A.D.E. (Aurélie) Joubert, Dr

Language Inclusion and Student Thriving (Gratama funded): This project aims to develop a better understanding of the student experience of Englsih as a Medium of Instruction, and of linguistic practices in general. With concerns rising about the wellbeing of students, and the importance of creating an in-person, interconnected and supportive learning community, it is timely to investigate how English-taught programmes are perceived by students and especially on their sense of agency, capability to interact and communicate as well as feelings of belonging and inclusion. All of those aspects are heavily influenced by language, whether it be about proficiency, expectations and practices. However, insufficient attention has been given to the effects of EMI on the university population. While EMI has been considered successful considering the growth of international staff and student populations as well as the multiplication of EMI programmes, the wider political context which has associated the international student community with a housing crisis and saw the government plan a switch back to instruction in Dutch for a majority of programmes in 2024 (Wet Internationalisering in Balans), circumstances might have negatively affected the student population, whether Dutch or international students, as those discussions reflect a polarisation of society that are palpable through all layers of society.

BAQONDE: Erasmus + Capacity Building in Higher Education:  'Boosting the Use of African Languages in Education. A Qualified Organized Nationwide DEvelopment Strategy' (2021-2024) with the partner universities: North West University, University of KwaZulu- Natal, University of Western Cape, Rhodes University, University College Dublin, University of Salamanca (leading).