A Case Study of a University Preparatory English Program for Incoming Freshmen

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a university preparatory English program (UPEP) for incoming freshmen in order to improve similar programs and research in this area. UPEP was conducted at E. University in South Korea for two weeks in January 2016, prior to the students first semester of university. Participants included students from 50 different high schools, and five native English instructors. Questionnaires were given to instructors and students following the completion of the program to measure participant and instructor perceptions of the program. Results showed that instructors did not believe skill levels improved significantly during the two week program. However, students confidence in speaking English with a native speaker, and meeting students from different majors were listed as important factors in recommending this program to other students. Further, instructor quality was the highest rated factor in students rating of the program. Finally, there is a significant difference in student perceptions of the pre-tests ability to measure skill, and instructor perceptions of the same test.