Variables Influencing the Selection of English Medium Instruction: Humanities and Social Sciences Students’ Perception in a Sri Lankan University

Different factors influence the selection of English medium instruction (EMI) when there is a choice to decide the medium of instruction. Employing two-hundred and thirty-five (N-235) EMI and non-EMI students in a humanities and social sciences faculty in a state university in Sri Lanka, this study investigated the role of key variables namely advantages from EMI, future working language, English proficiency, barriers, ambition, residential environment and motivation that influence the students to select EMI. Binary Logistic Regression analysis revealed that advantages from EMI, future working language, English proficiency, and motivation have a positive impact when selecting EMI whereas barriers, ambition, and residential environment have a negative impact. Therefore, universities need to introduce general English, pre-EMI and EMI language enhancement programmes to motivate, better prepare and support students to pursue EMI. Also, establishment of mentoring systems and peer support networks can enhance students' confidence in navigating in EMI environments.