Motivation and Student Perception of Studying in an English-medium University

Abstract

Many Turkish universities provide undergraduate degree courses through the medium of English. Despite a growing popularity of English medium universities, very little actual information is available about what attracts students to an English-medium education. The present study aims to identify the primary sources of motivation underlying students’ decision for selecting an English-medium education, students’ assessment of their English language skills, and their perceptions of difficulties they may have studying through the medium of English. With regard to motivational patterns, it was found that students prioritized a mix of integrative and instrumental motivations, and had a fairly positive self-assessment of their English. Problems identified by the students centered on the detrimental effects of learning subjects through another language such as a feeling of being distanced from their native language and culture. It is argued that more studies are needed in this area to assist universities in policy making.