English Medium Instruction Programs in Private Universities in Mongolia: Rationales and challenges

This study explored the rationales for English medium instruction in private universities in Mongolia and investigated the challenges they face. Through a qualitative case study design, this study examined the programs taught in English in two private universities. Data were generated via 20 interviews with senior and junior administrators and faculty members. The results of this study indicate that the rationales for implementing programs taught in English are grounded in: (1) a desire to raise their international profile, with a focus on, (2) increasing the number of international students, and, (3) fostering the international competencies of graduates in the global job market. Administrative, managerial, and institutional challenges were found to be the most severe obstacles to program implementation at the case study universities.