Success factors for English as a second language university students’ attainment in academic English language proficiency: exploring the roles of secondary school medium-of-instruction, motivation and language learning strategies

Abstract Displaying a strong competence in English as second language (L2) is major advantage for university graduates personal development and career advancement. There are limited studies that have explored how the implementation of English-Medium-Instruction (EMI) non-Anglophone universities can affect students’ academic proficiency. This mixed-method study explores both learners’ variables (motivation L2 learning strategies) medium-of-instruction policy implemented at secondary settings contribute to success bilingual Hong Kong. The findings large-scale questionnaire reveal effect school education not significant predictor proficiency university. suggest students who previously attended schools which adopt other than tend be disadvantaged improving their Institutional factor (i.e. provision EMI lectures university) variables, including strategy use motivation, statistically predictors student’s implications higher Kong worldwide will discussed.