Early career researchers' self-perceived effects of different medium of instruction background in the academic context: Challenges, strategies, and language preferences

This qualitative phenomenological study investigates the self-perceived effects of different medium of instruction (MOI) backgrounds on early career researchers' (ECRs) experiences in the Turkish academic context. Specifically, the study examines the research-related challenges ECRs encountered, the strategies they employ to overcome these challenges, and their academic language preferences in research practices. The study includes three groups of ECRs each including two participants who work as research assistants in Faculties of Education at Turkish universities: those who received both bachelor's and master's education in English medium instruction (EMI), those who received both in Turkish medium instruction (TMI), and those who transitioned from EMI undergraduate to TMI graduate education. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). The findings revealed that regardless of their MOI backgrounds, ECRs faced challenges in academic language skills, research writing and publication, and professional development. While EMI background ECRs struggled with dual focus on content and language, TMI background ECRs encountered difficulties with English academic writing and publication. ECRs who transitioned between MOIs experienced additional challenges in adapting to different academic terminologies. The results highlight insufficient emphasis on both Turkish and English academic writing skills and inadequate research training across different MOI contexts. To overcome these challenges, ECRs utilized various digital tools and translation services while also developing personal strategies. The study's findings have implications for higher education institutions in terms of developing structured support systems and mentorship programs to better assist ECRs in their academic development, regardless of their MOI background. Keywords: Academic Skills, Early Career Researchers, Medium of Instruction, Overcoming Strategies, Research Challenges, Turkish Higher Education.