Preparing Indonesian Students for University Education in Australia: Two Case Studies of EAP

 

Bambang Yudi Cahyono

 

 

Extensive literature shows that academic language skills contribute to academic success. This chapter aims to examine English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs and to assess their effectiveness in preparing students’ academic language skills for university education. First, it examines the nature of EAP and discusses academic language skills needed in tertiary education. It then presents two case studies of EAP programs given to Indonesian students before they commenced their university education in Australian. The purpose of the programs was to prepare students’ academic language skills so that they would be able to follow the education system of universities in Australia. The first program was held in Indonesia for six weeks, while the second one was held in Australia for five weeks. After commencing universities, the students from each program were asked to assess if the curricular aspects of these programs matched the academic language skills actually required in university education. Results and analysis of the relevance of the programs are also presented in the case studies. Finally, this chapter discusses practical implications for designing EAP programs which provide students with academic language skills needed in the university system of education.

 

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Cahyono, B. Y. (2004). The use of literature to enhance English language competence. In B. Y. Cahyono & U. Widiati (Eds.), The tapestry of English language teaching and learning in Indonesia (pp. 241-251). Malang: State University of Malang Press.

 

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