English Medium Instruction (EMI) is gaining popularity in Korean universities; however, we
are still not sure if EMI is efficacious. This study assesses university students’ perceptions of
the effectiveness of EMI. It also examines students' study strategies and the teaching styles of
those who consider EMI beneficial when studying in major courses. A survey of 434 university
students who were taking EMI in the first semester of 2012 was conducted. Descriptive
statistics, a t-test, and regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data.
There were three major findings. First, on average, the study participants perceived a low
learning effectiveness of EMI. One's English proficiency affected his/her educational benefits;
however, this was not an absolute factor. Second, the participants who perceived a high
learning effectiveness of EMI mentioned that, regardless of their English skills, they were less
likely to read Korean translations. They preferred studying within small academic groups. For
the mid and final terms, these students were more likely to review or prepare and revise
lessons, and were less likely to give up. Third, in terms of teaching style, regardless of one's
proficiency in English, the participants who perceived a high learning effectiveness for EMI
preferred teaching styles with more English materials. Based on these findings, this study
suggests that university students' study strategies and professors' teaching methods have the
greatest effect on the productivity of EMI.
This study differs from earlier research in that it analyzed the efficacy of learning in major
courses, rather than improvements in a student's language ability. It can also be applied more
broadly since the students in this study were majoring in different courses according to their
own interests. In addition, this research suggests how students and professors can effectively
apply EMI to their current situations.