STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC SUCCESS, COMPREHENSION AND IDENTITY IN EMI: A PERCEPTIONS STUDY IN A SAUDI ARABIAN UNIVERSITY
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to explore the perceived impacts of using English as a medium of instruction on Saudi students. The participants were students who have completed a preparatory year program at Qassim University (Saudi Arabia). A mixed method approach was used in collecting and analysing the data. For the quantitative part data was collected by a four-Likert scale questionnaire’ of the study, and a descriptive statistical analysis with the help of (SPSS) was used. The qualitative data were collected by online individual interviews and analysed by using content analysis. The findings of the studies revealed a generally positive perception of EMI despite the reported challenges and negative impacts. The study recommended some implications to enhance the preceding education of university programs in order to improve the experiences of students in EMI programs and to obtain the ultimate goals of these programs.