Integrating Language and Content: Sixty Years of University English Language Education in Colombia

In celebration of ASOCOPI’s 60th anniversary, this article critically discusses how language teaching and learning in Colombia have addressed the relationship between language and content within higher education, aiming to prepare future professionals for the current interconnected world. Through the analysis of the national literature, we explore English for Specific Purposes, Content and Language Integrated Learning, and English as a Medium of Instruction in higher education in Colombia. We show the shift from learning a language for language’s sake to learning a language through content and culminating in learning content through language. It includes a review of the definition, evolution, current state, challenges, and criticism of each approach. Finally, we discuss potential pathways and opportunities for language education and discipline learning focused on local needs. We argue that the future of English teaching should include all these approaches since each has a place within the Colombian language education ecosystem. Depending on the needs of specific contexts, they all can be used successfully; however, certain aspects must be considered for the selection, implementation, and evaluation of these approaches to bring about a healthy combination of language, professional skills, and content.