International Journal of Linguistics & Communication

Perceived English Competency among International College Students from China in ESL/EAP Classrooms
Veronica Newton, Hisako Matsuo, Eva Wang, Alex Giovanoni

Abstract
The present study tested several contributing factors that influence ESL and EAP students’ their English skill confidence. With a sample size of 121 Chinese international students attending ESL and EAP classes at a Midwestern university, student’s completed a brief questionnaire that addressed items such as English proficiency, social networks, motivational orientations, beliefs about authority figures as well as other demographic factors. Through hierarchal regression, it was revealed that intrinsic motivation, beliefs about the role of authority, and diversity in social networks had statistically significant impacts on the model predicting students’ perceptions about their English proficiency. In conclusion, a good mix of American and international friends from other countries, rather than socializing with only co-nationals, provided students with more opportunities to speak English, and chances to be understood clearly by others, which increased their confidence in English language proficiency.

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