COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVELY IN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXTS: CHALLENGES AND GOOD PRACTISES

Abstract

English Medium Instruction (EMI) courses are becoming familiar in universities around the globe. Increasing numbers of academics and teachers working in universities around the world are being asked to teach in English and work with international students. Over the last decade research on English as a lingua franca, Global Englishes demonstrated that English is not a barrier but a tool. However many recent studies focus on investigating different contexts of EMI around the world, language, structures to use to present our ideas clearly. Despite the importance of research on English as a lingua franca, Global Englishes, English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) has not yet become a subject of research. This paper attempts to give an introduction to English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and how to get prepared for the global classroom. It is also shown how to focus on some key aspects of the EMI, which help us to change our practice, the way we teach and to prepare to adjust our pedagogical approach somewhat and adapt our style and methods in order to take account of the needs of our intercultural communication. As a result this study raises a broader question: How to communicate effectively in international contexts? This issue will be discussed in connection with the pedagogical implications arising from the findings and observations of the study.