当代外语研究 ›› 2013, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (01): 26-33.

• 外语教学与研究 • 上一篇    下一篇

College English Teaching and The Internationalization of Chinese Higher Education

束定芳   

  • 出版日期:2013-01-15 发布日期:2020-07-25

College English Teaching and The Internationalization of Chinese Higher Education

SHU Dingfang   

  1. Shanghai International Studies University
  • Online:2013-01-15 Published:2020-07-25
  • Contact: E-mail: Shudfk@yahoo.com

Abstract: One of the most serious problems with college English teaching (CET) in China is that it lacks clear or realistic objectives. For many universities or colleges, CET only serves the purpose of helping the students to pass College English Test Band 4 or Band 6, which means that most, if not all, students do not learn English for any practical purposes. To enhance the international standing of Chinese higher education, we need a radical change that sets CET as a tool for the internationalization of higher education in China. We need to modify the existing programs of study to enable both Chinese and foreign students to take courses offered in English, or creating new degree programs that are internationally-oriented and recruiting international students and faculty. Offering degree programs in English will not only attract more foreign students and scholars to the country, but also help dissuade high-caliber Chinese from going overseas, where many seek better professional and/or academic opportunities. The author proposes that, as a first or preparatory step towards internationalizing (or Englishizing) some of the degree programs and making English an indispensable tool for the students to complete their college education, we can modify the existing CET programs into English for Academic Purposes(EAP) courses, or offer foundational courses with English as a medium of instruction in the first academic year and prepare them to take the other program courses in English in the following years in college. In this respect, the Ningbo Nottingham University EAP Model may provide us with some valuable insights and practical reference.