An investigation into English preparatory programs for EMI learning in higher education institutes in Vietnam

Tran Thi Thanh Quyen * and Phuong Hoang Yen

* Corresponding author (thanhquyen@ctu.edu.vn)

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Received: 16 Feb 2019
Revised: 19 Apr 2019
Accepted: 30 Aug 2019
Published: 31 Jul 2019
DOI: 10.22144/ctu.jen.2019.024
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Tran, T. T. Q., & Phuong, H. Y. (2019). An investigation into English preparatory programs for EMI learning in higher education institutes in Vietnam. CTU Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development , 11(2), 51-60. https://doi.org/10.22144/ctu.jen.2019.024
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Vol. 11 No. 2 (2019)

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Abstract

In the era of globalization, the development of English as a medium of instruction (EMI) is of great interest to language and language policy researchers. Therefore, one of the main goals of the National Foreign Language Project launched by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education (MOET) is to adopt EMI courses in all higher education institutes (HEIs) by 2020. However, in such a context that English is learnt as a foreign language in Vietnam, students' English proficiency is quite a great challenge for them to follow EMI programs. Indeed, VIetnam is ranked as a "low English proficiency" country (Eduaction First, 2013). This strongly challenges students' learning and the effectiveness of EMI training, which is in line with findings in previous studies (Vinke et al., 1998; Wilkinson, 2005; Kyeyune, 2010; Manh, 2012). This article; therefore, critically examines the expectations of HEIs in Vietnam towards EMI students' English proficiency and how they prepare these students with sufficient English for EMI learning. With a qualitative approach, this study employs document analysis method using purposive sampling to collect data. The results show an inconsistency in the English entry each university requires and various practices of English preparatory programs for EMI learning. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to promote the effectiveness of the implementation and practices of EMI programs in Vietnam and in similar contexts.
Keywords: English as a medium of instruction (EMI), English preparatory programs, National Foreign Language Project 2020, higher education, Vietnam

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