Thesis Challenges for Arab PhD Candidates in English Medium of Instruction Context

Abstract

The current study aimed to explore challenges faced by Arab doctoral students during their PhD program in an English Medium of Instruction (EMI) context. Besides, it intended to highlight the appropriate solutions provided by respondents to solve these challenges. Six Arab doctoral students (3 males and 3 females) were selected from different departments and Arab countries to participate in the study. The authors used semi-structured interviews as a qualitative method for obtaining specific responses by respondents. Later, the data were analyzed based on the content analysis technique. The findings showed different challenges facing Arab candidates during their program, specifically lacking experience in research methods, academic English, and publication. On the bases of the revealed results, the study provided implications, limitations, and future directions.