Saudi Arabia: English as medium of instruction

[Francis Hult]

Arab News

 

English as medium of instruction

 

The English of Saudi university graduates is very poor. Since the labor market in the Kingdom largely depends on foreign manpower, English has necessarily become the language of business. Anyone who does not master English will be in a weak position when competing for a job. His or her chances for progressing in terms of career will be severely compromised.

 

Faced by this situation, some Saudi universities that could not improve their preparatory year for teaching English have thought of a more radical step to confront the problem: To make English the medium of instruction for specializations that are in huge demand in the labor market. If this proposal is implemented, we could face a cultural catastrophe. 

 

Full story:

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=13&section=0&article=124214&d=2&m=7&y=2009

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