Journal of Education & Social Policy

College Students’ English Language Needs and EFL Higher Education in Taiwan
Hsiu-yu Chu

Abstract
The present study investigated college students’ future English language needs for their relationship with the EFL higher education in Taiwan to take a closer look at the college English curriculum in that regard. The research context was situated in two technological universities in Taiwan. A mixed-methods approach was adopted using questionnaires, interviews, observation and examination of teaching and testing materials. Participants included various stakeholders in the research context—teachers, students, administrators and students’ future employers. For students’ future English language needs, the questionnaire results showed that most students considered their success after graduation relied on English listening and speaking abilities. The interview data concluded with three prevailing job categories, “oral interactions with foreign clients,”“writing emails to foreign clients” and “reading datasheets.”Each school’s English curriculum was also investigated through interviews, observation, teaching and testing materials. The comparison between students ’English language needs for their future career and the EFL higher education in the present study showed a loose relationship, which might deserve further attention to the college English curriculum development in Taiwan.

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