“My expectation did not meet reality”: challenges of undergraduate students in English-medium instruction in Kazakhstan

Amanzhol N. Amanova A. Kerimbekova B. Zholmakhanova A. Sarmurzin Y.
1 February 2024 Emerald Publishing

Asian Education and Development Studies
2024 #13 Issue 1 31 - 44 pp.

Purpose: As a result of the ongoing globalization and commercialization of higher education, English is increasingly being used as the language of instruction in universities across the globe. Despite the growing popularity of English-medium instruction (EMI) for academic subject instruction in Kazakhstan, there is limited research on regional university undergraduate students attitudes towards learning EMI. This article explores a case study of a chemistry undergraduate program in Kazakhstan, where EMI is used. This study seeks to identify beliefs related to EMI, student attitudes and the challenges faced when studying science in English. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative data were collected using open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with individuals selected using purposive sampling, which were then triangulated using classroom observations. The study employed a thematic analysis methodology to examine the gathered data, which included transcripts from interviews, audio logs from classroom observations and survey responses. Findings: Following an in-depth look at the main themes, there were a variety of codes that made more sense when arranged in one of the four primary groups. These categories primarily focused on the possible obstacles that may be encountered when adopting EMI in Kazakhstans higher education institutions. They are as follows: linguistic, managerial, cultural and emotional. Originality/value: The results of this study will contribute to the development of improved EMI policies and practices that are more comprehensive, equitable and efficient.

EMI , Higher education , Kazakhstan , Language policy

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Buketov University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Shakarim University, Semey, Kazakhstan
SDU University, Kaskelen city, Kazakhstan
Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Buketov University
Shakarim University
SDU University
Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University
Auezov South Kazakhstan University

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