TY - JOUR

T1 - English language requirements for enrolment in EMI programs in higher education

T2 - A European case

AU - Dimova, Slobodanka

PY - 2020/9

Y1 - 2020/9

N2 - While many studies investigate the validity of TOEFL and IELTS scores, as well as stakeholders’ opinions about their usefulness for international student admission at Anglophone universities, little is known about their utility and relevance for admission in English medium instruction (EMI) programs at non-Anglophone universities. The purpose of this study is to explore various political, economic, socio-cultural, and academic dimensions within a specific EMI context in order to build an argument regarding the usefulness of standardized English test score requirements by detailing the consequences that would result from the use of standardized test scores and the decisions based on their use within the EMI context. Data from a lecturer survey, interviews, and documents were used for the analysis. Based on the findings, the use of commercial English test scores will streamline the screening of all students based on English language proficiency and establish equality among different student groups. However, although these scores may provide a solution to some language-related issues in content learning in EMI, broader educational planning (e.g., secondary school education, teacher training, integrating content and language) may be necessary in order to achieve long-term positive effects and avoid political and ethical issues.

AB - While many studies investigate the validity of TOEFL and IELTS scores, as well as stakeholders’ opinions about their usefulness for international student admission at Anglophone universities, little is known about their utility and relevance for admission in English medium instruction (EMI) programs at non-Anglophone universities. The purpose of this study is to explore various political, economic, socio-cultural, and academic dimensions within a specific EMI context in order to build an argument regarding the usefulness of standardized English test score requirements by detailing the consequences that would result from the use of standardized test scores and the decisions based on their use within the EMI context. Data from a lecturer survey, interviews, and documents were used for the analysis. Based on the findings, the use of commercial English test scores will streamline the screening of all students based on English language proficiency and establish equality among different student groups. However, although these scores may provide a solution to some language-related issues in content learning in EMI, broader educational planning (e.g., secondary school education, teacher training, integrating content and language) may be necessary in order to achieve long-term positive effects and avoid political and ethical issues.

KW - Contextual factors

KW - EMI

KW - Language requirements

KW - Score utility

KW - University entry

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85088866023&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1016/j.jeap.2020.100896

DO - 10.1016/j.jeap.2020.100896

M3 - Journal article

AN - SCOPUS:85088866023

VL - 47

JO - Journal of English for Academic Purposes

JF - Journal of English for Academic Purposes

SN - 1475-1585

M1 - 100896

ER -