TEACHING IN A SECOND LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES IN ENGLISH-MEDIUM INSTRUCTION
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The internationalization of higher education in Serbia is a complex process in which English-medium instruction (EMI) plays a central role. Although familiar with it, content area lecturers (CALs) often face a variety of communication-related challenges when teaching in English, which directly impact teaching quality. This study explores these challenges through the perspectives of 102 content area lecturers at the Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad. Their questionnaire responses were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings reveal communication challenges in teaching international students, particularly regarding content area lecturers’ language proficiency and classroom interaction. Teachers also describe strategies they adopt to minimize misunderstandings, manage ongoing communication, and enhance clarity. Additional concerns include (the lack of) institutional and collegial support, which further shape the effectiveness of communication in EMI contexts. The study underscores the
pedagogical importance of targeted professional development and sustained institutional support to promote effective communication in internationalized higher education.
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