EMI: A Catalyst for Internationalization and the Evolution of Teaching Practices
As part of its internationalization strategy, the University of Montpellier offers training programs inEnglish as a Medium of Instruction (EMI)for female faculty members and Professors. This initiative aims to support the development of courses taught in English across various disciplines, while enhancing the quality of teaching.
Beyond English, EMI training programs help educators rethink course structure, clarify instructions, and interact with students in a multilingual and/or multicultural context. They thus provide teachers with an opportunity for reflection and professional development, while helping to make our programs more attractive to both local and international students.
Since 2024, the University of Montpellier has organized several EMI sessions that have brought together faculty members from all disciplines. These training sessions have made it possible to implement bilingual courses in various departments and to incorporate new teaching practices that promote inclusion and the active participation of international students.
The next English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) session will take place from June 9 to 12, 2026. Practical information is available online on theUM intranet.
Testimonials
The EMI training was a very enriching experience. Both educational and personal, it helped me better understand learners’ expectations. The multicultural approach we were introduced to helps raise awareness of the needs of those involved. It also provides us with ideas for energizing our learning environments and fostering group cohesion. The English communication techniques are creative and constructive. Finally, speaking English all week long helps improve our fluency.
Audrey De Ceglie, School of Pharmacy
The EMI training course I took in June 2025 provided me with very interesting theoretical insights into teaching a subject in a foreign language, as well as numerous examples and practical scenarios. Not only was I able to practice English regularly, but I also gained an understanding of the challenges and difficulties involved in this type of teaching. I would like to thank the instructors for their dedication and for the relevance of the materials and content. I highly recommend this training program.
Aurélie Guélen, part-time employee at FDE Perpignan
Hello, I signed up for the EMI workshop as a personal challenge. Since I’m not very comfortable with English, I was curious to see what this experience would bring me after a week-long workshop (in early June 2025). In reality, it was much more than just learning: it was a total immersion, culminating in the creation and delivery of a lesson to wrap up those five intensive days! An enthusiastic and supportive team guided our group through a wide range of varied and dynamic activities that we can apply to our classroom practices. Finding the time for training, meetings, and exchanges with colleagues from other disciplines and other institutions seems difficult amid the hectic pace of the school year… but it is possible! It’s a real privilege to be able to benefit from such high-quality training offered by the university! A big THANK YOU to the entire team of instructors!
Isabelle Rizzo, professor of literature at the FDE, and professor of Expression, Culture, and Communication at the IUT, TC
