Bridging the Gap: Effective Compensatory Strategies for EFL Learners in EMI Courses

This study examines the compensatory language learning strategies (LLS) employed by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in English medium instruction (EMI) classes to overcome challenges in learning English. Two groups of students from a Korean national university participated in the study. The research aims to address the following question: What compensatory LLS do Korean EFL learners most frequently use to overcome language barriers in EMI classes? The findings indicate that although the overall impact of compensatory LLS may not show statistically significant differences between learner groups, specific strategies―such as using gestures, leveraging prior knowledge, and pronunciation practice―are commonly employed. These findings provide valuable insights for educators highlighting the importance of tailoring teaching methodologies to better support EFL learners in overcoming language barriers in EMI settings. (Kunsan National University)