Article info.

ABSTRACT

Received 16 Feb 2019
Revised 19 Apr 2019

Accepted 30 Jul 2019

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 is to adopt EMI courses in all higher education institutes 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. This strongly challenges students’ learning and the effectiveness of EMI training. Therefore, this article critically examines the expectations of HEIs in Vietnam towards EMI students’ English proficiency and how they prepare students with sufficient English for EMI learning. With a qualitative approach, this study employs document analysis method using purposive sampling to collect data in eight universities. The results show the inconsistency about 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 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

Cited as: Quyen, T.T.T. and Yen, P.H., 2019. An investigation into English preparatory programs for EMI learning in higher education institutes in Vietnam. Can Tho University Journal of Science. 11(2): 51-60.