Building Bridges in EMI: Michael at Macquarie University’s Global Symposium
On October 23, 2025, Michael Setiawan from Binus University, Indonesia, joined an international lineup of experts and practitioners at Macquarie University’s Global Symposium – Collaborations in EMI. The online symposium provided a valuable platform to deepen understanding and build capacity in the increasingly significant field of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI).
The event featured keynote addresses from leading voices in EMI, tackling both the challenges and practical solutions involved in implementing and delivering programs across diverse educational contexts. A highlight of the symposium was the plenary session by Joyce Kling of Lund University, Sweden, who shared case studies from a strategic initiative aimed at establishing sustainable dialogues between language and content teachers.
Beyond the plenary, the symposium offered lightning talks and expert panels that explored collaborative practices and perspectives from across the globe—including Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, Peru, Ireland, Fiji, and Australia. These sessions underscored the importance of intercultural exchange and the sharing of innovative approaches to enhance student outcomes.
Representing Indonesia, Michael delivered a talk titled “CLIL in an EMI Setting: A Supportive Scaffold in Language-Content Collaboration,” highlighting how Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) can be operationalized in EMI classrooms. His presentation emphasized the need for collaboration between language specialists and subject lecturers to ensure clarity, fairness, and effective learning for students, especially those with lower proficiency levels, as they navigate multilingual academic environments.
The symposium reaffirmed the global commitment to advancing EMI through dialogue, collaboration, and shared practice. By bringing together diverse perspectives, it showcased how educators worldwide are working to empower students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in international academic and professional settings.