English-Medium Instruction at Peking University197

Peking University (PKU), China's oldest and most prestigious university, has taken a bold step towards internationalization by implementing English-medium instruction (EMI) in various academic programs. This initiative aims to enhance the university's global competitiveness, attract international students, and improve students' English proficiency.

The decision to adopt EMI was made in line with China's ambitious "Double First-Class" initiative, which aims to establish a group of world-class universities in China. PKU recognized that EMI could play a pivotal role in achieving this goal by creating a more internationalized and research-intensive environment.

Benefits of English-Medium Instruction

EMI offers several benefits for students and the university as a whole:
Improved English proficiency: Students who study in English are immersed in the language and exposed to authentic academic discourse, which significantly improves their English communication and writing skills.
Enhanced global competitiveness: EMI prepares students for a globalized job market where English is the lingua franca of academia and business. It allows them to compete with graduates from top universities worldwide.
Attraction of international students: By offering EMI programs, PKU becomes more attractive to international students who wish to study in China while maintaining their academic progress in English.
Enhanced research quality: EMI promotes academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between PKU researchers and scholars from around the world, contributing to the advancement of research and innovation.

Challenges of English-Medium Instruction

Despite its benefits, EMI also presents some challenges:
Language proficiency of students and faculty: Some students and faculty may not be proficient enough in English to engage fully in EMI courses. This can lead to difficulties in understanding lectures, participating in discussions, and writing academic papers.
Cultural and linguistic barriers: EMI can introduce cultural and linguistic barriers between teachers and students. Lecturers may find it challenging to convey complex academic concepts and students may struggle to understand idioms or cultural references.
Adapting teaching materials and approaches: Switching to EMI requires adapting teaching materials and approaches to suit the English-speaking audience. This can be time-consuming and may not always be feasible for all courses.

Phased Implementation of EMI

To address these challenges, PKU has adopted a phased approach to EMI implementation:
Pilot programs: In 2014, PKU launched pilot EMI programs in select disciplines. These programs provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with EMI.
Expansion and diversification: Based on the success of the pilot programs, PKU has gradually expanded EMI to more academic programs. Today, EMI is offered in a wide range of disciplines, including economics, management, law, and engineering.
Language support and training: PKU provides comprehensive language support and training for students and faculty to ensure their English proficiency. This includes English language courses, workshops, and language exchange programs.

Impact and Evaluation

The adoption of EMI at PKU has had a significant impact on the university and its students:
Increased internationalization: The number of international students at PKU has steadily increased since the implementation of EMI.
Improved student outcomes: Students enrolled in EMI programs have demonstrated higher English proficiency and improved academic performance compared to students in non-EMI programs.
Enhanced research collaboration: EMI has facilitated international research collaborations and publications by PKU researchers.

Regular evaluations are conducted to assess the effectiveness of EMI programs and identify areas for improvement. These evaluations include surveys, focus groups, and analysis of student performance data.

Conclusion

Peking University's commitment to English-medium instruction is a bold and innovative initiative that is transforming the university into a truly global institution. By embracing EMI, PKU is positioning itself as a leader in international education and research. While challenges remain, the benefits of EMI far outweigh the potential obstacles, and PKU is well-poised to continue its path towards academic excellence on the world stage.

2025-02-06

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