The trends and changes of higher education in Asia Pacific english as a degree conferring language.

Abstract

The current shift of policy in higher education in Asia Pacific is towards international education. Governments encourage state and private universities to establish “international programs” to attract students from foreign countries, hoping that their countries will become an educational hub. Thus English, which is already widely used in this region, is selected as a medium of teaching. This presentation will discuss whether the teaching in English alone assures the success of programs and future of graduates. Surveys of employers’ satisfaction as well as on employment of Mahidol University graduates who entered the job market in year 2004 and 2005 were carried out. Although Mahidol University graduates enjoy very good employment prospect and spend usually not more than six months between graduation and their first job, graduates from international programs of the same university are usually employed within three months after graduation. Thirty percent of Mahidol University International College graduates obtained employment one month before graduation. From 85 respondants out of 239 enquired, employers’ requirements for new recruits can be lists in order of priority as follows: English proficiency(26%), maturity and self confidence (18%), good team player (16%), knowledge of the field (15%), innovativeness (13%), emotional quotient (12%). Results of the survey show that English proficiency attributed only one fourth of success. When compared with graduates from other universities having studied in Thai-language programs, Mahidol graduates in Thai-language programs have the advantage of being educated in a comprehensive university where self and life-long learning as well as general education are emphasized. However, results from the survey show that international education better prepares graduates for the job market than Thai-language programs. The overall size and academic excellence of the university are also important factors in ensuring employment opportunities.