engleski

The implementation of English-medium instruction in Croatian higher education: Attitudes, expectations and concerns

With the increasing internationalisation of higher education (HE) and a growing need for English- taught programmes, research into attitudes towards English-medium instruction (EMI) is particularly important. The present paper reports on the first such study conducted in the Croatian context, where HE is almost exclusively carried out in the national language. A questionnaire-based study was conducted among 177 Rijeka University (UNIRI) students enrolled in the final year of an MA degree. The findings suggest that the large majority of the respondents believe that either no or few university courses should be in English. They are also largely unwilling to undertake EMI. Furthermore, most respondents do not find it possible for instruction at UNIRI to become English-medium. The introduction of EMI is largely facing scepticism, fear, and concern. The respondents are highly sceptical about the ability and motivation of teachers and students to transfer and acquire knowledge in English. They fear that EMI would make their studies too time- consuming and adversely affect their grades. Almost a third are concerned that Croatian would become inadequate as a medium for transmitting new scholarly knowledge. The respondents, however, expect EMI, if implemented, to help them improve their English, prepare them for a competitive labour market, and help UNIRI to get a better rating. The findings also reveal several significant paradoxes and discrepancies, and suggest some measures which should be taken prior to and concurrently with the implementation of EMI.

Higher education ; English-medium instruction ; internationalisation ; attitudes

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