In this post, we outline some of the highlights from the Oxford EMI Summer Programme, which took place from July 20th to July 31st in Oxford.

International collaboration

We were delighted to welcome course participants from eight different countries to Oxford for our two-week, face-to-face Summer Programme. These lecturers and teachers came from institutions in the UK, China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

As with all Oxford EMI courses, participants came from a variety of academic disciplines, with subjects including physics, business, IT management, art education, applied linguistics and English as an Additional Language (EAL). They also had diverse levels of experience in teaching within both English Medium Instruction (EMI) and Transnational Education (TNE) contexts. 

This diversity added value to the course as it allowed participants – when working in smaller groups – to compare experiences and methodologies, address institutional challenges, and exchange practical strategies for improving student performance on EMI courses.

Linking theory to practice

Head of Training Tom Spain led course participants through a series of input sessions and group tasks each day of the summer programme, linking key research to essential, practical EMI classroom practices.

Putting all this theory into practice, the key group task of the summer programme was the step-by-step preparation of an inter-disciplinary micro-teaching session, which groups delivered on the final day. Framed within the UN’s SDGs, these micro-teaching sessions gave teachers the chance to incorporate and make use of the practical classroom skills explored on the course. Participants gave and received feedback to peers, guided by Tom and Oxford EMI director Julie Dearden, with the aim of reaching a common understanding of what effective teaching in EMI contexts involves.

Expert guest speakers

Another highlight of the programme were our guest speakers.

Dr. Ikuya Aizawa (University of Nottingham and Oxford EMI consultant & researcher) led an insightful session exploring the current and emerging challenges of EMI in global higher education, using his own research into this area in the context of EMI and Japanese Medium of Instructions (EMI) in Japan.

Emma Procter-Legg (University of Oxford and Oxford EMI IT in Education specialist) delivered a dynamic talk on the integration and practical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education, and asked course participants to consider how this might be adapted to better support their current and future students.

Dr. Cosima Gilhammer (University of Oxford) explained how students live and study at the University of Oxford. The group toured Lady Margaret Hall as Dr. Gilhammer explained the University’s approach to teaching and learning through focusing on developing critical thinking skills and maintaining high academic standards (key themes explored on all Oxford EMI training courses).

Course participants were also given a bespoke induction into the Bodleian Libraries, and each was issued a BodCard, giving them access to more than 20 world-famous libraries for personal research and study for the duration of the course.

Making the most of Oxford

Beyond the seminar room, course participants took full advantage of their free time in the city, making great use of the Oxford EMI team’s local recommendations on things to do in and around Oxford. From exploring historic university colleges and visiting world-class museums to sampling the culinary delights of the indoor market, everyone made unforgettable memories during their stay.

What the course participants said

“The training was extremely beneficial for my professional development… It deepened my understanding of EMI principles and gave me practical approaches… The training also equipped me with practical tools to improve my classroom communication, lesson delivery, and student interaction.” Course participant, UK

“An impactful professional development experience that combined research-informed teaching practices with hands-on application… One of the most valuable aspects of the course was learning alongside lecturers from different countries… successful EMI is about much more than teaching in English – it’s about helping students engage deeply with content.” Course participant, Uzbekistan

“The sessions were highly interactive and included practical examples from EMI classrooms, making the learning experience both engaging and impactful. I particularly appreciated the sessions on AI for EMI teaching and digital tools.” Course participant, Bhutan

“We learned a great deal about the principles of teaching in EMI contexts… the way Tom introduced them through practical activities helped me understand much more clearly why we should actually apply them… I would highly recommend this course to lecturers and teachers.” Course participant, Viet Nam

Congratulations & thank you

Congratulations and thank you to the hard-working, engaged, and enthusiastic course participants from the Oxford Summer Programme 2026. We look forward to keeping in touch as you continue your EMI teaching journeys!

Join us for the Oxford EMI Summer Programme in 2027

Interested in advancing your EMI teaching techniques and joining us in Oxford for the Summer Programme in 2027? To register your interest and receive updates, get in touch.