- Research shows that CEFR level B2 is the English threshold for studying EMI. Students at this level can understand the key points of complex text content. The topic of the article can be specific or abstract, or they can discuss professional content in their own major field (Graddol, 2006). Hence the College of Tourism’s EAP and ESAP programme focuses on enhancing students’ English proficiency level to CEFR level B2 as well as helping students to obtain the academic English skills needed for success in university and future working environments. By providing varied programmes in both face to face and online learning formats, this will give students meaningful choices and increase their access opportunities. Areas covered include Academic Skill Development, English Interpretation and Presentation, International Etiquette, Communication, Business and Culture.
- Students with English proficiency level CEFR B2 level and above can still take professional academic English course modules to develop their English comprehension and communication skills in their academic fields.
Course Overview
- Classes primarily focus on developing students’ EAP and ESAP study skills with particular focus on the speaking and writing skills required for their successful participation in their faculty EMI programs.
- Students are invited to join these courses throughout their studies at CHU.
- Classes will use reputable and recognized source materials such as those used at universities in English speaking countries as well as using bespoke materials developed by internationally qualified lecturers.
- Course programs are based on research and student needs.
- The EWP and CLIL elements of this programme can help students achieve success in the global workplace in the future.
- Student numbers will be restricted to a maximum of 30 students per class so that lecturers can create interactive and group-based learning environments more effectively and easily.
- EAP and ESAP lecturers will be trained in house by College of Tourism lecturers who have successfully completed their CERT PT. This training will be supported by Trinity College London and other important external consultants.
| EAP | ESAP | EWP and CLIL |
|---|---|---|
| Developing Academic Speaking Skills | Speaking and Listening for Tour Guide purposes | Language of News and Current Affairs |
| Developing Academic Listening Skills | Speaking and Listening for Hotelier and Hospitality Purposes | Promoting Intercultural Understanding |
| Developing Academic Reading Skills | Business English 1 | Understanding Globalization |
| Developing Academic Writing Skills 1 | Business English 2 | Understanding Cultures |
| Developing Academic Writing Skills 2 | ||
| An Integrated Approach Toward Developing Academic Skills |
EMI, EAP, ESAP, and General English Self-Study Centre
Located right on campus, our Self-Study Centre is a welcoming and well-equipped space where CHU students and lecturers can build their English and EMI skills in both individual and collaborative ways.
The centre offers a wide range of resources for both students and lecturers, including academic publications, online tools, and a curated selection of English books, music, and movies. Students can even enjoy Netflix in English to support listening and comprehension in an enjoyable way.
With dedicated study zones including quiet desk seating, relaxed seating, and team-based workspaces, the centre supports all learning styles. There are 10 computers and 5 iPads available for booking, all preloaded with self-study learning tools that align with classroom content.
Teachers are encouraged to use the space during quieter times for engaging, interactive, group-based, and practical lessons, supported by a fully functioning smartboard.
This is more than just a place to study; it is a space where students and lecturers work together, integrating their learning experiences and promoting the concept of holistic learning, which lies at the heart of CHU’s and ETI’s bilingual and holistic teaching and learning philosophy.
Student Support through Freetalk Consultations
At CHU, each student has access to one-on-one Freetalk consultations with their tutor. These sessions provide an additional pathway to authentic communication and academic success by offering meaningful discussion opportunities, mentoring, and personalised guidance.
Students can book consultations at their convenience, including evening and weekend slots, ensuring maximum flexibility and uptake. Depending on individual preferences, sessions can be one-to-one or conducted in small groups of up to three students.
During a Freetalk consultation, students can:
- Preview, review, and extend classroom content
- Receive personalised advice on their studies, academic pathways, and future career goals
- Enjoy informal conversations about day-to-day topics, studying abroad, or life after graduation
EAP students are expected to attend a minimum of two consultations per semester, with each session lasting up to one hour. Tutors record key discussion points and student queries in a shared Google Doc, helping the EAP, ESAP and EMI teaching team better understand and respond to learners’ evolving needs.
Freetalk prioritises students' academic journeys by offering a comfortable, flexible, and supportive space for communication. With this initiative, students are empowered to take charge of their learning, gain practical insights, and achieve both conversational and academic goals.
Interested in Partnering with Us?
We welcome collaboration with other universities looking to enhance their student support systems through flexible, mentor-led consultation models. Contact us and let’s explore how Freetalk can benefit your students too.
Discover how Freetalk makes a difference; explore key insights from past participants' feedback and performance data by clicking the links below.
Overall Consultation Impact Data Highlights
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Empowering Bilingual Growth Through Personalised Consultations
Students reported a strong sense of progress and motivation following their consultation sessions with CHU and ETI, reflecting the university's holistic commitment to bilingual success. Many highlighted increased confidence in speaking, with several noting that they had shifted from using single words to expressing full, clear ideas in English. The patient and understanding approach of the consultation tutors created a warm and supportive environment, allowing even the most hesitant students to feel comfortable and engaged. Students appreciated the freedom to choose meaningful topics for discussion and the focus on natural, everyday communication, which helped them build vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and develop more accurate grammar. Others commented on their ability to better structure formal responses, use more precise academic vocabulary, and adapt their tone appropriately in different contexts. Interactive elements such as tailored materials, guided corrections, and homework assignments contributed to stronger speaking and listening skills, while also encouraging independent learning outside of the sessions. The consultations also supported broader educational goals, including cultural understanding, active listening, and persuasive communication. Many students noted how this regular practice helped them form lasting habits of using English in daily routines, improving fluency and clarity in both professional and casual settings. Overall, the consultations proved to be a highly valued part of CHU and ETI’s wider bilingual strategy, equipping students with practical skills and renewed confidence that extended far beyond the classroom.
Summarised Consultation Data in Written Form
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The Benefits of Freetalk Consultations at CHU
The Freetalk consultations at CHU have provided significant benefits to students, as evidenced by both quantitative and qualitative data. The results indicate high levels of satisfaction and positive impacts on English language skills, confidence, and motivation.
Quantitative Findings
The study revealed strong agreement among students regarding the usefulness of the consultations.
On a 5-point Likert scale:
- Usefulness: Students rated the consultations highly, with an average score of 4.18.
- Improvement in confidence and motivation: Consultations received a favorable score of 3.95, reflecting their role in encouraging students to engage more actively with English.
- Improvement in English abilities: The average rating of 4.18 indicates that students observed clear benefits in their language development.
Qualitative Insights
Students highlighted several key areas of improvement:
- Enhanced Communication Skills: Many reported that the consultations helped them express their thoughts more clearly and confidently. For example, one student stated, “I no longer rely on just single words, but can express my thoughts clearly and accurately,” emphasizing the role of consultations in improving fluency and precision.
- Practical Application of English: Students appreciated learning natural pronunciation, practical expressions, and grammar structures, which made their communication more effective. As one shared, “They taught me pronunciation and how to phrase sentences naturally in English. It was very helpful and improved my understanding of how to communicate effectively.”
- Increased Confidence and Motivation: The consultations created a supportive learning environment that fostered confidence in using English regularly. As one student expressed, “I’ve become more confident speaking English, and it has become a habit in my routine.”
Best Examples of Quantitative Data
The collated student responses have revealed three recurring themes:
- Expanded vocabulary and acquisition of practical phrases, leading to clearer communication
- Increased confidence to speak in diverse contexts, including professional and academic settings
- Opportunities for meaningful interactions that improved fluency and adaptability
Interim Overview
The consultations at CHU serve as an invaluable resource for enhancing English language skills. With strong student satisfaction and demonstrated improvements in confidence, fluency, and communication, the program continues to provide a robust foundation for language learning.
Please note: This report presents an interim analysis, as data collection for the study is currently ongoing. While the findings included here are based on the data gathered to date, they should be considered preliminary and subject to further refinement. The full dataset, once complete, will allow for a more comprehensive analysis and robust conclusions.
Summarised Consultation Data in Graphical Form
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Graphical Consultation Data Highlights
Tracking Progress through Exams
At CHU and ETI, we believe that tracking student progress through entrance and exit exams, particularly those that are internationally recognized is essential for measuring growth and maintaining high-quality education. These exams offer standardized benchmarks that enable our educators to assess students’ language proficiency and knowledge development objectively and consistently. They also help the CHU team identify learning gaps, refine teaching strategies, and set clear targets for improvement. In addition, such exams boost the global recognition of students’ achievements, paving the way for further educational or career opportunities. By using consistent and comparable metrics, we ensure that student progress is both meaningful and measurable across diverse educational contexts.
Semester 1 2024 - 2025 Entrance and Exit Test Data (23 students)
Overall Exam Impact Data Highlights
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These results highlight the success of CHU's semester program in advancing students' English proficiency. The most notable improvements were seen in fluency and coherence, emphasizing the impact of structured practice and personalized feedback. A continued focus on lexical resource and grammatical accuracy could support even greater progress in future cohorts.
The gains demonstrated in this semester's mock IELTS exams provide a strong foundation for further improvement next semester. As students build greater fluency and accuracy, they become better prepared to succeed in English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) environments. With enhanced vocabulary and grammar, they are more able to participate in academic discussions, complete assignments effectively, and adapt to English-speaking academic contexts. In addition, improved pronunciation and communication skills help boost their confidence in global professional settings, where English proficiency is often a key asset. This development not only supports academic achievement but also strengthens their employability in an increasingly global job market, where collaboration in English is highly valued.
Summarised Exam Data in Written Form
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The results of the mock IELTS semester tests at CHU demonstrate significant progress in students' language proficiency, particularly in fluency and coherence as well as overall band scores. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of the program.
Key Findings
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Fluency and Coherence
Students showed the most notable improvement in fluency and coherence, with an average band score increase of 1.13, rising from 4.26 to 5.39. This suggests that targeted practice and instruction supported smoother and more logical communication over the course of the semester.
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Lexical Resource
While the increase in lexical resources was modest at 0.09, from 5.04 to 5.13, it still indicates progress in vocabulary development. This improvement likely reflects a growing ability to use a wider range of words appropriately in context.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Students made measurable gains in grammatical range and accuracy, with scores increasing by 0.28 from 5.02 to 5.30. This points to improved control of sentence structures and a reduction in grammatical errors.
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Pronunciation
Progress in pronunciation was clear, with an increase of 0.48 from 5.10 to 5.58. This result suggests that focused feedback and practice helped students deliver speech more clearly and accurately.
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Overall Band Scores
The total band score rose significantly by 0.78, from 5.06 to 5.84. This reflects steady progress across all components and indicates that students are approaching higher proficiency levels.
Summarised Exam Data in Graphical Form
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Graphical Consultation Data Highlights
Student Competitions
Two of many exciting competitions at CHU, organized by ETI, are helping students use English in creative, real-world contexts while preparing them for academic success in EMI settings and future careers. These activities are part of a growing series of task-based challenges designed to connect language learning with authentic experience.
In the Time Lapse Challenge, students use time lapse photography to showcase inspiring locations on campus and tell personal stories about university life. Each entry must include a short written introduction in English, encouraging students to combine visual storytelling with reflective writing. This competition nurtures both creative expression and authentic language use, helping students see English as a tool for communication and connection.
The Hotel Room Marketing Contest gives students a hands-on task in tourism promotion. Working in teams, participants create short marketing videos in English for CHU’s student hotel. They receive expert coaching on filming and storytelling, allowing them to develop technical, teamwork, and language skills in a meaningful way.
Competitions such as these create a holistic learning environment where language becomes part of action and interaction. They help students build confidence, fluency, and creativity, preparing them to succeed in English-medium academic programs and to communicate effectively in the global workplace.
Students who want to learn more about upcoming competitions or universities interested in bringing ETI's language-based competitions to their own campuses are warmly invited to Contact us for details and collaboration opportunities.
EMI Guest Workshops
Learning from Experts Across Taiwan and Beyond
Our EMI Study Skills Workshops are dynamic, hands-on sessions designed to equip students with the real-world skills they need to thrive—both inside and outside the classroom.
We regularly invite experts from across the Taiwanese university sector and international networks to lead interactive, EMI-based workshops. These guest speakers bring a wide range of expertise across disciplines, helping students strengthen their everyday communication, academic performance, and career readiness through English as a Medium of Instruction.
Workshops include
- Model EMI classes delivered by internationally recognized, CERT PT qualified EMI lecturers from the College of Tourism and our extended network.
- Sessions focused on practical, transferable skills such as presentation techniques, teamwork strategies, academic writing, and critical thinking; essential for success in EMI classrooms and future workplaces.
- Flexible delivery formats, including face-to-face and online options, to suit guest and student availability.
These workshops help students build confidence, engage actively, and bridge the gap between academic theory and everyday application in a bilingual learning environment, demonstrating CHU’s and ETI’s strong commitment to holistic education that supports the whole learner academically, personally and professionally.
Contact us if you are an EMI expert interested in joining our guest workshops, or if your university or organisation would like to host one of our guest lecturers or request a tailored EMI workshop.
