Discovering EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) in a new environment

Recently, we had the great pleasure of welcoming Mónica Alicia Santilli within our establishment. She is an Argentinian professor among many other things, who teaches technical English at the national university of northwestern Buenos Aires (UNNOBA) which is also one of the many partners of EPF across the world in the international exchange program. MS Santilli was introduced to EPF throughout the project of mobility program carried out by the ministry of education in Argentina.  

Discovering EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) at EPF

Ms Santilli’s visit to EPF was motivated by the purpose of discovering how EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) is used in the English courses that are taught at EPF. With an already extensive knowledge of the subject in Argentina, MS Santilli was ready to observe how EMI was being taught in a new environment in a foreign land.

Thanks to the invaluable contribution of Stefan Seiler who is in charge of the international Department at EPF, Ms Santilli had the opportunity to observe classes taught in English but also interview professors and some students to learn about their experiences using English as a medium of instruction. Most importantly, she was able to observe how teachers put into practice different pedagogical approaches.

Ms Santilli was also able to exchange with Eunice Belanger, Manager of the foreign languages department at EPF in regards to the institutional policies related to teaching languages. Apart from visiting the Sceaux Campus, Ms Santilli was as well invited to visit the Troyes campus, where she was warmly welcomed by the responsible of the MSC ICE (Innovation, Creation and Entrepreneurship) program which is completely taught in English.

An engineering school open to the world

In regard to EPF international opening, Ms Santilli firmly believes that it is in constant growth and development. She declares: “The international department is always looking for opportunities to make a new strategic agreement with partners worldwide and strengthen its relations with its current partners as well”.

Ms Santilli  added : “My experience at EPF was extremely rich and for sure I will encourage students but also colleagues and researchers at UNNOBA to participate in these exchange programs with France because it will give them the opportunity to learn the language but as well as the culture of an amazing and welcoming country. Last but not least, I would like to say thank you very much to all the authorities at EPF for receiving me and giving me a clear overview of the objectives and projects planned for the future”.

We, at EPF, would also like to thank Ms Mónica Alicia Santilli for coming all the way from Argentina to visit us and exchange on subjects that matters to all of us but mainly, benefits our students.