English varieties in Thai higher education: Views of international university students across Kachru’s circles

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perceptions and adaptation strategies of international university students from Kachru’s Inner, Outer, and Expanding Circles regarding English varieties in Thai higher education. For data collection, the study used semi-structured interviews with six students chosen through purposive sampling: one from the Inner Circle, two from the Outer Circle, and three from the Expanding Circle. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these students experience and engage with English varieties within their English programs. The context of globalization and internationalization highlights the growing prevalence of English programs in Thai universities, making it essential to explore how diverse linguistic backgrounds impact students’ learning experiences. The findings reveal that students encounter distinct challenges based on the English varieties, affecting the participants’ academic adaptation and overall engagement. The study underscores the importance of acknowledging and incorporating multiple English varieties into educational practices to support international students better. This research contributes to the broader discourse on Global Englishes (GE) by analyzing qualitative data from interviews, emphasizing the need for inclusive and adaptable pedagogical approaches.