English Medium Instruction in Legal Classroom: Shaping Law Students’ Perceptions and Professional Aspirations

In the context of globalization, mastery of English is no longer optional but a prerequisite for legal professionals. Its relevance is evident not only in international contracts and arbitration but also in its role as a benchmark of global professional competence. This study explores the perceptions of law students at Syiah Kuala University who are enrolled in International Classes with English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) regarding the impact of English proficiency on their career prospects. Using a mixed-method approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, this study analyses students' learning experiences in an EMI environment and their expectations for their professional aspirations. The results indicate that students are motivated by the dual benefits of EMI, mastery of substantive Law content, and enhanced linguistic capital. Students face challenges in understanding technical legal terminology and navigating linguistic gaps outside the classroom. However, they remain optimistic and show strong perseverance. These findings have important implications for the development of internationally oriented legal curricula and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of EMI programs.