20/02/2025
Currently, the internationalization of higher education has emerged as an important trend, with the use of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) becoming increasingly popular worldwide. English is regarded as the common language for international communication, promoting academic exchanges and research collaboration between countries. However, the implementation of EMI also presents numerous challenges, including the language proficiency of both lecturers and students, as well as the necessary preparation to ensure teaching quality. Understanding the trends and impacts of EMI is essential to optimize the benefits it brings to higher education in the era of international integration.
In this context, the authors Pham Hung Hiep (Thanh Do University), Nguyễn Thuỳ Anh (University of Economics), Tạ Ngọc Thuý (Vietnam-Japan University), Nguyễn Thị Huyền Trang (University of Foreign Languages), and Phan Thị Thanh Thảo (Thành Đô University) have published the results of their research, titled “A bibliometric review of research on English as a medium of instruction (EMI), 1974–2022,” on November 25, 2024, in the journal Globalisation, Societies and Education. This journal is indexed in Q1 Scopus (Citescore 5.4) and is listed in Clarivate’s ESCI.
The study uses bibliometric analysis methods to track research trends and influential studies, as well as the characteristics of the research community on the use of English as a medium of instruction (EMI). The authors analyzed 1,378 documents indexed in Scopus from 1974 to 2022.
The findings reveal a significant increase in the number of EMI publications, especially from 2011 onwards, reflecting the growing interest in EMI in higher education. However, the research network on this issue remains fragmented, with cooperation primarily occurring domestically rather than internationally, showing limitations in global idea exchange and collaboration.
The dominance of English-speaking countries such as the UK and the US in the number of EMI studies highlights an imbalance, which may reinforce Western educational practices. At the same time, this poses challenges for developing countries in determining priorities and maintaining autonomy in shaping their national higher education systems. The research also emphasizes the need to strengthen international cooperation and build stronger research partnerships to promote diversity and inclusivity in EMI research.
To promote research collaboration on the use of English in teaching and learning, Thành Đô University is preparing for a national seminar on the topic “Towards the goal of making English a second language in schools: What do educational institutions and teachers need to prepare?” The university is working hard to realize this goal and aims to create a platform for sharing viewpoints and research findings in this field. Through this, Thành Đô University cordially invites researchers, scientists, and educators to submit papers or participate in the seminar.
For detailed research, see here!
Pham, H. H., Nguyen, T. A., Ta, T. N., Nguyen, H. T. T., & Phan, T. T. T. (2024). A bibliometric review of research on English as a medium of instruction (EMI), 1974–2022. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 1–16.
