Recent years have witnessed the rise of English Medium Instruction (EMI) courses, emerging courses that aim to keep Taiwan in step with globalization. Although the phenomenon raises concerns over the quality of teaching and learning for some, I approve of this trend, because teaching and learning in English is a cure for an educational system that churns out students who excel in English tests but struggle to use the language effectively in real-life scenarios. EMI courses create an immersive environment that prompts students to interact with one another in English and acquire subject-specific knowledge in an internationally recognized format. As a result, students will perceive English as a tool for communication and knowledge acquisition rather than merely another academic subject to master. In the long run, EMI courses not only build students’ confidence in speaking English but broaden their worldviews through the lens of Western culture and English-based critical thinking. Such competence, in the age of globalization, serves as a crucial stepping stone to engaging with the world.
As much as it remains to be seen how far EMI courses will go and shape students in Taiwan, in response to this trend, I would take pains to gear myself up to be more adaptive and competitive on the global stage. For starters, I intend to immerse myself in English articles related to my interests, such as music and movies, to familiarize myself with receiving information through English. The next step is to read international news outlets, particularly the challenging ones like the BBC and the New York Times, to keep abreast of foreign affairs and develop global vision. After such foundations are laid, I will be poised to preview textbooks written in English and take advantage of online EMI courses offered by prestigious Western universities. Last but not least, to alleviate any potential intimidation from course materials, I plan to form a study group with classmates in advance, learning together in English and supporting each other. As demanding as the above steps may seem, they pave the way for success in EMI courses in college. By implementing the above-mentioned plan, when entering the classroom, I believe I will be well-prepared to write the next chapter of my life.
