Evaluating the impact of English medium instruction (EMI) policies on Turkish higher education: Challenges and opportunities

In this study, institutional policies regarding the use of English as the medium of instruction in Türkiye and the opinions of faculty members at universities offering English medium instruction were investigated. The study adopted a qualitative research design and accordingly applied document analysis and semi-structured interview techniques. Initially, the Higher Education Council's directives and plans for using English as the medium of instruction were examined using document analysis. Then, the strategic plans and in-house evaluation reports (i.e., institutional reports) of four English medium instruction (EMI) universities in Türkiye were also scrutinized using the same method. Later, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five faculty members from three EMI universities, and each interview lasted about 60 minutes. The research findings indicate that EMI universities lack comprehensive policies, standards, and guidelines for education in English. The interview results indicated EMI faculty members were not given sufficient information about the EMI policies of their institutions. However, findings suggest that, despite their low awareness of EMI-related issues, faculty members may need institutional support in developing pedagogical skills for EMI.