• Korean Journal of Comparative Education
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.1-25
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• 2014

This study intended to examine the English-Medium Instruction (EMI) policy in terms of developmental background and current situation in Chinese and Korean higher education institutions and to provide policy implications for each country. EMI policy in China and Korea shared common characteristics that the EMI courses in both countries were expanded through government leadership at the beginning in order to respond to internationalization since early 2000s. In terms of the differences, EMI policy in China aimed to improve educational quality and nurture bilingual talents while in Korea it primarily aimed to attract international students and internationalize universities. Although both governments took the lead in implementing the policy, universities in two nations responded differently. While the Chinese universities merely followed the government policy to expand EMI courses, its Korean counterparts had a more strong intention to increase EMI courses. Related policy implications were addressed.