Development of an English for Research Purposes Program for STEM Graduate Students

A “guerilla” needs analysis was conducted to define the language needs, wants, and lacks of students at a Japanese national graduate institution for STEM students. Results indicate significant differences in Japanese and non-Japanese students’ self-perception of their preparedness to carry out academic tasks in English, their confidence in their English ability, and the role of English in their academic and professional careers. Given these differences, and the institutional demand for a curriculum incorporating pre-existing courses and catering for the needs of all students, a hybrid program offering foundation English, English for Academic Purposes, English for Specific Purposes, and English for Research Publication Purposes was devised. This chapter addresses the difficulties of introducing a curriculum intended to broadly satisfy student needs into a hierarchical educational environment.