in learning Kazakh as a LOTE at an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) university in Kazakhstan through an exploratory qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with 12 participants. The findings reveal that such psychological constructs as growth mindset, sense of competence, grit, proactiveness, ownership, and external supportive learning environment are important in fostering successful language acquisition. Overall, the findings of this research extend the existing literature on LOTE with an evidence-based understanding of international students' LOTE learning beliefs with individual-psychological perspectives on engagement with LOTEs. Such knowledge is necessary to draw a comprehensive landscape of international students' LOTE learning to support their adaptation to the host university.