Exploring Communication Apprehension among ASEAN Graduate Students in English-Medium Instruction Classrooms at a Thai University

Authors

  • Falah Dyandra Krisna Suranaree University of Technology
  • Jeffrey Dawala Wilang Suranaree University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33541/jet.v12i3.8484

Keywords:

ASEAN, Classroom, Communication Apprehension, EMI, Graduate Students

Abstract

Thailand, has developed as one of the preferred study destinations for ASEAN graduate students. Although Thailand is a non-English speaking country, English is widely used as the English-medium instruction (EMI), particularly in graduate-level in international program. In these contexts, ASEAN graduate students are commonly expected to communicate effectively in English despite English not being their first language. This expectation causes significant communication challenges, as students must participate in presentations, academic discussions, and interactions using English. As a result, many students may experience communication apprehension (CA), particularly when they face limited preparation, language barriers, or fear of negative evaluation. To fill in the gaps, this research aims to explore the factors that contribute to communication apprehension within graduate students from ASEAN countries in EMI contexts in Thailand. This study utilized a qualitative approach to allow an in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences and perspectives. The participants were six ASEAN graduate students at a Thai university. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect in-depth perception into the participants’ experiences with communication apprehension. Using inductive coding, the findings showed several factors contributing to CA, including lack of preparation, comprehension difficulties, and fear of judgement.

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Published

2026-10-29

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2026): Journal of English Teaching

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Articles

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